Well I'll be...... I grew up with Seaplanes and I'm a pilot. I absolutely love Seaplanes. This is the first time I have ever seen this design. I LOVE IT!!! I hope a plastic model of it is available.
I first spotted the Piaggio in some illustrated aircraft history book when I was a kid and have been in love since. I'd never in a million years believe there would still be any flying in this day and age, let alone have a chance to see one in the flesh at Oshkosh (I almost melted, lol)
One thing I didn't mention is that Piaggio took the P136, rounded out the hull and converted it into a landplane, the P166, which could accommodate more passengers or cargo. Another very cool design I find interesting. And though I can't find any articles supporting it, I truly believe the P166 must have served as a bit of inspiration for the Avanti.
1963 I saw 5 of the land plane successir Piaggio Portofino twin pusher land plane in New Guinea and Papua. They had engine trouble in that climate so 4 of them were in hangars with the engines being worked on. The Cessna Push Pulls were common but suffered from rear engine reliability .
There's only 3 left flying if I'm not mistaken, none on the market at present time. Last time I heard one was actually on the market it was going for around $750k.
I just saw spotted this, no idea how current this ad is, and based on the few pictures my guess it will need a lot of work done. www.aircraft.com/aircraft/201175871/1957-piaggio-p136-l1-royal-gull
Hi nice video! Where did you get the footage of N40040? Thats my grandfathers old plane, so great to see it (and him briefly!) he sold it in 2013 or so, think its one of the last three still flying!
