EXPERIENCE
My Experience Flying the Super Petrel Amphibious Bi-Plane
By Phil Foo
Flying has always been a dream of mine, and recently, I had the incredible opportunity to pilot a Super Petrel amphibious bi-plane. This unique aircraft, known for its versatility and safe design, promised an adventure like no other being able to land both on water and land.
The Pre-Flight Excitement
My day started waiting for my security clearance that allows me to be at one of the terminals at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) or fondly known as Subang Airport. With security cleared I approached the terminal with my heart raced with anticipation.
[ …soon we were flying at about 2000 feet. The sensation of lifting off the ground was smooth, and exhilarating. … ]
The Super Petrel stood out with its distinctive bi-wings, simple, and sleek design. The aircraft’s ability to take off and land on both water and land added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Although I fly a lot, this is my first experience flying in an amphibious plane, and also my first experience landing on water.
Getting Acquainted with the Super Petrel
Before taking to the skies, I spent some time familiarizing myself with the Super Petrel. The cockpit is really simple, with hydraulic controls, and seats that kept us sitting low somewhat like sitting in a sports car. The controls were intuitive, and the aircraft’s robust structure gave me confidence in its performance.
The beautiful Super Petrel LS with its bi-wings, each with a float underneath that makes maneuvers on water really good.
The Super Petrel is certainly an awesome airplane. It comes with the reliable Rotax engine that does not require aviation gas or fuel to fly. The Super Petrel ‘s Rotax engine flies with RON 95 petrol that is available at all petrol stations, bring flying cost down by about four times (at time of writing). This means that the Super Petrel is a low cost plane to own and fly.
Taking Off
With a deep breath, we started the engine and the propeller above the cockpit came to life. As we taxied to the runway, the thrill of what was to come washed over me. With clearance given we took off smoothly, and soon we were flying at about 2000 feet. The sensation of lifting off the ground was smooth, and exhilarating. The Super Petrel handled beautifully.
The cockpit of the Super Petrel LS.
Soaring Through the Skies
Once in the air, the true magic of the Super Petrel became apparent. The aircraft’s stability and responsiveness made flying a joy. We navigated through the clear skies, feeling the amazing sense of freedom and wonder. The cockpit offered breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding, and a bird’s-eye view of the landscape below.
The Amphibious Advantage
One of the highlights of the flight was experiencing the amphibious capabilities of the Super Petrel. We descended towards a river in Klang, and as we got closer, power was reduced as we lined up with a rather straight section of the river.
Views of the area below from 2ooo ft.
Flying over Kuala Lumpur city center where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers stand. What an amazing view.
As we got closer to the water landing, my heart raced with excitement. My first water landing, yay! The Super Petrel gently touched down on the river transitioning smoothly from air to water. There were no bumps; butter smooth landing, and we glided across the surface, showcasing the versatility of this remarkable bi-plane.
With floats on both its wings the Super Petrel is very stable on water. We did a few tight turns on the river. The plane felt more like a jet-ski on water. I am not sure how bi-planes usually act and feel when skirting on the top of a river, but what an amazing experience this is. After making a few circles on the river we took off to the skies again and headed back to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).
Landing on a river in Klang, Selangor.
floats beneath the bi-wings of the Super Petrel LS just as we are to touch down on the river.
Reflecting on the Experience
As we brought the Super Petrel back to the terminal at Subang Airport (SZB), I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment. Experiencing flying this amphibious bi-plane was not just about the technical aspects; it was about embracing the spirit of adventure and pushing the boundaries of my mind.
The Super Petrel provided an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of flight with the excellent experience of water landing. It was an adventure that reminded me of the endless possibilities that aviation offers and that flying experience left me eager for my next airborne adventure.
The Super Petrel is a stable plane and rather easy plane to fly.
An Awesome Plane
The plane I flew in is the Super Petrel LS, a small sporty plane that does not have to be stored in a hangar. It can be kept in one’s own garage saving money. It is easy on maintenance having little electronics, and being rather basic.
The bi-plane twin wings are energy efficient and has a higher stall tolerance making the Super Petrel a safer more versatile plane to fly. The Super Petrel LS has a written stall speed of 37 kt.
The Super Petrel came in two models; a Sports, and a Turbo. The Sports came with a Rotax 912iS-100 HP engine (mas cruise speed 100 kt), and the Turbo came with a Rotax 914UL-115 HP engine (max cruise speed 110 kt).
Preparing to roll and taxi out.
When it comes to climb the Super Petrel LS Sports has a max climb rate of 1000 (ft/min), and the Turbo has a max climb rate of 1400 (ft/min). The service ceiling of the Sports is 12,000 ft (FL 120), and the Turbo has a service ceiling of 14,000 ft (FL 140).
Take off of the Super Petrel LS Sports on ground is 262 ft, and on water 394 ft. The Turbo has a more efficient take off capability at 230 ft on land, and 328 ft on water. Landing for the Sports and Turbo models are similar being 394 ft landing on ground, and 328 ft on water.
The all new Super Petrel XP, an even more awesome amphibious bi-plane.
In terms of endurance the Super Petrel LS Sports can fly up to 6 hours vs 4 hours for the Turbo. Both models have a fuel capacity of 24 Gals (Usable).
So, if you are thinking of buying a small plane the Super Petrel planes are certainly worth taking a look at. Here is a little good news. Scoda Aeronáutica the makers of Super Petrel plane no longer manufacture the Super Petrel LS planes. The LS has since been replaced with the more efficient XP models that come the new Rotax 915iS Turbo engine with 141 horsepower.
The new Super Petrel XP comes with Rotax 915iS Turbo engine.
New more exciting cockpit of the Super Petrel XP.
There are more improvements made to the already awesome amphibious bi-plane, the Super Petrel LS that makes the XP an even more awesome plane to fly. I have not had the opportunity of flying in the XP just yet, but I am sure hoping to fly in one.
If you are interested in experiencing flying in an amphibious bi-plane and would like to experience landing on water, contact us +6012 883 1628 to book yourself a fun, exciting, adventurous experience. Do take note that advance booking is needed, and flying depends heavily on weather, and air traffic.
Google Maps to HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley.
