Searey History

Progressive Aerodyne was founded in 1991 by Kerry Richter and his business partners, Wayne Richter and Paige Lynette. With a long family history of building ultralight amphibious aircrafts, the company took the opportunity to create a new amphibious aircraft design and named it the Searey. Thus, the Searey took form and began flying in November 1992. 

The next year, the Searey Classic was introduced to the general public and was very well received, assuring two years worth of orders for the company and marking a place for the Searey name in aviation history. Since then, Progressive Aerodyne has enjoyed a dominant position in the light sport amphibious experimental aircraft market.

In January 2010, a significantly improved model, the Searey LSX, was introduced to the aviation community. This model has continued to gain international momentum. To date, close to 600 Searey Kits have been delivered to customers and over 500 are flying worldwide.

The company has continued to grow and increase its presence throughout the United States and internationally. It now has an established national and worldwide distribution network. Over the years, Searey amphibious airplanes have sparked a loyal following which has generated an international community of Searey owners and pilots around the globe.

In May 2010, the company moved their headquarters from Orlando to Tavares, Florida, known as 'America's Seaplane City', to facilitate its growth. A year later, Adam Yang, also a Searey pilot, owner, and builder, joined Progressive Aerodyne as CEO. Adam brought with him extensive experience in leadership and manufacturing operations from previous multinational corporations. 

In June 2014, Searey expanded it global reach with the opening of its sales office in Shanghai, China, to support the sale of Searey Light Sport Amphibious Airplanes. The Searey was first presented to the China market at air shows in 2009, where interest in Searey airplanes was overwhelming. Since then, Progressive Aerodyne participated in subsequent air shows and invested in research and marketing in order to advance the Searey in China. The company is currently working with Chinese aviation authorities to gain certification of the Searey. The Shanghai office will manage all marketing and sales and work with government authorities in China. 

Today Progressive Aerodyne in Tavares, Florida manufactures finished Searey seaplanes and is currently in full production of two configurations of Searey models, the Searey Sport and the Searey Elite, both of which have received FAA certification for airworthiness. In addition, the company continues to manufacture Searey Kit Airplanes.