Expects to begin deliveries of $289k aircraft in Fall of 2004

By ANN Correspondent Juan Jimenez

Seawind Inc., manufacturer of the Seawind amphibious aircraft kit, has announced that it has begun the process of seeking joint CAR/FAR certification of the model as a production aircraft.

According to company official Richard Silva, certification will be initially sought through Transport Canada, since the company's production facilities are located in Canada. FAA certification should then be a matter of formality due to reciprocity agreements.

Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2004. The basic VFR aircraft will be priced at $289,700; a $9,000 deposit is required to reserve a delivery position. However, there are two ways to reserve a delivery position, one of which this reporter has never seen before.

The first ten production aircraft are reserved for internal company and dealer demo purposes. A $9,000 deposit into an escrow account reserves a spot beginning with serial number 26. If there are any increases in price between the time the deposit is given and the aircraft is ready for delivery, or if the company cannot meet its delivery schedule, the customer has the option of taking a full refund, or choosing to pay the increase or accept the delay.

However, there is another option available. If the customer is willing to place the deposit without the security that an escrow agreement provides, as well as waive the right to a refund, the first fifteen to accept such an option would be given delivery slots 11 through 25. In addition, should the price of the aircraft increase, those customers would only have to pay 75% of any announced increase. No mention was made of what would happen to these customers if the company fails to meet delivery deadlines.

Pricing for some, but not all, options for the certified Seawind are available on the company web site.

FMI: www.seawind.biz