On July 1, 1997 our Chief Pilot Enzo De Blasio successfully took to the air in its maiden flight the P92 SEASKY, the amphibian version of the P92 Echo. The name SEASKY actually dates back to the 60's when a precursor of today's ultralight enjoyed its share of success. The new SEASKY was flown over the Castel Volturno airfield and waterfront and was subjected to numerous landings on both land and water that demonstrated the craft's excellent characteristics.
The program for this complex aircraft, that further extends the spectrum of TECNAM products, was launched during the Sun & Fun airshow of 1996 when experts from North and South America approached TECNAM for the possibility of adapting the P92 (for its inherently suited configuration and flight characteristics) to amphibian role.

One of the crucial design elements was the choice of floats among those readily available on the market. After careful evaluation, the FULL LOTUS inflatable keel design by same name Canadian manufacturer was selected; among its numerous qualities we list the following: outstanding ability to absorb and withstand impact; low weight, strong resistance to damage from dragging and puncture; buoyancy safety insured by eight sealed compartments per float; low hydrodynamic drag of air tunnel keel; possibility of hard-surface emergency landings; ease of on-site repairs.

These same floats may be equipped with four-wheel landing gear: two main wheels forward at CG location and two smaller wheels at the aft ends of floats. The smaller wheels are connected to two rudders for water maneuvering and the entire apparatus is controlled by the pedal bar insuring optimal control in both water and land. Flexibility of floats and supporting structure assures sufficient energy absorption during landing.

The wheel's steel legs are retracted with forward movement above the waterline by pneumatic actuators controlled via an electro-pneumatic device. Wheels can be lowered also if pneumatic system fails. The entire system is governed by a lever that mechanically disengages the apparatus and by an electric switch located centrally on dashboard. The wide doors of the P92 allow for easy access to float covers for mooring operations. The structure of the P92 is not subjected to any particular alteration except for an extensive anticorrosion treatment.

The tail fin balances the effects of floats on lateral-directional stability. The aircraft's excellent flying qualities such as stall behavior, stability and maneuverability are not varied. The engine (Rotax 912) remains unchanged; propeller diameter is increased and its pitch decreased. Thanks to the low weight of LOTUS floats and considering the elimination of the standard spring leaf main gear and nose gear, the Echo's weight is increased by nearly 30 kg for the floatplane version and by nearly 50 kg for the amphibian version.