- How many Searey aircraft are flying?
- Can the Searey be insured?
- What engines can be installed on the
Searey?
- Are there alternative engines other then
Rotax to install on the Searey?
- Does the Searey have folding wings?
- Will the Searey qualify for the
Ultralight Trainer exemption?
- Does the Searey require a pilot license?
- Will the Searey qualify for the upcoming
Sport Pilot rating?
- How long does it take to build the Searey
from a kit?
- Can I purchase a Searey built and ready
to fly?
- Why should I purchase a Searey through
Recreational Mobility, instead of a competing dealer?
- What fabric is used on the Searey?
- What
size is the crate for the Searey, and how heavy is it?
1. How many Searey aircraft are
flying?
Since production began in 1992, approximately 350 kits
have been sold, with an estimated 300 flying.
2. Can the Searey be insured?
Insurance can be obtained on the hull value, however
just like certified seaplanes, the cost can be prohibitive. Most Searey
owners insure for liability coverage only.
3. What engines can be installed on
the Searey?
The only engines approved for the Searey are the Rotax
series of engines.
4. Are there alternative engines other
then Rotax to install on the Searey?
Other engines such as the VW or Continental type engines
are simply too heavy for use on the Searey. Also many of these
conversions are direct drive, and when compared to the Rotax engine line
cannot provide the thrust required.
The 6 cylinder 120 hp Jabiru has been tried by the factory
with poor results. Hard starting, and performance barely equal to the 80
hp Rotax 912.
Using a geared down drive allows a smaller, lighter engine
to turn a larger prop (more torque) and obtaining the trust required. We recommend the Rotax 912,
912S, or 914.
5. Does the Searey have folding wings?
No, the Searey does not have folding wings. However,
the wings may be removed for trailering in about 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Will the Searey qualify for the
Ultralight Trainer exemption?
The Searey aircraft qualifies currently within the
Experimental category in U.S., however it is too heavy and too fast to
qualify as a Ultralight.
7. Does the Searey require a pilot
license?
Yes, the Searey currently requires a Private Pilot license. A
seaplane rating is not required as the Searey is not a certified
aircraft, however it is highly suggested.
8. Will the Searey qualify for the
upcoming Sport Pilot rating?
This is tough too answer, as at this time the regulations have not
yet been finalized. Searey is in development of a model which is planned
to fit into the Light Sport Aircraft segment.
9. How long does it take to build the
Searey from a kit?
The
Searey on average takes first time builders around 400 hrs to complete.
This time will vary depending on the options installed, basic or fancy
instrument panel, and the final paint scheme chosen. Many hours can be
eaten up masking for painting, buffing the final finish, etc.
10. Can I purchase a Searey built and
ready to fly?
Under current FAA regulations, the builder must complete 51% of the
aircraft. Currently Recreational Mobility offers 'Builder Assistance
Programs' in our shop, and occasionally we can help you to locate a good
used Searey. Used Searey's can be hard to find, and hold their value
quite well. See our Used
/ For Sale section.
11. Why should I purchase a Searey
through Recreational Mobility, rather then competing dealer?
That’s easy :) The owner of Recreational Mobility, Jim
Ratte; knows the Searey inside and out. We also offer our customers
building their Searey a CD with pictures to assist them, phone, and
email support.
Under development, is a section of the website with
helpful hints and pictures. Recreational Mobility is the only FULL TIME
Searey dealer in USA.
12. What fabric is used on the Searey?
PolyFiber, also known as the Stits. This process differs
from pre-sew Dacron envelopes in that fabric is applied to the airframe,
shrunk with heat, the weave is filled, an Ultraviolet blocker is
applied, and finally the airframe is painted with color coats.
13. What
size is the crate for the Searey, and how heavy is it?
The SeaRey airframe kit is shipped in a wooden crate measuring:
16 feet (4.88 m) long
49 inches (125 cm) wide
35 inches (89 cm) high
It weighs approximately 1200 lbs. (545 kg).
The engine is packed in its own box weighing from 125 to 190 lbs. (57 to 86 kg), depending on the engine model.
The Rotax 582 engine box can be packed within the large airframe crate. The Rotax 912, 912S and 914 engine boxes cannot fit inside the large crate.
The Rotax 912 and 912S engine box size
measures:
28 inches (71 cm) wide
27 inches (69 cm) deep
20 inches (51 cm) high
The Rotax 914 engine box size measures:
28 inches (71
cm) wide
27 inches (69 cm) deep
24 inches (61 cm) high
Kits can be shipped by truck within the contiguous United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Copyright © 2003 Recreational Mobility. All rights
reserved.
Revised: September 27, 2003
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