In the works:Dornier Seaplane-Seastar

By: Matt Thurber

July 1, 2009
Aircraft

Dornier Seaplane exhibited its all-composite Seastar amphibian at the Canadian Business Aviation Association show in Montreal in late May, showing off fresh paint and an upgraded interior. The Seastar program “is gaining momentum,” according to Joe Walker, CEO of the Punta Gorda, Fla.-based company, which has taken orders for 25 of the twin-turboprop amphibians.

Walker said there is more than one buyer, but he could not identify them at this point. Dornier Seastar still needs a new location for a factory.

“We are now down to two to four sites,” Walker said, “and we expect to make an announcement later this year. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135A-powered Seastar is already FAA- and EASA-certified.

With a high-speed cruise of 180 knots, the Seastar can seat up to 12 people in airline configuration. The Seastar will also appear at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., July 27 to August 2 and at the NBAA annual meeting and convention in Orlando, Fla, October 22 to 25.

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