Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey

Infobox Aircraft
name=SeaRey


caption=
type=Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
manufacturer= [http://www.searey1.com/ Progressive Aerodyne, Inc.]
designer=
first flight=
introduced=1992
retired=
status=
primary user=
more users=
produced=1992-present
number built=400 or more (estimate)
unit cost=Starting at around US $42,000
variants with their own articles=

The SeaRey is a small amphibious aircraft available in kit form from the Florida company Progressive Aerodyne, Inc.

The SeaRey may be registered either as a light sport aircraft or as an experimental homebuilt aircraft. Light sport aircraft, or LSA, is a classification of aircraft specific to the United States. Canadian Aviation Regulations classify the SeaRey as an advanced ultralight aeroplane (AULA). [ [http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/general/CCARCS/advancedullist.htm Listing of Models Eligible to be Registered as Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplanes (AULA) ] ]

Because it is a kit-built aircraft, the SeaRey is technically considered an experimental aircraft. The registration category depends mostly on gross weight (1370 lb for experimental, 1430 lb for LSA).

The SeaRey's high wing is tapered, and sweeps back from the leading edge with a straight trailing edge. [ [http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft6/7.htm Searey ] ] The wing, nearly 31 ft (10 m) in span, is strut-braced and covered with stits fabric. [ [http://www.polyfiber.com/stits/index.htm/ Stits fabric] ] [ [http://www.searey1.com/seareypage2.htm www.searey1.com ] ]

Designed as an amphibious craft, the SeaRey does not use pontoons or floats as its primary flotation device; rather, it has a semi-Monocoque hull similar to that of a boat. The hull, nose deck, and "turtle" deck (the element which forms the top surface behind the canopy) are riveted together. In the basic configuration, these pieces are made of fiberglass; carbon graphite hull components are available at extra cost. The carbon graphite option reduces overall weight of the craft by some 70 pounds (32 kg). There are rotocast plastic floats under each side of the wing, mounted on aluminum struts. [ [http://www.searey1.com/Html/STANDARD%20AND%20OPTIONAL%20EQUIPMENT.html www.searey1.com ] ]

The windshield and the sliding canopies on either side are made of optical-quality polycarbonate. The canopies are track-mounted and can be locked. [ [http://www.searey1.com/Html/STANDARD%20AND%20OPTIONAL%20EQUIPMENT.html www.searey1.com ] ]

The SeaRey's single engine is mounted atop the wing, [ [http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft6/7.htm Searey ] ] and drives a single rear-facing "pusher" propeller. The SeaRey can be equipped with the Rotax 582, 912, 912S, and 914 Turbo engines. [ [http://www.searey1.com/Html/Engine%20options/pg1.html www.searey1.com ] ] The Rotax is a four-cylinder, four stroke engine with liquid-cooled heads and air-cooled cylinders.

Unlike other light aircraft with the more familiar tricycle landing gear located near the front of the aircraft, the SeaRey has two wheels amidships and a smaller landing gear at the rear of the aircraft. Such aircraft are often called "tail-draggers" or "conventional gear" aircraft. Standard factory configuration calls for mechanical gear retraction using a Johnson-bar type lever to raise or lower all three wheels simultaneously. [ [http://www.searey1.com/Html/STANDARD%20AND%20OPTIONAL%20EQUIPMENT.html www.searey1.com ] ] The retractable landing gear have recently been approved for registration as an LSA, and are available in three different configurations of gear movement: Johnson type, hydraulic or electric actuator. The electric actuator is the newest and most popular, but the manual is the lightest.

Development overview

Development of the aircraft that would eventually become the SeaRey began as far back as the 1970s with the introduction of the ultralight aircraft known as the "Hi-Nuski". In the early 80's Stanley Richter, his son Wayne, Wayne's wife Nina, and Wayne's son Kerry opened Advanced Aviation where they designed and manufacturer a series of aircraft. [ [http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/aircraft-history.html SeaRey experimental aircraft history, Progressive Aerodyne Orlando Florida ] ] [ [http://www.seareyquebec.com/Pages%20web/exper.htm Searey Québec ] ]

In June 1992, Wayne and Kerry, along with Paige Linette (another employee of Advanced Aviation) broke away from Advanced Aviation to found Progressive Aerodyne, where they designed the first SeaRey prototype. [ [http://www.seareyquebec.com/Pages%20web/exper.htm Searey Québec ] ]

The SeaRey had its inaugural flight on November 13, 1992. [ [http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/aircraft-history.html SeaRey experimental aircraft history, Progressive Aerodyne Orlando Florida ] ] Initial speeds of up to 105 mph (169 kph) with the new aircraft surprised even the designers. [ [http://www.seareyquebec.com/Pages%20web/exper.htm Searey Québec ] ]

Production

Since the SeaRey is sold as a kit aircraft, the actual number of "completed" aircraft is somewhat difficult to ascertain. According to Progressive Aerodyne's Wayne Richter, "as of 2006 over 400 kits have been delivered to customers and are flying world wide." [ [http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/aircraft-history.html SeaRey experimental aircraft history, Progressive Aerodyne Orlando Florida ] ]

Design succession

There is only one model of the SeaRey. Different hull designs have been used over the years, designated as "A," "B" and "C" hulls. As of this writing, only the "C" hull is available from the factory, and can be had in either carbon fiber or fiberglass.

