SeaRey gives demo flights at Lake Jackson during the 2011 Sebring LSA Expo. photo courtesy Progessive Aerodyne
Splash down! screen shot from Icon’s new video
Progressive Aerodyne and their popular SeaRey amphibian represent a current-day success sufficient to generate envy in most airframe sellers. Consider these results: Searey delivered 31 kits in 2010, an average 2.5 per month during a lousy year. Plus, in just three weeks since Sebring another 14 SeaRey kits have been ordered, upping the monthly average to 4.0. True those SeaReys are Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) kit models and so don’t compare directly with SLSA sales. *** In less than three years, company spokesman and sales director Darrell Lynds (formerly with SportairUSA) took the company from one kit a month to its current pace, along the way building a list of 1,700 very interested potential buyers. He says his 2011 orders are cash-in-hand and projects a solid year for the amphibious seaplane producer. This adds to a remarkably loyal following of 600 SeaRey aircraft builders. How can the central Florida manufacturer be doing so well? *** Naturally, orders flow due a variety of factors, one of which is plain old salesmanship: greeting people cordially, getting them a demo flight, and methodically following through. Another factor is a good price point. No matter how thick your wallet may be, price is always important and Darrell reports you can build a nicely equipped SeaRey for “in the $70,000s.” A SeaRey “Superkit,” — meaning a Rotax 914 tuborcharged engine, full glass panel, and all desirable options — will cost “in the $90,000s.” Naturally, your labor is added to these out-of-pocket costs. *** Over the last two and a half years the company says two-thirds of the those contacting the company express a preference for a ready-to-fly version. Indeed, the Florida company has been hard at work preparing their first SLSA for ASTM certification. Progressive Aerodyne expects to enter the factory-built market later this year. They are presently targeting a loaded model in the $120,000s, at which price SeaRey would be one of the best priced seaplanes available. Designer Kerry Richter has been busy with the details, too, adding a folding wing option (photo) after a request from a wealthy customer who wants to carry his SeaRey on a 200-foot yacht. *** While plenty are waiting for the SLSA SeaRey Sport model, enthusiasts are also following the amphibious Icon A5. More than 400 are reportedly on order and to maintain interest while development continues, the company released a terrific video. It conveys the excitement of amphibious seaplane flying very well and you’ll want to watch it, right here, right now…
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