What really stood out for me was this: “We took 60 pounds out of the airframe to make SLSA seaplane weight,” reported Abid. I’m not an engineer but I’ve been around plenty of development projects and can state that taking 60 pounds from an airframe that weighs less than 1,000 is a huge accomplishment.
Companies meeting ASTM standards have to build an airplane that meets empty weight calculations.
For SeaRey, this figure is 980 pounds empty and the 115-horsepower, fully engine cowled Rotax 914 turbocharged SeaRey makes the numbers. The weight savings came through many big and small tweaks but a significant share came from use of carbon fiber in the hull and other parts of the airplane.
Abid continued as a consulting engineer after the 2012 ASTM compliance and FAA acceptance push. He offers engineering services under the business name SilverLight Aviation. Abid has also volunteered assistance LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association in the updating of the organization ASTM compliance checklists available to member producers.
The LSA seaplane sub-sector continues to amaze me. I’ve written about this often as so many intriguing designs are on the market or coming to market. Businesses like Progressive Aerodyne would seem well positioned with seasoned, field-tested products. Newcomers bring slick designs and fresh features but have to convince the market. All will compete somewhat on price and the SeaRey is in good shape again.
You can get a kit SeaRey in the air for around $70-80,000 and plenty of prior builders are available to offer assistance.
Alternatively you can go to Tavares, Florida and work in the factory with experts available to answer questions.
Those with thicker wallets and less time can get the top-of-the-line 914 SeaRey SLSA for $150,000. Given that other LSA seaplanes are quoting $189,000, a 914 SeaRey for a hundred and fifty grand is quite a value in a powerful, proven aircraft. In the video below, original designer and SeaRey pilot extraordinaire Kerry Richter, shows the short water run of the new model with added horsepower.