Over the past 25 years scores of Seawind kits evolved into the world’s fastest single engine amphibians. How did that happen and who did it? This is a story of the pioneers who persevered this incredible journey through technical and financial barriers and serial tests of human willpower. Some were defeated, some died, some others triumphed. This is their story revitalized from (mostly) my archives of thousands of photos and miles of video footage. For the first time ever, you can now witness the history of the Seawind and the people who literally made it fly.  So, buckle up and enjoy your flight.

About Steven Wightman: Aero Club of New England member Steven Wightman’s friendship with small airplanes started in the Army at age 19 as an aircraft repairman and crew chief from 1966-69. He maintained and flew in Beavers, Otters, Queen Air, and just about every helicopter the Army had in its arsenal.

It was 1997 when he earned a private pilot’s license with USAF Aero Club, Hanscom AFB. Steve flew club C-172s, Cherokees, and Arrows. Over the next ten years he added Instrument, high performance, complex and seaplane signoffs.

In 2000, Steve purchased a Seawind kit, building in a PT6-20 engine and a G 1000 avionics suite. First flight was in 2012 and he landed it in AirVenture, Oshkosh 2014 and again in 2016.