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- Apr 15,2009
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Hi all, I am from the UK but am in the process of moving to Atlanta GA, I have flown some in the UK but it is very expensive, one thing I have promised myself is that I will take up flying in the US. <br /><br />I have always had an interest in amphibians, the versatility is great and it mixes my two favourite things, flying and water, I sail a lot as well, the idea of being able to land on a lake, river or the ocean is kind of magical to me.<br /><br />I have researched the subject extensively and am starting to convince myself that I can find the time to build a Searey while earning my sport pilot ticket, I am an engineer so the task itself is not one I find daunting, there are a couple of pre made aircraft I like but my list has narrowed down to one pre built, the Seamax and the Searey kit, and I am leaning more towards the Searey (with as much carbon fibre as I can get). My next step will be to have a look at one close up, perhaps in May as I should be in Georgia for the full month.<br /><br />Anyway, thought I would say hello, I am 6'4' by the way, so will I fit in one ok?<br /><br />Ian
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Don Maxwell - Apr 15,2009
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Welcome, Ian. There's at least one 6'4' SeaRey builder, so I'm sure you can fit into one. If you were going to be in Florida this Sunday, you could see dozens of SeaReys in Russ Garner's back yard, probably including the new LSX version. Seamax is cute, but has the killer canopy and some other disadvantages.
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- Apr 15,2009
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Yes, I know what you mean about the canopy, pity the Icon has that as well, if you pitch pole you will have trouble getting out, I'm in London this weekend so Florida is a no go this month.<br /><br />I think the landing gear looks more substantial on the Searey too, better for sod and earth.
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Dave Edward - Apr 16,2009
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Hi Ian....take a look at the Aero Prakit A-24 as well. Larry Woods is a member on this site. He is in the process of puting his second A-24 together in Grimsby Ontario. It is one hell of an airplane.<br />I own SeaRey kit # 70 . When I bought it 10 years ago, I was 6'3'. Not a problem, but if I were to modify my canopy set-up, I would raise the height just a tad.....as many subsequent owners have done.
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- Apr 16,2009
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Dave, that looks like a nice airplane, it is Aeroprakt by the way, took me a while to find it, certainly an alternative and good to see a puller configuration layout. I think the position of the tail wheel leaves the fuselage vulnerable for exiting the water on anything but the flatest of ramps and the water rudder is likewise likely to disappear in short order, otherwise it seems to have a huge cabin and a very nice design.
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Larry Woods - Apr 16,2009
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Hi Ian and Dave::<br /><br />Dave:<br />Thanks for the nice comments about the A-24. They are MUCH appreciated.<br /><br />Ian:<br />It is worth noting that the A-24 water rudder was re-designed (by me) and has been adapted by Aeroprakt. It now provides decent ground clearance. Obviously greater ground clearance could be provided if it were retractable but that would add considerable complexity. <br />So far (200 hours) I have not experienced any problems with ground clearance taxiing on to beaches, but I have to say that I pay attention when doing so. (g)<br /><br />The SeaRey is a very fine kit and when you finish it, you have an excellent, airworthy and seaworthy aircraft. As far as I am concerned, it cannot be beat on a price-to-value basis. The recently introduced innovations make it an even better aircraft. <br /> <br />I also have to say that PA is an excellent company. These folk go out of their way to provide good service and look after their customers. This is an important consideration when one chooses to build a kit. Frankly, I have a very high regard for Kerry and his gang. <br /><br />It is also worth its weight in gold for a first-time builder to be able to access a large group of knowledgeable, enthusiastic SeaRey builders and pilots (I would commit indictable crimes to have the A-24 in such circumstances) as this really makes a difference in completing the kit and getting it successfully into the air. To my mind, this is a potent advantage that the SeaRey has over any other amphibious kit and this should be taken into consideration in making a purchasing decision. <br /><br />While both aircraft are available as kits, to my mind, the A-24 does not compete directly with the SeaRey. The A-24 does provide more room and three seats (think two adults and a child in practical application) but it is also more expensive (the engineering approach taken by each company is different, which is reflected in the price difference). It appears to me that the A-24 can handle a tiny bit more rough water than the SeaRey but this is not to disparage the SeaRey's waterborne capabilities in any way as it is a tough machine and I have seen it handle more than its share of demanding chop. <br /> <br />Both are great water planes and both are worth investigating,..... which is something I cannot recommend with respect to all amphibians <br /><br />Good luck in your move and in your efforts to become a 'waterbug'. It is even more fun than your imagination would have you believe. (g) <br /><br />Best,<br />Larry Woods
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Matt Tucciarone - Apr 16,2009
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Ian,<br />Keep in mind the restrictions for a light sport aircraft. You will have to build a pretty light Searey to have any real good useful load. The brand new one may be just right for this. The 3rd seat in the A-24 would be of no use since light sport planes have to be only 2 seats. I don't even think it would qualify for light sport.<br /><br />Both these planes are awesome but if you are going for light sport, you may look at the Aventura II. I have flown mine now for some 5 years and have been flying it under sport pilot rules since the new rule came about. It is not as fast a Searey and does not have as much community support as the Searey.<br /><br />It is faster to build and will cost you less. It has a useful load of 600 pounds as a sport pilot plane. With full fuel and two 200 pound passengers and on a 100 degree day, I still get off the water in a short time and I still have room for 80 pounds of baggage.<br /><br />Anyway, that is my 2 cents. Here is the Aventura web site if you are interested. By the way, you can usually find them used for around 35 grand with the 912s engine.<br /><br /><a href="http://sea-plane.com/">http://sea-plane.com/</a><br /><br />Welcome to the group and I wish you the best in whatever Amphib you end up buying. Flying off the water is for me the best flying. I don't think I will ever go back to just a land plane. Maybe a helicopter.<br /><br />Matt
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- Apr 16,2009
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Matt, I used to fly helicopters in line with work I used to do, my father was in the airforce as well so I was never going to be free of aircraft, I had no chance. I have looked at the Aventura as well and will certainly have a proper look before I decide what to buy.
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Dave Forster - Apr 16,2009
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Hi Ian, I am also 6'4'. While I haven't started building the canopy, I was comfortable in the factory demonstrator we flew in Florida.
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- Apr 16,2009
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Dave, is yours the new SLX?
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Bård Sørbye - Apr 19,2009
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I'm also 6'4' and have flown in 3 different SeaReys in comfort. There are options for tall pilots like extended pedals and raised canopy, but check if you really need it.
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