Flight characteristics

Progressive Aerodyne offers a quick overview of takeoff, flying, and landing the SeaRey:
http://www.searey1.com/Html/FlySearey/pg1.html

In the planing or "step" position, most of the seaplane's weight is supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than the buoyancy of the hull or floats. Once this equilibrium has been reached, the pilot may either increase speed and take off, or may remain at a relatively low speed and taxi across the water. The term "step-taxiing" is used to refer to this process, which is useful for covering long distances across water. [ [http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/seaplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-23-3.pdf FAA-H-8083-23, Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook-3 of 4 ] ]

The "C" hull (see Design Succession above) is the most advanced design and is jokingly referred to as the "land-o-matic" hull. Compared to the earlier designs, it is much more forgiving of pilot error and can safely be step-taxied across glassy water, which to any seaplane pilot is a high-anxiety moment. Step-taxiing a SeaRey is unlike any other airplane and inspires real confidence in the design.

Cost

Component Costs:As of January 2007, the basic price for the SeaRey airframe kit is just under $27,000. Engine prices range from $13,800 (Rotax 912 UL2) to about $26,200 (Rotax 914). Basic instrument packages start at around $1,400. Wire harnesses for the Rotax 912 and 914 engines run around $1,500. The carbon graphite hull option adds $3,548 (if specified at the time of initial purchase). If you live in a remote area, a larger fuel tank may be important to you; a 28-gallon replacement for the standard 18-gallon tank is available for $238. At this time, Progressive Aerodyne, Inc. does not offer financing. A $5,000 deposit on the airframe is required at the time of order, and engines must be 100% paid upfront; shipping is additional. All kits sold by Progressive Aerodyne are FOB Orlando, Florida.

Cost to build:One of the largest costs for the kit builder is the amount of time that must be invested. Although it's possible for an experienced builder to complete the SeaRey in about 400 hours, 600 hours is more typical. [ [http://www.searey.aero/faq.htm Frequently Asked Questions ] ]

Costs to maintain:For oil changes, allow 4 quarts (3.8 L) every 40 hours.

Overhauls: [Recommended time between engine—and other-- overhauls]

Hourly costs:The typical fuel burn is about 4.5 gal (17 L) per hour of auto-gas. Assuming gasoline prices in the US $3.50 range, that's just under US $16/hour for fuel.

Noteworthy flights

The SeaRey has been landed on lakes above 7,000 ft (2,100 m) MSL and has flown from coast to coast of the U.S. numerous times. It has also been flown from Florida to Alaska and to Nova Scotia.
* http://lakeflyers.com/alaska.htm
* http://www.alexisparkinn.com/rogue's_gallery_i_-_p.htm#L
* http://www.direct.ca/airflowultralight/discoveryflights.html
* http://www.vansairforce.net/rvoftheweek/rvotw_archives.htm

Clubs

* [http://eaa.org/ Experimental Aircraft Association]
* [http://www.eaa74.org/builders.html Orlando Chapter 74, EAA]

There are active SeaRey owners in Australia as well:
* [http://www.communities.ninemsn.com.au/SeaReyAustralia/ SeaRey Australia]

There are two very active type-specific Searey web sites. One is open to the public; access is provided upon request by calling Progressive Aerodyne (they don’t run the site). The other site is owners-only and is for technical discussion. It has over 160 unique visitors each month.

