Kennedy Aircraft Service & Repair, LLC
Clermont,Florida Oliver (Ollie) and Esther ( Essie) Kennedy 352-255-1400 seareyman53@aol.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
There are 2 web sites every Searey owner should know about and belong to. They are the Searey technicle site and the Splash and Dash site. After you purchase a Searey, please make sure to go to searey.us and click on "help" and fill out the form to be a member. You will enjoy connecting with other fellow Searey owners.!
Sunday, September 13, 2015
We just sold 3 more Searey's in the last month!
Attention Seller's! We are looking for more inventory. We are a family owned and operated full service Sales agent. You will get exceptional service and follow up after closing. Call us today for details!
We currently have a Searey Project for sale. If you like to build yourself, we have the answer! A Searey Project! More details to follow or call us, we'd be glad to talk Searey building with you.
Searey for sale: 2004, Rotax 912ULS and no damage history! Recent extensive condition inspection with all new hoses, fuel line and more. This is a very nice Searey and selling for only $42,500.00
This aircraft is listed on Barnstormers.com. SOLD to Russ Hoffman!!! Congratulations Russ!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Searey and Amphibious Airplane Guru
Welcome to the Kennedy Aircraft Service & Repair site! If you are visiting our site, it's because you are also into airplanes as much as I am!
Below is a list of services I can provide for you:
If you have a plane, amphibious, or not, I can repair it, advise you and direct you to other's that can help you in the industry. If you love airplanes, seaplanes, have one, or want one....I also know who is selling or who wants to buy one OR I may just have the plane you're looking for in my hanger!
I am an expert aircraft technician, specializing in Searey's and amphibious planes. I know them inside and out and then some!
I inspect, repair, rebuild, and build them. If I can't help you, I know the best in the industry and will refer you!
I have been involved in planes the majority of my life, so I am the person to call with your concerns or just "plane" interested in planes!!! You can read on about my history below, or you can skip below to my TID BIT'S....bits of advice and mechanical problems solved, hopefully designed to help you.
Below is a list of services I can provide for you:
If you have a plane, amphibious, or not, I can repair it, advise you and direct you to other's that can help you in the industry. If you love airplanes, seaplanes, have one, or want one....I also know who is selling or who wants to buy one OR I may just have the plane you're looking for in my hanger!
I am an expert aircraft technician, specializing in Searey's and amphibious planes. I know them inside and out and then some!
I inspect, repair, rebuild, and build them. If I can't help you, I know the best in the industry and will refer you!
I have been involved in planes the majority of my life, so I am the person to call with your concerns or just "plane" interested in planes!!! You can read on about my history below, or you can skip below to my TID BIT'S....bits of advice and mechanical problems solved, hopefully designed to help you.
I'll continue to add to the TID BITS on a regular basis, so please check back often. Also included in this blog, will be airplanes that I currently have for sale, along with other hanger "stuff" that I have available. Be sure to click on the "Pages" in the top right corner of my blog for planes I have for sale specs and more info!
My passion is ALSO my BUSINESS! Who else would you trust with your plane repairs, but a mechanic with the experience, passion and knowledge as I have.............read on......
I've been a FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant technician since 1979. I walk, talk , eat and breath airplanes! My love for airplanes started about at the age of 6 years old and I think my life has revolved around them ever since! If you like to talk airplanes, or just need some good advice, I'm the man for you!
My career started as an apprentice mechanic in 1975 after serving in the United States Airforce as a jet engine mechanic. During my apprenticeship I worked at an FBO in Orlando Florida. The FBO was a Beechcraft Service Center and I maintained every aircraft that Beechcraft manufactured. While working at the Center, I spent most of my free time pursuing my Flying ratings. In 1980, I obtained my commercial instrument and multi-engine ratings! I also obtained my seaplane rating in a Lake Amphibian!THAT IS WHERE MY ACTUAL LOVE RELATIONSHIP FOR SEAPLANES BEGAN!!So.............lets talk planes and water!
