International Seawind Pilots Association

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Wally Weller & John Ricciotti reviewing checklist flow month prior to Wally's first flight.

There's been an event transpire that can be described as "once in a lifetime"!  It was the most satisfying, and downright thrilling thing that I have ever done in my life (please take no offense, Joanne).  On Tues., June 2, 2005 (the calendar's been altered by special dispensation), a fearless old aviator who shall remain nameless, defied gravity in an exotic air machine of his own making!  It's about time!!!  For 50 minutes plus, this aeronaut orbited Paine Field, WA in a confident and serene manner (I think), testing various controls and parameters.  "Hummer" behaved beautifully (that's a W-1, not an H-1!!), and there were no problems or surprises.  On the landing rollout, our aviator found himself giggling uncontrollably (embarrassing).  Barring further delays, and if 40 hours of  "expanding the envelope" can be flown off in the next seven weeks, Osh Kosh is almost assured.
 

On October 26, 2003 ISPA member Fred Lohr's newly completed Seawind, N55SW, completed its maiden flight. The flight was accomplished with the capable assistance and pilotage of ISPA member Jack Ardoyno. N55SW is the 60th Seawind to fly. Congratulations Fred.

August 17, 2003: According to the latest (and final) SNA newsletter, the 59th seawind to fly is Bernard Malhomme's N824BH (shown above), first flight June 11, 2003

ISPA member Dean Rickerson's Seawind, N6007, which flew for the first time on April 5, 2003 is the 58th Seawind to fly. Dean's stunning Seawind, built with the capable assistance of Graham Woodd, has a 450 HP twin turbocharged IO-540, and is the most powerful piston powered Seawind that we know of. Note the wingtips, among the many features unique to this Seawind are retractable sponsons. More photos here.