Billed as the “The West Coast’s Premier Seaplane Gathering,” the 2025 Clear Lake Splash-In featured an impressive gathering of unique aircraft, industry experts, and enthusiastic participants.
amphibious
The Maine event: Flying off the water
Time spent with pilot John Hartz quickly reveals his preference for flying off the water and for doing it in Maine, a state with a heritage of seaplane flying.
Super Petrel XP makes its debut
Although the S-LSA biplane looks similar to previous Super Petrel models, which have been manufactured in Brazil by Scoda Aeronautica for 20 years, the new XP was completely redesigned to address feedback from owners and to take full advantage of the new 141-horsepower Rotax 915iS turbocharged engine, according to company officials.
The Super Skywagon
Fans of Cessna’s 180/185 Skywagon might be surprised to learn that some of the most outstanding refurbished versions of their favorite aircraft are emerging from an unlikely place, a factory in Maine better known for producing seaplane floats.
ICON reaches milestone
The company started delivering to customers in earnest in early 2018, officials said, noting A5 owners are located in 30 states and 13 countries across five continents.
Super Petrel introduces new XP
The prototype of the new Super Petrel XP LSA is expected to have its first flight in late November 2022.
The Douglas Dolphin
The Douglas Dolphin, launched at the beginning of the Great Depression, was a niche machine that would serve airlines, business leaders and, ultimately, the military.
PK Floats introduced for Super Legend Cubs
New amphibious and straight floats are now available for American Legend Aircraft Co.’s Super Legend. The new floats, manufactured by PK Floats, can be fitted to high performance Titan-powered Legend Cubs, according to company officials.
Picture of the Day: Mount Saint Helens from an amphib
Matthew McCoy submitted this photo and note: “Mount Saint Helens crater under the wing of a Cessna 185 amphib.”