I wasn't able to afford the initial cost of a certified amphibian, so I started looking at experimental amphibians. SO.......In 1982 I built and flew a BUCCANEER XA single place amphibian, which was powered by a Rotax 447 engine. After flying that one for about 2 years, I purchased a Buccaneer II kit and maintained and flew it for 4 more years. When I sold that plane, I rebuilt another Buccaneer from a wrecked aircraft and flew it until 1993. ( WOW, my love for planes can be expensive, thank goodness I know a good mechanic!)
A new company opened up that year ( okay Kerry, Wayne and Paige )here is a good plug for you!) called Progressive Aerodyne and they designed the SEAREY. I JUST HAD TO HAVE ONE!
So...............I purchased Serial # 2 in 1993! I don't think I slept very much at all for the 2 months it took me to build that airplane! That plane project took the place of anything else in my life, including women, sleep and sometimes food!! My first flight was April 5, 1993!!!
(The Searey appearance is very impressive. The wings are sweep back at the leading edge with a straight trailing edge to form a tapered wing. The engine is mounted on top of the wing. The cabin is designed with side by side seating. The dual flight controls enable flying from either seat. The Searey offers stable handling even in gusty wind conditions. You raise the landing gear for water operations. You prepare for ground landing by lowering the landing gear and locking it into place.) For more on the Rotax engine...read below in Ollie's TID BIT'S..Over the years since then, I have become to be known as the "SEAREY GURU". I now have my own Airplane Repair business, KENNEDY AIRCRAFT SERVICE & REPAIR, LLC located in Clermont, FL, on a lake of course....( you fly in, land and taxi up to my hanger)
I specialize in condition inspections ( everyone must have one every year) and major and minor repairs on experimental aircraft. For service information e-mail me at :seareyman53@aol.com.
Recently I started assisting other Amphibious experimental airplane fanatic's in selling or buying airplanes. If you ever call me, be ready to talk planes and get a lot of free mechanical advice!!! Please call me or e-mail if you would like to purchase a plane, have one built or if you have one you would like to sell. Also, always check the bottom of my blog for any Searey's or other aircraft I currently have for sale.
Photo's of our Hanger and lake are on the right. You can land your plane on the lake and taxi up to our hanger. The lake is 2261 acres, on a chain of 7 lakes. It is a beautiful place to live and when you go through the canals to each lake, it is JUST LIKE OLD FLORIDA!, gators, snakes and all!! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous!!
The hanger actually can fit 3 planes in it , 5 without the wings on and one more on the ramp.I've been known to put a few on the grass, but I now in the process of extending the ramp ( since the drought has brought the water level down), it's a great time to add to our airplane area!!
I also have an excellent Searey Flight Instructor that I can recommend to you. I have great faith and confidence in him and his skills. Call me and I'll give you his information to contact him!
OKAY, MY SEAREY AND FELLOW AIRPLANE OWNERS, HERE ARE SOME BITS OF ADVICE! LOOK FOR MY "TID BIT'S" on a regular BASIS, SO BE SURE TO COME BACK OFTEN!
OLLIE'S TID BITS # 1 ( look for many more BITS of advice!) "just off the top of my head!"
(As always, consult an expert A&P before utilizing these "TID BITS". They are for educational purposes only.)
I've had several customers with Rotax powered engines either call me or bring their aircraft to me recently who have had problems with their engines running "rough" and not developing full power after they haven't been flown for a while. The immediate fear is that something has gone seriously wrong in the ignition circuit. HOWEVER...... most of the time, the problem boils down to a simple clogged jet in one or both of your carburetors. If the aircraft has not been flown for a period of time, then condensation can form in either the fuel tank or carburetor bowls and when even amounts of water try to pass through the tiny orifices in the main or pilot jets, the engine will falter and run rough. THAT WILL REALLY GET YOUR ATTENTION ON TAKE OFF!!!
Most of the time, the fix is relatively simple.........
The first step is to remove the carb bowls and dump the contaminated fuel out. Now the floats are on a set of pins in the carb bowl, so make sure you remove the floats before emptying the contaminated fuel out.
The next step is to remove the main jet and blow it out to remove any debris. It is located in the middle of the carb and can be removed with an 8mm wrench.