Specifications

aircraft specifications
plane or copter?=plane
jet or prop?=prop
ref= [ [http://www.searey1.com/Html/PERFORMANCE%20SPEC.htm/ Progressive Aerodyne] ] [ [http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/aircraft-specifications.html/ Light Sport Aircraft Store (Canada)] ] [ [http://www.searey.aero/specs.htm/ SeaRey Aero] ]
crew=1
capacity= 2 occupants
length main= 22 ft 5 in
length alt= 6.84 m
span main= 30 ft 10 in
span alt= 9.39 m
height main= 6 ft 5 in
height alt= 1.96 m
area main= 157 ft²
area alt= 14.59 m²
airfoil=
empty weight main= Varies between about 820-950 lb
empty weight alt= 372-431 kg
loaded weight main= 1,370 lb
loaded weight alt= 622 kg
useful load main= 550 lb
useful load alt= 249 kg
max takeoff weight main= 1,370 lb
max takeoff weight alt= 622 kg
more general=Fuel capacity: 18 U.S. gal (159 L) or 25 U.S. gal
*Cabin width: 44 in (1.12 m)
engine (prop)= Rotax 582 (rare), 912, 912 S, or 914
type of prop= (Most popular prop: Warp and IVO, 68 inch diameter)
number of props= 1
power main= 65 hp (Rotax 582); 80 hp (912); 95 hp (Rotax 912 S); 115 hp (Rotax 914)
power alt=
power original=
max speed main=
max speed alt=
cruise speed main=
cruise speed alt=
never exceed speed main=
never exceed speed alt=
stall speed main=
stall speed alt=
range main=3.5 hrs
ceiling main=12,500 ft depending on engine (914 engine has gone over 18,000 ft) [https://airsport.com/homebuilt4.ihtml?cid=85&id=211]
ceiling alt= 3,700 m
climb rate main= 700-1200 ft/min
climb rate alt= 3.6-6.1 m/s (depending on engine model and number of occupants)
loading main= 8.73 lb/ft²
loading alt= 3.96 kg/m²
thrust/weight=
more performance=
*Fuel consumption (Rotax 582): 4.5 US gal/h (17.0 L/h) 89-93 octane, unleaded gasoline
*Fuel consumption (Rotax 912): 3.5 US gal/h (13.25 L/h) 89 - 93 octane, unleaded gasoline (best) or Avgas 100LL
*Takeoff: 150-400 ft (50-120 m) (depending on engine model and number of occupants)
avionics=

The following specifications are from the Waterbirds Ltd. Corp. tables at [http://www.searey.aero/performance.htm http://www.searey.aero/performance.htm] .

Comparable aircraft

* LSA-Aero Freedom S100 Amphibian
* LSA-Aero Gannet S100 Seaplane
* Sport Aircraft Works Mermaid Amphibian
* AIRMAX CONSTRUÇŌES AERONÁUTICAS LTDA SeaMax

References

* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Listing of Models Eligible to be Registered as Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplanes (AULA)
work =
publisher =Canada, Government of
date= 2007-09-25
url =http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/general/CCARCS/advancedullist.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Searey
work =
publisher =Pilotfriend
date =
url =http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft6/7.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
last =Campbell
first =J.R. ("Zoom")
authorlink =
coauthors =
title ="The Ultimate Sport Amphib? Yes!!!"
work =
publisher =Progressive Aerodyne
date =
url =http://www.searey1.com/seareypage1.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Standard and Optional Equipment
work =
publisher =Progressive Aerodyne
date =
url =http://www.searey1.com/Html/STANDARD%20AND%20OPTIONAL%20EQUIPMENT.html
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Engine Options
work =
publisher =Progressive Aerodyne
date =
url =http://www.searey1.com/Html/Engine%20options/pg1.html
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =SeaRey Experimental Aircraft History
work =
publisher =Light Sport Aircraft Store
date =
url =http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/aircraft-history.html
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title ="The Sea Rey... "A Gentleman's Airplane"
work =
publisher =Searey Quebec
date =
url =http://www.seareyquebec.com/Pages%20web/exper.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14
* cite web
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Frequently Asked Questions
work =
publisher =Waterbirds Limited Corporation
date =
url =http://www.searey.aero/faq.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate =2007-11-14

See also

* Ultralight aircraft
* Experimental aircraft
* Homebuilt aircraft

External links

* [http://www.searey1.com/]
* [http://www.searey.com/ SeaRey (Progressive Aerodyne, Inc.)]
* [http://www.recreationalmobility.com/cgi-bin/recreation/SeareyFAQ.html SeaRey FAQs]
* [http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft6/7.htm Specifications]
* [http://www.lightsportaircraft.ca/searey-aircraftreview/ Light Sport Aircraft Store (Barrie, Ontario) SeaRey Review]
* [http://www.communities.ninemsn.com.au/SeaReyAustralia SeaRey Australia Club]
* [http://www.seareycanada.com/Home.htm Canadian Light Amphibians - Ontario SeaRey & Rotax Dealer]
* [http://searey.adept.ca/searey/frameset.htm SeaRey Online Assembly Manual]
* [http://www.generalaviationnews.com/editorial/articledetail.lasso?-token.key=1768&-token.src=feature&-nothing The Fun, Affordable SeaRey]
* [http://www.querycat.com/faq/77573dc2f8d2a9ad6199f5ef99f8b3fa Lots of Information About LSAs]
* [http://www.seaplanes.org/forum/ Seaplane Pilots Association Forum]
* [http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/homebuil.htm Links to Experimental and Homebuilt Aircraft Sites]
* [http://www.seareybuilder.com/ Don White's SeaRey Builder]
* [http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/homebuil.htm Homebuilt & Experimental Aircraft Websites]
* [http://www.searey1.com/Html/Searey%20Amphibian%20Aircraft%202.htm]

United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) "Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook":
* [http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/seaplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-23-1.pdf Introduction]
* [http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/seaplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-23-2.pdf Chapters 1-3]
* [http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/seaplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-23-3.pdf Chapters 4-6]