Owner John Brennan was delighted to learn that
his SeaRey Amphibian was the first of its kind to earn a Permit to Fly in
Europe. Ordered in May 2004, the crated parts
finally arrived in Sligo, Ireland in June 2005.
Building began almost immediately. The owner is
a member of Sligo Light Aviation
Club whose tag line is "For
a Different Flying Experience"
and many fellow members assisted in the build whenever possible. Between June 05 and
Feb 06, over 1,100 build hours had been recorded.
John is also a member of
SAAC, the Society of Amateur Aircraft Constructors
in Ireland and again, invaluable assistance was provided by the committee in
steering the guys through the official channels to achieve its Permit to Fly.
The Permit was issued by the IAA (Irish Aviation Authority) on 20th April
2006. Thanks to all who assisted in what can only be described as a tremendous
team effort.
EI-SEA on the River Shannon, Ireland
May 2008 - Markku Flies
Congratulations to Markku Salminen from Finland
who took to the air in his Searey registration number OH-XSR on May 9th. We look
forward to having many more completed Seareys in Europe in the next few years -
plans are being made to meet at Biscarrosse in 2010.
Second Irish Searey on the way
It looks like the Sligo SeaRey will soon have
company. A "sister ship" is at an advanced stage of assembly in Northern
Ireland. Owners Padraig Gallagher and Tony Reid are reported to be over 50% of
the way and await a decision from the UK authorities before pressing on to
completion. For the moment, the SeaRey must gain approval from each individual
EU state before being issued with its Permit to Fly. Following approval by
Ireland, we expect kit owners in France, Germany and the UK to pursue approval
in their jurisdictions.
Other European Seareys
Delighted to hear that the Searey is gaining a
big reputation in Europe - there are currently 4 kits being worked on by our
Nordic neighbours. Searey dealer for the Nordic countries is
Bård Sørbye.
Contact him via his web site
www.searey.no.
We also hear that another completion may soon be announced in
France, whilst the level of interest in EI-SEA, Europes first flying Searey,
suggests further orders from Ireland.
Seaplane Training in Enniskillen
Enniskillen Airport (EGAB) in Northern Ireland
pulled off something of a coup in Summer 06 when management persuaded Maule
Amphibian owner Steve Powell to visit. Steve, who is also an instructor and CAA
ground examiner, liked the place so much that he stayed and moved his training
organisation - The Amphibious Flying Club - to the shores of Lough Erne. Within
a few weeks, Enniskillen has become known for seaplane training and beautiful
scenery. Students arrive every week from all parts of Europe - some to learn to
fly on floats and others who have trained in schools such Jack Browns or Como,
to complete ground school and CAA Seamanship exams. Click the banner on the left
to check out the Amphibious Club.
German Seaplane Association
Our German colleague and Searey enthusiast
Ekkehard Kaliebe - informs us
that good progress is being made with approvals in Germany. By early next year,
they are optimistic that 2 Seareys will be completed and flying in Germany. Keep
up the good work Ekkehard - we look forward to having a big meeting of all the
Seareys in Europe in a few years !
Train with Aero Club Como
Searey owner John Brennan decided to pop into
the Aero Club at Como, Italy during his summer holidays recently and has been in
touch to recommend that anyone with an interest in sea plane flying visit this
school. He states that it is very easy to get to, with low-cost airlines such as
Ryanair and Easyjet landing at Milans two airports, which are just 30 minutes
away. "Seaplane flying in Como began in 1913 and these guys are experts" says
John. "I cannot think of a better way to gain a seaplane rating whilst at the
same time experiencing the fantastic scenery around Como - mountains, lakes,
historic towns, amazing villas owned by the glitterati (e.g. Versace, George
Clooney, and wealthy footballers!). Nice also to witness "real Italian style",
not to mention the hospitality of everyone at Como Aeroclub". As John says -
"you simply have to try it out". Click on their logo on the left hand side
for further information.