There is a shim that is very thin that will also come off when the main jet is removed. Make sure you do not lose it! After the main jet has been removed, cleaned, and re-installed, then it is time to clean the pilot jet. This jet is located just forward of the main jet inside that is just about the same length as the tube for the main jet. You can't actually see the jet because it is screwed up inside this tube. It requires a small "common" screwdriver to remove it. This jet is longer than the main jet and has a hole through the center, but also a series of holes in the side of it. Insure all passages or holes in either one of these jets are clear. Also inspect the o ring around the pilot jet and make sure it is serviceable.
If the aircraft has been sitting for a long period of time, the carbs may need to be cleaned to remove the varnish caused by old fuel and rebuilt. I can offer you that service at any time, feel free to call me or e-mail me at seareyman53@aol.com
OLLIE'S TID BITS #2 !
Tid Bit # 11 Finally!!!!
I have received several phone calls over the past few months inquiring about whether the Searey is legal to operate in the sport pilot category.
I've attached the link for http://www.sportpilot.org/ which explains what are likely candidates for light sport aircraft and also defines what is considered a light sport aircraft. Here are a few pages quoted from sportpilot:
"What is a Light-Sport Aircraft?
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has continued to meet the following performance definition:
In addition to fixed-wing airplanes, the definition of a light-sport aircraft also includes powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft (i.e., Trikes), balloons, airships, gliders and gyroplanes. For more information on the definition of a light-sport aircraft, click here.
Any aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft as called out in FAR Part 1.1 is eligible to be operated by a sport pilot. These aircraft can be certificated in any category, such as standard, experimental amateur-built, experimental exhibition, experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), or special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA)."
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has continued to meet the following performance definition:
In addition to fixed-wing airplanes, the definition of a light-sport aircraft also includes powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft (i.e., Trikes), balloons, airships, gliders and gyroplanes. For more information on the definition of a light-sport aircraft, click here.
Any aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft as called out in FAR Part 1.1 is eligible to be operated by a sport pilot. These aircraft can be certificated in any category, such as standard, experimental amateur-built, experimental exhibition, experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), or special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA)."
"Sport pilots may fly aircraft certificated in many of the experimental aircraft categories, including experimental light-sport aircraft, experimental amateur-built, and experimental exhibition.Experimental light-sport aircraft Experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) may be flown by sport pilots. E-LSA kits that do not conform to amateur-built certification requirements and will be certificated in the E-LSA category must be based on an aircraft that has received a special LSA (S-LSA) airworthiness certificate. E-LSA must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations issued to the aircraft at the time it receives its airworthiness certification. It must be maintained in accordance with regulations as they apply to E-LSA. Its annual condition inspection may be conducted by an LSA repairman with an inspection rating, an LSA repairman with a maintenance rating, an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic, or a certified repair station.Experimental amateur-built aircraft that meet the definition of an LSA may be flown by sport pilots. The aircraft is certificated as experimental amateur-built and must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations issued to the aircraft at the time it receives its airworthiness certification. It must be maintained and inspected in accordance with regulations as they pertain to amateur-built aircraft. Its annual condition inspection may be performed by the original primary builder if he/she holds the repairman certificate for the aircraft, an A&P mechanic, or a certified repair station.This lists also includes many ultralights, including weight-shift controlled aircraft (trikes) and powered parachutes, that are eligible to transition to experimental light-sport aircraft status. That transition must be completed no later than January 31, 2008.
NOTE: The following list includes aircraft for which plans or a kit are currently available. Many older designs also qualify as LSA and may be available as in process projects or finished and flying."
NOTE: The following list includes aircraft for which plans or a kit are currently available. Many older designs also qualify as LSA and may be available as in process projects or finished and flying."
Please log onto http://www.sportpilot.og/ for more vital and interesting information.
As you can see from the information above, the Searey meets all of the criteria the F.A.A requires to be classified as an ELSA. It is also on the approved list to be able to be flown under the sport pilot rules.
TID BIT # 12...................... Yah Hoo!! Been waiting awhile?????? Sorry, I've been SO busy with airplane stuff!
