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
All this work and what did it get me? Why did I do it?
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 :)