The Seawind is turning a final corner in landing its certification.  Flight testing for VFR certification is nearing completion.

The Seawind organization announces that it has been granted approval by Transport Canada to manufacture the first five customer aircraft plus the two flight test articles.

"This is a major milestone that gives us the opportunity to ramp up production," said Richard Silva, president of the company. "This event is a tribute to the dedication of our engineering and production staff. We have overcome every hurdle to bring this unique amphibian to the market. Those formidable hurdles were insightfully articulated by Jeff Moody in a comprehensive article in the November 2006 Aviation Digest."

Following VFR certification, the Seawind is scheduled to continue with IFR certification and autopilot and FADEC engine approval, Silva said.

Dave Arnold, director of sales, said, "I am elated at the news. Our sales have topped 90 and I expect we will have a backlog of 100 after Sun n Fun. Once certification flight testing is complete, I am certain that sales will increase dramatically and exceed 150 aircraft per year."

Silva agreed. "It has been a long and difficult task to certify the world's fastest and roomiest amphibian. We will be hard pressed to build more than 150 aircraft per year.  However, it will be very pleasurable to take on that challenge."

The Seawind will be offering the new Garmin G600 glass panel and the full line of peripherals. The Seawind website www.seawind.net contains a great deal of information on performance and specifications, handling qualities and options, or you can call Dave Arnold at 610-384-7000.