I've been asked recently by numerous potential Searey buyers if the Searey can be up-graded to the new LSX.The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES! The biggest improvements on the LSX are the wing and tail which increases the gross weight and improves the flight characteristics. The rest of the improvements are internal in the fuselage and are more "creature comfort" improvements and can also be upgraded.
So, if I can find you an older Searey that needs recover or work, then this might be a perfect opportunity for you to have me upgrade it for you!!! Parts for the LSX should be available within 6 months. Call and we'll discuss it!
TID BIT #13
The 914 engine is equipped with a turbo charger which increases the horsepower from 80 to 115 at full power for takeoff. It is recommended from the factory that full power is used for a maximum of 5 minutes to be able to increase the longevity of the engine and make it to the recommended 1200 hr TBO.
Any engine with the turbo charger has the potential of being "over boosted". This means that you are pumping too much air into the cylinder and pressurizing it to the point where it will cause damage to the engine.
The 914 has a really nice feature which is supposed to eliminate this problem. It is a computer controlled device called a TCU or Turbo Control Unit. It uses a series of sensors that it monitors on different parts of the engine and controls the "wastegate on the turbo". Whenever the boost is about ready to exceed 39.5 inches of manifold pressure it automatically opens the wastegate and dumps the excess pressure to maintain a maximum of 395 inches of manifold pressure.
There are some mechanical factors that will prohibit the TCU from doing it's job. Carbon buildup around the wastegate and wastegate shaft can cause it to stick closed. This can cause an overboost condition and damage the engine. Alot of pilots tend to not monitor the manifold pressure guage when the engine is at full power because they are relying too much on the TCU to control the boost of the engine. In reality, the pilot must be very aware of what the manifold pressure gauge is telling him/her at all times.
MONITOR the manifold pressure and you'll make it very easily to the recommended1200 hr. TBO and probably more.
Regular maintenance on the engine will also ensure these mechanical problems do not arise.
TID BIT #14
I'd like to talk about " hydraulic locks " in the 912/914 series engines.. Because of the design of the Searey, it is more susceptible to having a hydraulic lock if you don't fly more than once a week or so. Being a tail dragger and the fact that the oil tank is upstream or higher than the engine, the oil seeps down into the crankcase and past the piston rings.
When you try to start the engine after not flying it for a week or so , the oil in the cylinder( which will not compress) will form a hydraulic lock. It will start to turn when you engage the starter but will stop turning over when it comes up on the compression stroke. This can bend pushrods and cause all kinds of problems.
For unknown reasons the 912S is notorious for this problem. With this engine sometimes it is necessary to remove the bottom plugs and "motor" the engine thru to blow the oil out of the cylinders. For the most part, all that is necessary is to remove the cap from the oil tank and pull the prop thru by hand approximately 20 blades until you hear a "gurgling" noise coming out of the oil tank. Keep pulling the prop through until you've heard the gurgling noise at least 4 times. That will give you the indication that the oil in the crank case and cylinders has been pumped back into the oil tank and the engine is ready to be started without damage to it.
Tid Bit #15
I'd like to talk about the importance of pre flight and post flight inspections on the Searey. As pilots, we know that pre and post flight inspections are very important. The Searey s unique though because it relies on the landing gear to land on terra firm but also relies on the hull for landing on water. It is very important to not only check all of the other areas that a pilot would normally check on any other aircraft, but to pay special attention to the hull and landing gear.
The Searey has probably the strongest, simplest and most straight forward landing gear systems of any experimental amphibian on the market today. I've seen Searey's taxi up some really rough beaches and not hurt the gear. I've also seen them survive some really hard landings and land coming away unscathed. That doesn't mean however, that the aircraft cannot be damaged.
If you make a hard landing, or taxi up a really rough ramp or beach, a through inspection of the main bulkhead is needed. The main bulkhead is the heart of the landing gear and main wing strut attach point. If you make a hard landing then a very through post flight inspection of this area is required.
