Before November 2002

• October 31, 2002: Yesterday, Mike Bowes wrote an excellent post about autopilots. It is now an article in the library. Some of you may have noticed some trivia questions on the "A Test for You" page. Two of these questions have now been answered somewhere on the site. (Hint: Check out newly added pages.) In his post #307, Scott Devlin asked some questions about posting pictures that may be shared by many of you. I answered the question in post #307, but here is the short version. If you have pictures you want posted on the site, please send them to me via either an email attachment or snail mail. For the latter, my address is:

Brent Carlson
3941 Airport Road #493
Ogden, UT 84405

For instructions on emailing photos, see post #307. BTW, I can't wait to get those photos. Also, Boo! have a good Halloween!

• October 30, 2002: Make sure to check out the "Seawind Registry" in the "Members Shortcut" above. New entries from John Parks, Tom Saccio, Dave Nery, Len Carlson, John Ricciotti, and others. If you have not yet updated your registry information, you'd better get with it. There's also a new letter from John R. in "letters."

• October 29, 2002: Have you taken the test yet? Everyone else has. You'd better at least look at the "A Test for You" link to the left!

• October 29, 2002: Have you checked out the library lately? There is a new safety related article there about Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres. If you're building a Seawind, it's mandatory reading. Take the "Members Shortcut" above, then "Library," and you'll find a link to the article, and many others at the top of the page.

• October 28, 2002: Holy Smokes! Response to the Seawind Registry is tremendous. If you haven't seen it yet, you'd better take a look (directions at the bullet below). So far, it is only partially filled with preliminary data that I know about, or can get from our site. Each of you needs to review the table and make sure I have your statistics correct. We have a long way to go. You can either send me input through the data entry form at the registry, or just email me your write ups about your Seawinds and I'll get them in the table. I especially need kit numbers etc. If I don't have a picture of your plane, be sure to either email me one or send me one in the mail. Thank you to everyone for your response so far.

• October 27, 2002: How about a Seawind Registry? I have set one up, complete with a method for data entry. Please take a look and send me accurate information you may know about your Seawind (or any Seawind). Getting to the Registry is easy, go to: "Members Only," "Members Index," "Seawind Registry." You will certainly agree that when this registry is complete, it's going to be very cool. Besides that, it will enhance the value of all of our Seawinds.

• October 26, 2002: I have now posted all of the ISPA newsletters that I have. Take a look at them in the "Newsletter Archives" tab found in the "Members Only" index. The quickest way to get there is to hit the "Members Only" link to the left, then "Member Index." There is a lot of useful information in these newsletters, but there is also a lot that is not so useful. The articles about engine maintenance and building are still relevant and informative. The early builders pioneered a grundle of builder techniques and tips that are invaluable to those of us in the process now. They had to plow through a real crap-load of new ground. Please filter through carefully, and leave the past in the past. It is interesting to go back and see what some of the controversy was about. Hopefully now, we can all remain objective about it.

  • At the Splash-in, we discussed a way to perform a keyword search on these newsletters. For all text based newsletters, this can be done now by installing the Google task bar to your browser, entering the word you want to search for, and then hitting the "Search Site" button while the page you want to search is open.
    I think many of you will find these newsletters amusing if you have not read them before. Just a little background may be helpful to those of you who may not know it. Dick Adams and John Kevenko, who worked together on the newsletters, were partners in building a Seawind. Tragically, their Seawind was destroyed early in the test flight process because the air filter foam was ingested into the engine intake.
    I am adding a lot of new material here and proofing and editing much of it by myself. If you find problems, please email me so I can correct it. Also, there are a couple of ISPA newsletters that I do not have. If any of you can provide me a Xerox copy I'll immediately post it. Thank you all.

• October 26, 2002: Check out the "Landing Gear" section of "Builder Tips" in the "Members Index." Lots of new pictures.

