What happens when 550 horses pull you up? Answer: You get an enormous kick in the pants with acceleration and climb rates. A SuperSeawind with that much power reminds me of a 4-year-old gelding I nicknamed “Thunderbolt”. I tell you; he was more fun to ride than my Swift motorcycle. This Appaloosa breathed and snorted like a pressure cooker just before it exploded. Every time I tried to mount; he would spin clockwise dragging my left foot in the stirrup. Grabbing the saddle horn, I hung on for a thrilling merry-go-round experience. I eventually managed to swing my right leg over. But, before I got my second foot in the stirrup, he was already galloping with ever-increasing speed. The bit in his mouth signaling “slow down”- at least at this stage, had a truly insignificant effect. With mud jetting up neath his metal shoes and steam spewing from his widening nostrils, he seemed right at home.
Flying my Seawind sometimes feels like riding my horse. The difference is that, unlike Thunderbolt, the signals controlling power are always very responsive, and getting into a seating position is a synch. Can you imagine reaching class A airspace in only ten minutes? With a 2500 FPM climb rate, I bust through cloud layers like flipping pages in an enjoyable book. Once again sometimes it feels like I am riding Thunderbolt on that long ago day we left a kilometer behind in less than a minute except in my Seawind my hair stays safely under my hat. Now, that’s performance!
Six top reasons why I like my SuperSeawind amphibian:
- Speed: It cruises easily at 148 IAS and 175 TAS (205 MPH) +/- 12,000’
- Passengers: Up to 3, however, the rear seat is usually folded down for cargo.
- Cargo: With over 1,200 pounds of useful load, I can take 690 pounds of fuel to fill the 4 tanks and still have a 500-pound capacity for people and cargo.
- No leaded fuel: Jet A also means cheaper fuel. I can fly for 20-50% less than Avgas rates.
- Long-range including a reserve in nautical air miles is 700 standard and 1,000 with the long-range tank.
- For fun, just add water. It is so much fun to land and take off in my SuperSeawind on water. No landing fees apply!
So, what’s NOT to like about my Seawind? Same as everyone else; hangar fees and insurance! Both keep climbing. When the day arrives when they climb as faster than my Seawind, well, that is the day I walk away. Something must give in this arena, or I fear general aviation will have its own national cemetery. Rather than review the Seawind adventures I have had, let us take a glance at what I plan in 2023:
- First, I will work hard to complete N71RJ’s annual A-Z inspection. That puts me into April.
- Second, I will continue flight training in other airplanes and on a simulator.
- Third, I will fly N71RJ to EAA and other events for fun and further training.
- Fourth, I will fly to Airventure 2023.
- Fifth, I will spend a week on Maine lakes.
- Sixth, I will fly to Greenville Maine Splash the second weekend in September.
- Last, I hope to turn it over to a new owner who can land his or her own dream of holding the reins to 549 horses plus one Thunderbolt-like ride experience – any available on my schedule at https://calendly.com/superseawind/flight–training.
Trivia question of the week:
When did the first PT6-powered Seawind fly? Which airport? Who flew it? Answers: See www.superseawind.com
Note: SuperSeawind is for sale, If you wanna be the next owner of this incredible amphibious airplane, schedule your meeting with us now at: Schedule a Meeting – Seawind Amphibious Plane For Sale (superseawind.com)
Or If you have any other queries, ask us at: Chat Room For Pilots – Seawind Amphibious Plane For Sale (superseawind.com)