Look at the downtubes of the main bulkhead very carefully and check for bending or cracks, especially at all the attach points. The aircraft has four downtubes. Two on each side and support the pivot points for the left and right main landing gear. They also tie into the cross tube, where the lower wing strut attach point is located. If these down tubes are damaged severally enough, then it could affect the structural integrity of the strut attach point. Normally, if the damage is severe enough to cause this condition, it results in a gear collapse which would be a definite reminder to check this area and perform the necessary repairs.
My concern would be if several hard landings were made and the damage were to be progressive.
So my advice to all new and even long time Searey owners, is to preform a very good pre-flight and post flight inspection. It is also a "must" that a through post flight inspection be done after a hard landing or taxiing up extremely rough beaches or ramps.
TID BIT # 16
What is considered a "major change" on an experimental aircraft?
I just finished doing an extensive upgrade on my Searey 77OK that included an upgraded hull, upgraded engine, new prop and several LSX upgrades that brought it up to the specs of a new Searey classic.
You may think that since it is now the same configuration as one of the latest versions of the "classic" that is tried and proven, that it would be a simple log book entry and then go about your merry way and fly...It is not that simple!
If you have the old version of the operating limitations ( that by the way need to be in your plane at all times with the rest of the required paperwork) then under FAA guide lines you have to notify them in writing, wait for a response and they will instruct you on how to handle re-inspecting the aircraft.
On the other hand if you have the "new" version of the operating limitations then it is just a matter of notifing them of the changes you made. As long as you have followed their guidelines then you can put yourself back into "Phase 1" for 5 hours. After the flight test, then all it takes is a log book entry and you can carry passengers again.
So...what does constitute a major change? The FAA is a little vague about it but basically if it changes the weight, CG or performance of the aircraft, it is considered a major change.
When I changed the things that I did to my aircraft, I documented everything and weighed the aircraft. Since I had the old operating limitations, I had the aircraft re-inspected by a DAR and I was put back in Phase 1 for 5 hours.
Now that all that is done, I'm back to enjoying my new improved Searey!
TID BIT # 16
What is considered a "major change" on an experimental aircraft?
I just finished doing an extensive upgrade on my Searey 77OK that included an upgraded hull, upgraded engine, new prop and several LSX upgrades that brought it up to the specs of a new Searey classic.
You may think that since it is now the same configuration as one of the latest versions of the "classic" that is tried and proven, that it would be a simple log book entry and then go about your merry way and fly...It is not that simple!
If you have the old version of the operating limitations ( that by the way need to be in your plane at all times with the rest of the required paperwork) then under FAA guide lines you have to notify them in writing, wait for a response and they will instruct you on how to handle re-inspecting the aircraft.
On the other hand if you have the "new" version of the operating limitations then it is just a matter of notifing them of the changes you made. As long as you have followed their guidelines then you can put yourself back into "Phase 1" for 5 hours. After the flight test, then all it takes is a log book entry and you can carry passengers again.
So...what does constitute a major change? The FAA is a little vague about it but basically if it changes the weight, CG or performance of the aircraft, it is considered a major change.
When I changed the things that I did to my aircraft, I documented everything and weighed the aircraft. Since I had the old operating limitations, I had the aircraft re-inspected by a DAR and I was put back in Phase 1 for 5 hours.
Now that all that is done, I'm back to enjoying my new improved Searey!
We're all passionate Seaplane lovers and a part of one wonderful family of experimental airplane lovers! It's a great family to belong to!! Buy a Searey and join the family!!
The Following is "Stuff" in my Hanger for sale....................as, my wife says, "there's always too much stuff, let's sell it"!
SEAREY CURRENTLY FOR SALE:
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS OF AIRPLANES FOR SALE IN MY HANGER. I CURRENTLY HAVE SEVERAL PLANES AVAILABLE IN MY HANGER WITH MORE COMING IN WEEKLY LATELY!
ALL THE AIRPLANES WITH PHOTO'S BELOW ARE FOR SALE! ( Go to the top of this blog and hit the Searey's for Sale page for Specs)
( NOT THE MAULE THOUGH, I JUST THINK IT IS AN AWESOME PLANE AND HAD TO SHARE THE PHOTO!, MY FRIEND CAME BY TO PICK ME UP IN IT ONE DAY AND MY WIFE JUST HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE!)
