I'm looking at a local Aventura II. I have SEL and about 350 hours, most of that on a N numbered Phantom ultralight. I've owned a Challenger II in the past and put about 100 hours on that. Did my training and annuals in a 172 like everyone else. But I have ZERO seaplane time. So I have a few questions.
Local CFI has flown in this plane and was VERY concerned about the freeboard. He stated that water was only inches from swamping and sinking the plane. He's about a 200 pounder if I had to guess. He said one good wave would sink you.
Further, the tailwheel has been modified to stay down as they never could sort the retract mechanism and had incidence of the tailwheel being jerked down violently on water landings. In fact, I'm pretty sure the plane is for sale because the owner feared water operations and and Aventura has makes no sense if you're not going to use it for it's designed purpose.
Last, the plane has a 912 and glass panel display, transponder, all the bells and whistles, but has sat at least 5 years. What am I looking at to make it airworthy in terms of rubber seals for the engine, etc? What's a fair price if he gets it up and running and current annual?
Thanks for your input,
I have not seen anything in regards to it since. The market is strong right now so I doubt it unless he did not re-list. send me an email at alexr@sea-plane.com
Is there any chance that this plane is still for sale would like to look at it?
No idea who built it or when
Thanks, do you by chance know who built it?
Serial number is:
AA2A0122
It's in Alabama, 08A (Wetumpka)
Thanks for all the info, first of all I am not sure your CFI knows what he is doing. I wouldn't rely to deeply on his recommendation based on your information. How many AVentura hours does he have? The tail wheel does need to be retracted for efficient water operations, you can land or take off from water with it down but should be reserved for emergency operations. Do you have the serial number? That will tell us a lot. Also where is the plane located? We offer pre-buy inspections, and is the only way we could give you a cost estimate and accurate valuations. I can quote you for the pre-buy once we know where it is located. Thanks!