Flight Characteristics

LAND TAKE-OFF: The Seawind 300C accelerates quickly down the runway. At 70 mph, a one-hand rotation is applied and the craft lifts off between 70 and 80 mph.

CLIMB: With the landing gear retracted and the flaps set to zero, the Seawind 300C will climb dramatically to altitude.

CRUISE: The cruise configuration is with flaps reflexed to -10°. Once trimmed straight and level, the Seawind 300C is truly a hands-off machine

LAND LANDINGS: Landings on land are normal with a gear- down speed of 140 mph maximum, and a flap-down speed of 120 mph. The pattern speed is 90 to 100 mph with flaps at 20° as you apply a little up trim to what feels naturally comfortable. Full flaps are applied and propeller set to high rpm on the final leg with the speed at 90 mph. After crossing the threshold at 80 mph, flare to a touchdown speed of between 65 and 70 mph.

WATER LANDINGS: Landings on water are virtually the same as land landings except, of course, the landing gear is up. Final approach is at 90 mph, with full flap, at high rpm. A few feet above the water, the Seawind 300C is leveled and slowed to 80 mph and the nose is raised to about four degrees. Throttle back and the Seawind 300C lands on the step at 65 mph.

STEP TAXIING: Step taxiing can be performed with full flaps or reflexed flaps. The time onto the step is a couple of seconds quicker with zero flaps. The wings are held level and steering is performed with the air rudder.

WATER TAKE-OFF: Water takeoffs are comfortable. The Seawind 300C rises onto the step virtually by itself. A bit of up elevator is applied as the bow wave moves by. The controls are then relaxed and with full flaps at 62 mph, the Seawind 300C flies itself off the water.

TURNS: Like any amphibian of high thrust line aircraft, turns should be coordinated with rudder and ailerons.

PITCH CONTROL: The Seawind 300C has superb pitch control. A full power go around just above the water is easily executed with one arm pull back. The nose will not drop.

CROSS WIND LANDINGS: Carry a little power in a cross wind landing to make the air rudder more effective. Idling the power tends to block the flow over the air rudder. So, apply just a little power.

STALLS: Stalls are gentle and straight ahead, with a warning buffet.