CALL ME FOR DETAILS ON THE ONE'S FOR SALE! Whatever your budget is...we'll have it or find it for you!
Call me for more info on the planes I have for sale! See the page on the top of this blog for Specs.
See photo's below:
I also have floats available and a gas tank taken from a Searey . VERY Reasonable price! Call for details.
Labels:
aircraft mechanic,
airplanes,
amphibian,
experimental,
searey
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Splash in this year was very enjoyable while Essie and I were there this year. The day concluded with 2 very unfortunate incidents. We wish our good friends involved a speedy
recovery and many more safe days of flying!
We enjoyed Sun n Fun this year, visited with many fellow pilots while there and as usual, had a wonderful time. I hope to see many more fellow new Searey owners next year there also!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Ollie's "Tidbits"
If you are new to my blog, you will see as you keep reading it that I have a section called Ollie's "Tidbits". I have compiled my experiences with the details and mechanics of the wonderful airplane called the Searey.
This is my Tidbit # 16.... scroll down for Tidbit's 1 thru 15.
Now, I know the subject that I'm about to address in this Tidbit is something that most pilots would rather not worry about but it is a necessary evil to make your airplane totally legal.
I'm referring to all the paperwork required by the F.A.A. that has to be carried in the aircraft . These documents are part of the aircraft records.
Before an experimental aircraft can be approved for it's first test flight it must be inspected by the F.A.A. or a D.A.R. You must already have you Registration number, weight and balance complete and a certificate of registration. It gets inspected and if everything goes right, then the DAR or FAA representative will issue you your operating limitations and special airworthiness certificate
The operating limitations will give you instructions on the requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of operation. Phase 1 is considered the test flight period. Its usually a period of 40 hours of solo flight within a 25 nautical mile radius of the airport designated by the inspector. Once the test flight is completed,then a log book entry must be made by the test pilot in the maintenance log. The operating limitations will tell you word for word the verbiage that has to be put in the log books.
Once Phase 1 and the log book entry is completed then you automatically enter into Phase 2.
At this point, you are no longer limited to the 25 mile radius and you are allowed to carry passengers. THIS IS WHEN THE FUN FLYING BEGINS!
Once you enter into Phase 2, you are required to have the special air worthiness certificate, certificate of registration, weight & balance and operating limitations in the aircraft AT ALL TIMES.
You are also required to inform the passengers that they are in an experimental aircraft. When you fly into controlled airspace, you must identify your aircraft to ATC as an experimental aircraft. The only other requirement, is that you must have a condition inspection performed once every 12 calendar months by a licensed A&P mechanic, or if approved by the FAA, the builder of the aircraft may inspect his own aircraft as long as he/she owns it.
This is my Tidbit # 16.... scroll down for Tidbit's 1 thru 15.
Now, I know the subject that I'm about to address in this Tidbit is something that most pilots would rather not worry about but it is a necessary evil to make your airplane totally legal.
I'm referring to all the paperwork required by the F.A.A. that has to be carried in the aircraft . These documents are part of the aircraft records.
Before an experimental aircraft can be approved for it's first test flight it must be inspected by the F.A.A. or a D.A.R. You must already have you Registration number, weight and balance complete and a certificate of registration. It gets inspected and if everything goes right, then the DAR or FAA representative will issue you your operating limitations and special airworthiness certificate
The operating limitations will give you instructions on the requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of operation. Phase 1 is considered the test flight period. Its usually a period of 40 hours of solo flight within a 25 nautical mile radius of the airport designated by the inspector. Once the test flight is completed,then a log book entry must be made by the test pilot in the maintenance log. The operating limitations will tell you word for word the verbiage that has to be put in the log books.
Once Phase 1 and the log book entry is completed then you automatically enter into Phase 2.
At this point, you are no longer limited to the 25 mile radius and you are allowed to carry passengers. THIS IS WHEN THE FUN FLYING BEGINS!
Once you enter into Phase 2, you are required to have the special air worthiness certificate, certificate of registration, weight & balance and operating limitations in the aircraft AT ALL TIMES.
