Seawind Aircraft has targeted late next year for certification of its single-engined amphibian, the Seawind 300C, while the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer evaluates a glass cockpit option for the five-seat aircraft.
Seawind says US Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada certification testing are running concurrently. "Testing is proceeding as planned," says Seawind's Europe and Middle East representative Tony Irwin. "We have nearly completed landing gear drop tests and seat crashworthiness tests are going well." First flight is planned for early next year, he says.
The Texton Lycoming IO-540-powered aircraft was originally developed as a kit, of which 50 aircraft were sold, but Seawind says the market for a certificated amphibian aimed at small businesses and owner-flyers is substantial as there are currently no other in-production seaplanes available.
Two versions of the aircraft will be sold. A basic visual flight rules model equipped with Garmin's Apollo avionics, and an Instrument Flight Rules type for which Seawind is evaluating the Garmin G1000 and Avidyne Entegra integrated glass cockpits.
Seawind has chalked up 20 orders for the aircraft to date. Notable interest is being expressed by Middle Eastern operators.
Irwin says: "Tourism is booming in this region where Seawind is viewed as an ideal sightseeing aircraft, or as a vehicle to transport customers to and from the region's resorts and hotels."
KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
