Turbine powered Seawinds: Why? How? When?

09-08-2010, 01:00 PM

SWightman | Turbine powered Seawinds: Why? How? When?

There was an enormous amount of thinking and planning that went into choosing a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turbine for building Seawinds. I am one of the three builders who made that pivotal choice over seven years ago. As builders, we considered that Seawinds have had a checkered history and their share of problems. We wanted to build airplanes that would stand the test of time and add safety to flight by linking the Seawind with arguably the world's most reliable engine ever made for small aircraft, the PT6A-20.

I wonder if other Seawind owners, whether flying or not, would be interested in why theses decisions were made, what other things we did, what obstacles we faced and how we managed each of them. Two of the three PT6A-20 Seawinds are mostly built. One has already been started several times, but not flown to date, and the other is due to be started for engine testing within weeks of today. So as October passes, a second Seawind Turbine may fire up for the first time. Ground and flight data on actual performance will follow to record and integrate vital information into a POH.

I am thankful to pilots and owners who have been so very kind as to share information with me to assist me in building a POH that, eventually, may serve to enhance safety of all Seawind pilots. We are in a caring community.

In that regard, if you are interested in participating in a discussion on why I personally made the decision to opt for a PT6A-20, please drop a line in the bulletin. We may all learn from sharing insights. If there is enough interest and if invited, I would consider leading a discussion at the Splash In. I have not decided to go to this no doubt, fun event, just yet. I am still working my schedule. Thank you. I hope I get to see you soon.

09-09-2010, 11:34 AM

Ed Lynch | turbine Seawinds

Steve, I think we would all like to hear a talk on your Seawind! Why not come to the splash-in and do just that? Ed

09-09-2010, 06:06 PM

Mike

DITTO that......