Pondhopper
 

Looking for info on an old Ken Willard seaplane called the Pondhopper. Plans are from RCM I belive. Does anyone know how well it flies or have any other info?

RE: Pondhopper
 

I had one many years ago. Used a Falcon 56 wing. It was a super little airplane. It had very little frontal area so it could go like stink if you wanted. My favorite trick was if you got a very shallow rate of decent not to far off the water I'd let it hit the water going full bore. The flat bottom made a heck of a smack that got everyones attention and it would skip and fly away like nothing happened. The only two negatives I remember were I always ended up with water coming in under the front hatch, I had a water proof radio box up there but it was a pain. The other problem was helpers putting it in the water sometimes forgot it was a pusher and dragged their hand through the prop when they let go.

RE: Pondhopper
 

I saw one fly at a local float-fly two years ago. I was impressed enough to order the plans. I have yet to build it but it is next on the list to start cutting out the parts. I would say it flew as well as any of the flying boat arf's currently out there and is also distinctive as it is a pusher. The plans are available from RCM and the number is PL-634.