SeaPlane Ops - An AeroCheck Enterprises, LLC Company - Your Grumman Albatross Specialists
F.A.Q.
Acquisition

Aircraft Acquisition Considerations
  • 1. Type Aircraft Available

  • 2. Long wing vs Short wing
    • The long wing vs short wing debate will continue as long as Albatrosses are flying.
      Some of the pros & cons of each are listed below
      • Short Wing Pros
        • No Life Limit on wing structure
        • Generally lower time airframes
        • Easier to find parking space & Hanger space
        • Lower empty weight
      • Short Wing Cons
        • Generally more expensive
        • Single engine performance less than Long Wing
        • Shorter range
      • Long Wing Pros
        • Generally less expensive
        • Better Single engine performance
        • Longer Range
      • Long Wing Cons
        • Life Limit on wing structure
        • Generally higher time airframes
        • Harder to find parking space & Hanger space
        • Higher empty weight

  • 3. Project vs finished
    • Project airplanes can be purchased for far less than flyable aircraft and the end product generally costs roughly the same. However a considerable committment of time is required to manage the restoration of an airplane. The range of conditions varies from a bare hull to a completely finished ready to fly aircraft. More details on each condition level are available below

  • 4. Pre Purchase Inspections
    • A thorough pre-purchase inspection of any Albatross is an absolute necessity. The Albatross is a fairly complex aircraft mechanically. In addition corrosion is a major factor to be investigated before deciding to purchase any seaplane. The Albatross is also a unique airplane that should be inspected by a mechanic familiar with the type or at least other large Radial Engines airplanes and seaplanes

  • 5. Price Range
    • The price range of Albatross can vary from $50,000 for a bare hull to over $1,000,000 for a top of the line well outfitted airplane. On average a good Albatross will run in the $400,000 to $600,000 range. Paint, Interior, Avionics and Engine condition are all major factors in determining the value of a particular airplane

  • Aircraft Options

    Barebones Project

    These airplanes have generally been in storage since retirement. Large numbers of parts have been removed. Usually do not include engines or props. Many are missing flight controls and landing gear. May require significant sheet metal repairs

    • Initial Acquisition - $50,000 - 75,000
    • Restoraton Costs - $250,000 - 500,000
    • Number Available: Approximately 4-10
    • Advantages
      • Low initial cost
      • Total control over finished product
      • Known condition when completed
    • Disadvantages
      • Longest Time frame
      • Greatest Organizational requirements
      • Final costs most variable
      • Missing parts need to be found

    Ferryable Project

    These airplanes have generally been in storage since retirement. Aircraft is complete with no major components missing. Repairs necessary to bring the aircraft to a Ferryable condition have been completed, such that the aircraft can be relocated to a more desirable location for further restoration. May be licensed or operated on a single event Ferry Permit. Engine conditions will vary from fresh overhauls to run out engines

    • Initial Acquisition - $200,000 - 300,000
    • Restoraton Costs - $150,000 - 500,000
    • Number Available: Approximately 4-10
    • Advantages
      • Reasonable initial cost
      • Excellent control over finished product
      • Known condition when completed
      • Can be made flyable during restoration
    • Disadvantages
      • Previously completed work unknown quality
      • Generally no interior
      • Missing parts need to be found

    Flyable Airplane

    These airplanes have generally been mostly restored and operated. However, they may have been placed in storage for a period of time and will probably require some general maintenance to ensure safety and reliability in regular operations. Some major components may be serviceable but about to require overhaul. Generally completed interiors. Engine times will vary.

    • Initial Acquisition - $350,000 - 600,000
    • Restoraton Costs - $100,000 - 250,000
    • Number Available: Approximately 10-15
    • Advantages
      • Ready to fly
      • Very little work to complete
      • More easily financeable
    • Disadvantages
      • Higher acquisition cost
      • Previously completed work unknown quality

    Custom Finished Airplane

    These airplanes have generally been completely restored and are being operated regularly. Most major components will be in good condition. Completed custom interiors. Engine times will vary.

    • Initial Acquisition - $500,000 - 1,000,000
    • Restoraton Costs - $0 - $150,000
    • Number Available: Approximately 2-5
    • Advantages
      • Ready to fly
      • Very little work to complete
      • More easily financeable
    • Disadvantages
      • Higher acquisition cost
      • Previously completed work unknown quality
      • Less cost effective to modify