The first Super Petrel was born in Brazil in 2002, and over the years has advanced in design and technology, with the latest XP being a really attractive aircraft.

Designed for the LSA (Light Sport Class) market, the Super Petrel has gained a strong following worldwide over the past 20 years. The Super Petrel has an impeccable safety record, and is considered one of the must have LSA amphibious aircraft in the market.

What makes the Petrel unique is its ability to fly off land, water and snow, which allows you to adventure into the wilderness and appeals to those that want to seek new places to explore and visit where conventional aircraft cannot go.

The latest model from Super Petrel, the XP series is an “entirely redesigned and re-engineered aircraft in the spirit of the original that has sold 399 versions,” according to officials with the Brazilian company.

Rodrigo Scoda and Fernando Abud, designers of the Super Petrel XP, firmly believe that they have now exceeded all expectations with this model and believe that the XP will outsell all their competitors. The prototype took to the skies in November 2022 and flew impeccably.

The latest Super Petrel XP is an entirely re-designed and re-engineered aircraft in the spirit of the original and is the product of 7 years of design and development. The new canopy aids in a more efficient aircraft, and really enhances the sexy look of the XP.

According to Roger Helton, president of Super Petrel USA, the longer hull of the XP enhances hydrodynamic efficiency, which makes water takeoff and landings at the new maximum allowable gross weight of 1,430 pounds “easier than ever.”

“The new full composite tapered set of wings makes the Super Petrel XP even more efficient and stable,” he continued. “State of the art nose and main wheels with larger tyres improve the Super Petrel XP’s operational ability on unprepared fields, such as grass, soft sand, or rocky beaches,” he said.

A redesign of the landing gear retracting system resulted in a 50% reduction of moving parts, said Helton, and the baggage area has been increased to allow for 60% greater volume. “Cruise speeds in excess of 100 knots will be the new normal,” he concluded.

The aircraft is still powered by the tried and tested Rotax series of engines, with the option of either the 100-hp Rotax 912is or the 141-hp Rotax 915is Turbo engine.

The new Super Petrel XP sets a benchmark for the light sport amphibian aircraft category. The company is now taking orders for the new aircraft, with deliveries expected to start in July 2023.

We truly hope a couple of these aircraft can make it to our southern shores.