In
several years of attendance at the Oshkosh Airventure
and Florida Sun-n-Fun air shows, there have been many
questions that seem to recur and continue to be of special
interest to potential owners of the SeaRey. Here are
the top twenty-five questions.
For
more specialized answers regarding experimental aircraft
or their operation, please refer to the Useful Seaplane
Links section. These EAA or FAA links should be authoritative,
up to date, and can provide other detailed information
not found on our site.
If
you have specific technical answers about the SeaRey
just click the link at the bottom of this page and we
will respond to you.
1.
Will the SeaRey meet the proposed Light Sport Aircraft
(LSA) rules?
Yes, you can order a Searey today that meets current
proposed LSA conformance standards. We expect final
regulations to be published near the end of the year.
The final version should include provisions for additional
weight allowances for amphibian landing gear and required
safety equipment.
2.
How fast will the SeaRey fly?
Top speed is 120mph. But this little plane is designed
for you to enjoy the trip, not hurry to the destination.
However the 914 SeaRey can cruise at 100mph for hours
at a time. Stall speed is about 43mph. Takeoff rotation
will occur at 53mph.
3.
How much fuel does it use? What is the fuel capacity?
Cruise endurance fuel flow is about 3.5gph, using premium
auto fuel. Low level, high-speed cruise will be less
than 5gph. With the standard 18-gallon tank, you'll
have 3 hours of flight time with reserves.
4.
How long does it take to build?
The factory team's experience says 400 hours is a reasonable
build time. We have found that a new builder might require
600 hours. The complexity of your instrument and electrical
installation will largely determine your total time.
5.
Where is the kit manufactured?
Whether you buy from your nearest dealer or order direct
from the factory, all kits and parts are manufactured
and drop-shipped direct to you from Orlando. If you
elect to order direct from the factory, you cannot obtain
a price discount. That's the method the factory uses
to support their dealers.
6.
What is the covering and finishes?
Covering is a lifetime ceconite finish by the Stits
Poly-Fiber System. All materials are provided in the
kit, including the final coat of Poly-Spray UV protection.
It even includes the covering manual which contains
over 151 pages of step-by-step instructions with helpful
photographs. There's no fiberglass work to do. The hull,
turtle deck, and foredeck are all prefinished fiberglass
with a slick gel coat finish. You don't even have to
paint these parts if white is your basic paint scheme.
7.
What is included in the complete kit?
Everything you need to ready the plane for final assembly,
including the final silver UV protection, is in the
kit. The builder furnishes those items that are individual
preferences, have a shelf life or whose warranty might
expire such as the instruments, final coat of paint,
battery, and engine.
8.
Can I order partial kits such as wing, fuselage or hardware
components separately?
No, the complete kit is our only option. Partial kits
cause multiple warehousing, cost control and inventory
problems. Besides, with your complete kit of parts,
you will always have all the correct parts you need
in order to work at your own speed.
9.
How much does the complete kit cost?
A $5,000 deposit is your initial investment. When your
kit is ready to ship, we will credit your deposit and
bill you for the final $16,900 for a total of $21,900
plus shipping. You may also pick up your kit at the
factory even though you bought it from your dealer.
10.
Are there any price discounts available?
Yes, Waterbirds offers major discounts at both Sun-n-Fun
and Airventure. Our show specials continue for 30 days
following the show if you contact us. You can also buy
your kit directly from Progressive Aerodyne, but price
discounts are only available from your dealer.
11.
What does it cost to complete a SeaRey?
Finished costs vary significantly depending mostly upon
the extent of the instruments and avionics you choose
to install. Typical aircraft are completed from a base
of $35,000 and up.
12.
Is there some builder assistance available?
Yes, Waterbirds can provide assistance to help you complete
your plane. Compliance with all FAA rules still allows
you to obtain assistance in the installation of most
of the systems that usually cause some first time builders
to worry.
13.
Where does the landing gear go when you land on the
water?
All three landing gear retract. The main gear rises
straight up and stows just under the two wing struts.
The tail wheel retracts forward and stows up under the
aft boom tube. Gear operation can be manual or hydraulic.
14.
Can you open the canopy during flight?
Canopy operation is a true joy! You can open either
canopy in flight at any speed or altitude. The freedom
to have the open air at your fingertips is exhilarating!
15.
What kind of engine does the kit manufacturer recommend?
We recommend the Rotax 912, 912S or the turbo-charged
914. These engines have proven themselves to be reliable,
with high power to weight ratios and TBOs that exceed
1000 hours.
16.
What is the Takeoff roll?
See the performance chart for specific numbers. Seaplanes
usually use time as a measure for water takeoff since
distance markers are not available. A typical SeaRey
water takeoff will be about six seconds. In most cases
the land and water takeoff runs are the same distance.
17.
How much does the SeaRey weigh and how much can it carry
in useful load?
Typical empty weights range from 850lbs to 925lbs. Our
demonstrator is very well equipped for IFR flight and
has an empty weight of 928lbs. Two adults and full fuel
would still allow for some baggage. Your total useful
load will, of course, depend on the empty weight.
18.
I am very tall/short so how can I configure the plane
to fit my personal measurements?
Rudder adjustments are available for all leg lengths.
We have fitted pilots less than 5 feet, and as tall
as 6'-4", so the aircraft can be adjusted to a
perfect fit. There are options for fully articulated
adjustable rudders with toe brakes.
19.
What are the rules for landing on the water in my state?
Water operation rules do vary from state to state. We
recommend the publication available from the Seaplane
Pilot's Association ‘Water Landing Directory ',
which summarizes the regulations and points out the
seaplane bases in each state. www.seaplanes.org
20.
Do the wings fold or are they removable?
The wings can be removed in less than 20 minutes. However
they are not 'folding' wings so it would be inefficient
to remove them for daily trips to the airport.
21
How much baggage can I carry?
Storage capacity is about 60lbs. There is ample space
behind the seats (13cf) and additional room in the nose
compartment.
22.
Can you get out of the water after a water touchdown/landing?
Ramping out of water is a very attention getting action.
Slow to a walking speed on the water, and then lower
the landing gear. As you approach the beach or ramp
hold the stick back and add power to drive out of the
water. Be careful not to blast sand into the spectator’s
eyes or their lunch.
23.
Is there a list of additional items that can be ordered?
An extensive list optional equipment items are available.
See the pricing page for a detailed list and prices.
24.
How much room do I need to build this airplane?
Building area is surprisingly small. The SeaRey can
be built in a one-car garage. See the SeaRey Construction
Page to see progress photos of a SeaRey under construction
in a small area.
25.
Do you have any 'pre-owned' aircraft, or partially complete
kits for sale?
Yes. We sell and broker more SeaRey aircraft than anyone
in the county. There is a constantly changing inventory
of pre-owned aircraft and kits available. See our current
selection with photos, descriptions, and prices by selecting
the SeaReys for Sale tab. E-mail us for more details
or the latest additions.
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