• October 26, 2002: I would like to establish a registry here for the Seawind. Over the years, a complete registry will help to keep the value of our Seawinds high. What I have in mind is a registry like they have for other rare aircraft (Staggerwing Beech) and cars (original Shelby Mustangs, etc.). The registry should include N number, Kit number, Date of manufacture, history of owners, current location, etc. for every Seawind ever sold. If any of you have already gathered registry type data, or if you would be willing to do it (most of the data can be had from "Landings") Please let me know or get me the data.

• October 26, 2002: I have posted all of the newsletters from 1994 and 1995. Most are in easy to navigate text taken directly from Dick Adams' text files, but a couple are still in image format. Either way, there is some pretty cool history there. It shows how our organization has evolved. Some of this information is from the past, and should be left in the past. Anyway, check them out in "Members Only," "Newsletter Archive," "1994 Newsletters" etc. Please let me know if you find problems or links that don't work.

• October 25, 2002: Please note, you will see some changes in the way menus are displayed. Some of your links may have moved from their old location. For instance, it is now necessary to enter "The Hangar" through the index page in the "Members Only" section. This requires an extra click for some of you. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please also note, that after you have entered The Hangar, you can bookmark it in your favorites and go there directly in the future. For now, if you already have it book marked, please take a look at the disclaimer on the Member's Index page anyway. I am locating some of the buttons to the top of the pages to eliminate the need for moving sideways on your screen to view the content. Of course, this may not always be possible. Thanks for your patience folks.

• October 25, 2002: We have added a couple of new sections (both under construction) that our members may find interesting. Our very first newsletter (September 1994) can now be found in the new "Newsletter Archive" section of the "Members Only" pages. Others to follow (BTW, this first newsletter is very cool). Also checkout our "Builder Tips" section. (Note, until these pages are complete, they can be seen from this link by everyone.)

• April 13, 2001: SNA is consolidating it's productions facilities in Canada. Click here for the press release.
  March 28, 2001

  • I recently asked one of our new members, who has built his own Seawind and assisted another member in completing his Seawind, if he would change anything if he builds another (which he wants to do, by the way). His response follows:
    We would not alter anything, our aircraft is built to the plans and flies perfectly well, and Bill's is built to the plans and it also flies to expectation. Bill's aircraft is 40lbs heavier than mine which is made up of, okay he has a hydraulic steerable nose wheel and auto pilot, and a few extra radios which would make up the 40lbs difference. Hope this answers your questions.
    Regards,
    John

• March 28, 2001: Yet another great article by Roger Isackson on drilling the main landing gear pockets. See The Library in the members-only section.

• March 16, 2001: Bill Day sends this note and picture from New Zealand...
  Gidday Rod,
  I am currently at Lake Taupo which is in the centre of the North Island of
  New Zealand doing water landing training. I am gradually getting there.
  The four bladed prop seems to give less elevator authority at low speeds
  i.e. landing) than the three bladed. Anyway, here is a picture of New
  Zealand's Seawind fleet.
  Regards
  Bill

• March 6, 2001: The Hangar now has a members-only classified section, and a people seeking people section. Advertise your things to fellow members. Find members in your area and form a local support group. It's easy!

  • The Winter 2001 newsletter is now available to members on the Newsletter page in the members only section.

• February 25, 2001
  New article by Roger Isackson on an excellent way to fit the rudder. It's available to members in The Library.

• February 23, 2001
  All of the old newsletters are now available for download on the members-only pages. Enjoy!

• February 16, 2001
  New article by Mike Bowes on hydraulic problems and fixes. See "Hydraulic Woes" in The Library...(Members Only)

  • Sun 'N' Fun Seawinders Social: The fourth annual Sun 'n Fun Seawinders Social will be held at the Blue Heron Pavilion in Lake Parker Park on Monday, April 9, 2001 staring at 6:30 p.m. Once again, this will be a chance to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances, and discuss the thrills and excitement of Seawind kit building. SNA extends a warm invitation to all Seawind builders, future builders, newsletter subscribers and friends. Tickets are $20. To make your reservations, contact Seawind, P.O. Box 607, Kimberton, PA 19442, Phone: 610-983-3377, fax: 610-933-3335, e-mail: seawindsna@aol.com

• February 12, 2001
  New pages in members-only area. Articles of interest to Seawind builders and pilots. The first is from Richard Kane and Associates containing some outstanding ideas. Check it out!