You are also required to inform the passengers that they are in an experimental aircraft. When you fly into controlled airspace, you must identify your aircraft to ATC as an experimental aircraft. The only other requirement, is that you must have a condition inspection performed once every 12 calendar months by a licensed A&P mechanic, or if approved by the FAA, the builder of the aircraft may inspect his own aircraft as long as he/she owns it.
Monday, April 23, 2012
splash In 2012
The week of May 25th this year was a time for me to enjoy myself and take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather by attending not one, but TWO Splash IN's!
The first one was the annual splash in at Garner's Landing in Auburndale, Florida. Russ Garner and his wife Lou Ann were their usual selves, wonderful hosts to 20 or more Searey's ( I lost count) and alot of other Searey owners that were here for SunNFun but did not fly their airplanes from out of state.
It was a nice smooth flight there with the winds out of the west at 10 knots on the surface.
After a day of serious fun, talking Searey's, hangar flying, flight demonstrations by Kerry in the new LSX ( awesome airplane), it was time to drag myself out of there and fly home!
The winds had become worse by that time, gusting to 30 knots out of the west. This proved to be a real problem taxing out of the water for all of my freinds before me for taking off. The flight back was bumpy but uneventful ( thank goodness) which proved to me the versatility of the Searey in conditions that most people wouldn't expect the airplane could handle.
The 2nd event was the EAA Splash In at Lake Agnes, hosted by Kermit Weeks at the Fantasy of Flight. There were a lot of different types of Seaplanes in attendance. It was fun to watch the competition. The take off contest was not really a competition, with the Air Cam winning hands down. It's a great testimonial to the Searey when you see the number of them that show up at these Splash In's! What a great community to be a part of!
The first one was the annual splash in at Garner's Landing in Auburndale, Florida. Russ Garner and his wife Lou Ann were their usual selves, wonderful hosts to 20 or more Searey's ( I lost count) and alot of other Searey owners that were here for SunNFun but did not fly their airplanes from out of state.
It was a nice smooth flight there with the winds out of the west at 10 knots on the surface.
After a day of serious fun, talking Searey's, hangar flying, flight demonstrations by Kerry in the new LSX ( awesome airplane), it was time to drag myself out of there and fly home!
The winds had become worse by that time, gusting to 30 knots out of the west. This proved to be a real problem taxing out of the water for all of my freinds before me for taking off. The flight back was bumpy but uneventful ( thank goodness) which proved to me the versatility of the Searey in conditions that most people wouldn't expect the airplane could handle.
The 2nd event was the EAA Splash In at Lake Agnes, hosted by Kermit Weeks at the Fantasy of Flight. There were a lot of different types of Seaplanes in attendance. It was fun to watch the competition. The take off contest was not really a competition, with the Air Cam winning hands down. It's a great testimonial to the Searey when you see the number of them that show up at these Splash In's! What a great community to be a part of!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Congratulations to Brad Williams , Russ Hoffman and Derek Morrell. They are the proud new owners of Searey's recently purchased!They have entered into a whole new world of flying fun!
Are you looking for a quality pre-owned Searey? Then contact me, I only sell good Searey's and include a 12 page Condition Inspection. I am partnered with Progressive Aerodyne and we make sure all follow up post sale issues, including maintainance, F.A.A. documentation and relocation is arranged. My customers can call me at any time and I always give them my time and best advice.
Are you looking for a quality pre-owned Searey? Then contact me, I only sell good Searey's and include a 12 page Condition Inspection. I am partnered with Progressive Aerodyne and we make sure all follow up post sale issues, including maintainance, F.A.A. documentation and relocation is arranged. My customers can call me at any time and I always give them my time and best advice.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Rebuild of a TRUE CLASSIC!
OUR SEAREY # 2......SECOND one ever built...is on her way! It's now taped, primed and ready for the paint....This is truly a moment in time to remember, since this plane is not only our" baby" but....... to be born again is exhilerating! Thank you for following us on the "rebirth" since she"s going to be the one of the only true classic's out there that was one of the few "first's" around. Keep following and see her first flight on our blog! We are so proud of her and we will continue to take care of all the Searey's that have followed behind her! If it's just repairing them, maintaining them or selling them...we continue to care for them all!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
WANTED! Searey Owners!
