Mission Narrative
The Forgotten Revolution
In the early 20th century, seaplanes represented a monumental leap in aviation freedom. Unlike their land-bound counterparts, these aircraft could operate from countless waterways—lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal areas. This capability opened routes inaccessible to conventional planes, connecting remote communities and enabling exploration.
Southern California's firefighting fleet today remains tethered to runways, constrained by infrastructure limitations. This modern limitation highlights what we've lost by abandoning amphibious aviation.
Why Seaplanes Faded
During aviation's Golden Age, three metrics defined excellence: speed, altitude, and power. Seaplanes couldn't compete in these categories. Their design compromises for water operations meant they were slower, flew lower, and couldn't match the roar of powerful land-based aircraft.
As aviation prioritized these metrics, seaplanes became specialized tools rather than mainstream transportation. We traded versatility for performance metrics that served commercial and military interests, but not necessarily human needs.
Redefining “Best”
Skylab asks a fundamental question: What if we measure aircraft differently? For centuries, sailors measured success by how far they could travel using natural forces—wind and tide. What if aviation embraced similar principles?
Project Skylab — Key Paths
Mission Overview
Skylab is a reborn seaplane. Once an amphibious search-and-rescue hero, now retrofitted as a flying science vessel for education, data collection, and community cargo. She’ll fly missions from SF to Alaska and beyond — logging real-time weather data, RF mapping, and moving rare parts and precious stories.
Gen 1 Steam Conversion
- Engine: Twin Steam Turbines (1,500 HP class)
- Cycle: Open Exhaust — Atmospheric Vent
- Boiler: Remote Tank + Local Superheater
- Efficiency: Gen 1 Prioritizes Simplicity & Education
- Flight Role: Steam Proof-of-Concept, Teaching Tool, Low-Alt Cargo/Recon
Project Modules & Why It Matters
- Engine Retrofit & Avionics Modernization
- RF Mapping Suite
- Weather Sensors & Atmospheric Tools
- Modular Cargo Bay
- Education & Mission Logs
I remember very vividly what got me hooked on aviation. You ever FEEL the thunder on an SR-71 Blackbird engine in your chest as it does an afterburner test? Ever FEEL the pressure wave hit you in the face 3 times in a row as the Space Shuttle comes in to land? I have had the honor and privilege :) It's something that sticks with you forever.
Back in the early 90s, the Golden Age of Aviation was at its Apex. 9/11/01 was not even a POSSIBILITY in people's minds. Our parents were so PROUD of what the country had accomplished. The science, the tech, the medicine. They wanted their kids to see it all! LOOK! LOOK at your future! And I gotta say, it was a very bright looking future indeed. As a child, I was able to walk around all sorts of air bases and space labs. Palmdale, Edwards AFB, JPL, Miramar (Top Gun!!), North Island (Top Gun again!). All of it.
I know the world is a different place now. But if you have the opportunity to show your kiddos something EXTRAORDINARY, please: take the day off work and go experience it with your family :)