• February 11, 2001: We've just received another letter from Joe Grimaud about his engine failure. Click here.

• December 17, 2000: The Seaplane Pilots Association has an outstanding program in place for opening up more waters to seaplane use. Please support the SPA in it's efforts. More info on the program can be found at http://www.seaplanes.org/advocacy/openwaters.htm

• October 27, 2000: Mike Bowes reports great progress on his airplane. His engine is now hung, prop installed, wings wired, plumbed and closed, instrument panel sent out to Steve Ryan for fabrication and avionics wiring. Good work, Mike.

• October 19, 2000: Word has it that Arnie Tanzman's got most of his initial hours flown off. Everything's going well except for a head-scratcher of a hydraulic problem. More on this as soon as we can get the information for you.

• October 19, 2000: We just had a nice call from Ed Glanovsky. He's back from his sea voyage to New England. His Seawind project is still for sale at SRQ (See Classifieds). Ed lost his medical and the FAA is not making it easy to get back. We wish you the best Ed. Keep in touch! Arnie Tanzman's N711AT First Flight in Sarasota

Arnie did much of the work himself and deserves full credit for a beautiful job.
The aircraft features a freshly overhauled 10-540 by Zephyr Engines, freshly overhauled Hartzell 3- blade by Santa Monica Propeller, a full UPS Technologies Apollo stack (as seen on the back cover page of Trade-a-Plane), a one-piece instrument panel crafted by Steve (Ultimate Arrow) Ryan and fabric interior by Chris Lovegrove at Mod Works. High gloss Sikkens automotive paint graces the exterior, done by Dennis Brunton in the Bowes facility. This Seawind is stunning in its all-over white with navy and gray trim striping. This aircraft was built "by the book" and initial impressions are that it is a superb flyer. One of Arnie's first comments as he took the controls was, "I'm going to love flying this airplane."

• We have word that Joe Grimaud's Seawind's engine failed on climbout. He had to put it into the trees but walked away with only scratches. We're glad you're OK, Joe. Click here to see the initial report to the FAA.

• The Seawinder Splash-In was a great success. Here's a link to a report...http://www.seawind.net/seawind/splashin.htm

• FAA Emergency AD #2000-18-53 issued for Lycoming piston engines, including the IO-540. See Recent Letters for more info, or go to http://av-info.faa.gov .

• Some members suggested that we remove the background color theme on The Hangar, our message board system, to make for easier reading. You ask, we listen. It's done.

• Phil DeRidder reports that he is extremely pleased with his new Seawind. It is completely factory stock and flies just great.

• Art Culver's Seawind wins Reserve Grand Champion Amphibian at Oshkosh!! Congratulations Art!!!! Photos soon...

• By popular request, the editor has added a public "Recent Letters" page to the web site. All letters and emails to the editor will be published solely at the editor's discretion, and may be edited for brevity. Names withheld by request only.

• SNA reports, "...business is great." Construction slots filled through year's end.

• The Blue Sky Associates new Seawind in Boca Raton flies! According to the report the first flight was perfect. See the full report at http://www.blueskyassoc.com. Congratulations!

• Joe Grimaud's new Seawind (N98GG) won "Best Amphibian" at Sun 'n Fun! Here's a hearty clap on the back, Joe. Well done, Sir. Outstanding effort.

• 1st Annual Seawinder Splash-In in North Carolina planned for September. Click here for details.

• May 20, 2000
  Seawind/S.N.A. will have new facilities at Chester County Airport! See the details at the S.N.A. website.

• May 1, 2000
  Great article on the Seawind in Custom Planes magazine's May 2000 issue. Check it out!