We are currently looking for Searey owner's who would like to sell their Searey's.
I have sold 2 in the last 2 weeks and I have a lot of buyer's calling me looking for Searey's. It has now once again become a popular plane, and rightfully so!
I need good quality Searey's for fast sales with the right potential owners.
If you are willing or considering selling your Searey, please contact me. The demand is there!!
I have sold 2 in the last 2 weeks and I have a lot of buyer's calling me looking for Searey's. It has now once again become a popular plane, and rightfully so!
I need good quality Searey's for fast sales with the right potential owners.
If you are willing or considering selling your Searey, please contact me. The demand is there!!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
My Searey during it's re-birth!
Here are some more photo's of Searey #2 in it's process of "re-birth"! It will not be long now! this has been a long time coming.....
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Welcome to the Kennedy Aircraft Service Site!
I truly hope you enjoy reading my blog and I especially hope you get alot of insight into this awesome plane called the Searey!
For older additional posts, please be sure to click on "older posts" at the end of the current information.
Please enjoy....and remember...you can always call me...I LOVE to talk Searey's! 352-255-1400
For older additional posts, please be sure to click on "older posts" at the end of the current information.
Please enjoy....and remember...you can always call me...I LOVE to talk Searey's! 352-255-1400
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I must apologize for the time lapse of not putting anything on my blog. It has been a very busy year.. Between performing maintenance on customers aircraft and the constant phone calls from prospective buyers of Searey's, the time just seems to fly by!
My airplane is progressing well, thanks to Dale and Robert! They have been a GOD send on this project and in my life. My plane is getting close to it's 2nd maiden flight ( 1st was in 1993) and I am getting excited about the test flight!
These projects always take more time and money than you would ever expect to budget for..
I would like to put a little plug in for the nice folks at Stewart Aircraft. I've become a real big fan of their covering process. It's about as eco-friendly as you can get. We never had to worry about those nasty fumes or having to wear a respirator. The product goes on real smooth and it's real easy to work with. I would definitely use it again and would highly recommend it.
I'm hoping to be flying Searey #2 within the next couple of months and I'll definitely keep you all posted!
Be safe and Happy Flying!
My airplane is progressing well, thanks to Dale and Robert! They have been a GOD send on this project and in my life. My plane is getting close to it's 2nd maiden flight ( 1st was in 1993) and I am getting excited about the test flight!
These projects always take more time and money than you would ever expect to budget for..
I would like to put a little plug in for the nice folks at Stewart Aircraft. I've become a real big fan of their covering process. It's about as eco-friendly as you can get. We never had to worry about those nasty fumes or having to wear a respirator. The product goes on real smooth and it's real easy to work with. I would definitely use it again and would highly recommend it.
I'm hoping to be flying Searey #2 within the next couple of months and I'll definitely keep you all posted!
Be safe and Happy Flying!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Searey #2 is getting there! She is coming to life again, with the extensive help of my partner's Robert and Dale!!
Searey # 2 is coming back to life! See the photo's to the right. Dale and Robert are diligently working day after day to bring her back to the skies! Photo's are showing applying the inspection rings....and Robert who is our official photographer. Robert also get's to do the ironing! Lucky Robert....maybe his wife should take him up on that.....
These men are devoted to the re-birth of # 2!
These men are devoted to the re-birth of # 2!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Mexico loves Searey's also!
I was recently contacted by a client to visit him in Mexico and to inspect his Searey that he has diligently worked on for about a year. I just returned home after 6 days and I must say, I have made several new friendships while I was there. If you look up Lake Chipola in Mexico, the 1st thing you see is a picture of the lake with a seaplane on it! It is absolutely beautiful! As I said, I made alot of good friends there and some very knowledgeable mechanics. After days of working(and being very well taken care of) I came home with the knowledge that the Searey is loved WORLD wide! Everyone loves it beyound America! It was a great adventure with alot of work coupled with alot of fun. I want to thank them for their hospitality and my newfound friendships. I took alot of photo's and a few of them are posted here for your enjoyment!
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