Super Petrel

What Super Petrel does

Super Petrel USA, Inc. is the exclusive US distributor and after-sales operator for the Super Petrel line of amphibious Light Sport Aircraft, manufactured by Scoda Aeronautica in Ipeuna, Brazil. The company imports, reassembles, performs FAA airworthiness certification on, and delivers these all-composite (carbon fiber/Kevlar/fiberglass) bi-wing amphibians from its headquarters at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport (Hangar 24) in Florida. Its product portfolio spans the legacy LS series ($197K-$200K range, Rotax 912/914 engines) and the next-generation XP/XP PLUS series (announced 2022, $367K for the XP PLUS with the Rotax 916iS 160 HP turbo and dual 10.6-inch Garmin G3X Touch displays), with cumulative worldwide deliveries approaching 400 units over 23+ years and 43+ in the United States. Core differentiators include corrosion-resistant composite construction enabling salt-water operations, a documented safety record of 13+ gear-down water landings without flips, fuel burn of 4-5 gallons per hour, and a 2,000-hour TBO on the 916iS powerplant.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer model anchored by $200 demo flights (credited toward purchase), factory-certified flight instruction (required 10 hours as a condition of warranty delivery), and an annual Tri-Fecta maintenance/training event in its fifth year. Revenue streams include new aircraft sales, aftermarket proprietary parts (sourced from the Brazilian factory), demo flights, and recurring maintenance training courses ($300-$400 per person). Customers are primarily individual recreational pilots — including retired military aviators and aerospace personalities — with a secondary flight-school channel (notably Water Wings Seaplanes in Alabama) and an authorized sales agent network spanning multiple US states. Marketing relies heavily on community building through social media, the Tri-Fecta event, EAA AirVenture participation, and earned media such as the 2026 Water Flying Magazine cover feature. Core strategic dependencies are the Scoda Aeronautica manufacturing relationship and key supplier partnerships with Rotax (engines), Garmin (avionics), and E-Props (propellers).

Name

Super Petrel

Legal name

Super Petrel USA, Inc.

Website

https://superpetrelusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Super Petrel USA is the exclusive US distributor of Super Petrel amphibious Light Sport Aircraft manufactured by Scoda Aeronautica in Brazil, selling composite-construction bi-wing amphibians ($197K-$367K) to recreational pilots from its Ormond Beach, FL headquarters, with associated flight training and after-sales support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Amphibious & Seaplane Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAE)

Keywords

• Amphibious light sport aircraft
• Composite seaplane biplane
• Light sport aircraft distribution
• Amphibious flight training
• Aircraft maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ormond Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. New Aircraft Sales: Super Petrel USA generates primary revenue from the sale of new Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft. Aircraft are shipped from the Scoda Aeronautica factory in Brazil (two per container), reassembled at the Ormond Beach facility, receive FAA airworthiness certification, and are delivered to buyers. Models include the Legacy LS ($197K range) and the newer XP/XP PLUS ($367,000 for XP PLUS with dual displays and Rotax 916iS). This is a one-time hardware sale revenue model.
2. Demo Flights and Flight Training: The company charges $200 for XP demo flights (credited toward purchase), with additional demo flights at $100. They also offer certified flight instruction and maintenance training courses ($300 for the maintenance training course).
3. Parts and Aftermarket Support: Super Petrel USA stocks proprietary replacement parts (muffler tension springs, nose gear tires, main gear tires, wheel bearings, brake pads, gas springs) that must be sourced from the factory, alongside standard consumables available from Aircraft Spruce, Quality Bearings, and Desser Tire. This provides ongoing parts revenue for existing owner base.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Super Petrel USA distributes and supports Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft (LSAs) — bi-wing, all-composite seaplanes manufactured by partner Scoda Aeronautica in Ipeuna, Brazil. The company sells the Super Petrel LS (Legacy), 400 Series, XP, and XP PLUS directly to pilots from its Ormond Beach, Florida headquarters, where imported aircraft are reassembled, FAA airworthiness-certified, and delivered. Core service offerings include factory-certified flight instruction, a two-day maintenance training course, and aircraft maintenance and airworthiness inspection services.

Product overview

Super Petrel USA sells light sport amphibious aircraft manufactured by Scoda Aeronautica in Ipeuna, Brazil. The product lineup consists of two aircraft series: the legacy Super Petrel LS (available in various configurations with Rotax engines including 912 ULS, 912 iS, and 914 UL) and the newer Super Petrel XP/XP PLUS series (next-generation redesign launched in 2022/2023). Both aircraft are two-seat, bi-wing amphibious seaplanes featuring composite construction, with the XP series offering enhanced performance through a streamlined fuselage, increased fuel capacity, and higher-horsepower turbocharged engines. The company operates from Ormond Beach, Florida, serving as the U.S. headquarters and service center for aircraft import, reassembly, FAA airworthiness certification, and delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Super Petrel LS: Legacy Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft model featuring Rotax 912/914 engines, composite construction, and Garmin G3X avionics.
• Super Petrel XP
• Super Petrel XP PLUS

Products and services

• Super Petrel LS (Legacy Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft) The legacy Super Petrel LS is an all-composite, bi-wing Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft powered by Rotax 912 ULS, 912 iS, or 914 UL engines, with Garmin G3X or Dynon avionics available. It is sold to licensed pilots seeking salt-water-capable recreational seaplane performance with Garmin glass avionics and a price point anchored near the $197K–$200K range (2019–2021 reference).
• Super Petrel 400 Series The 400 Series is the 2021 enhanced version of the Super Petrel LS featuring the Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engine as standard, increased max operating weight to 1,430 lbs for land operations (600 lb useful load), Garmin G3X dual 10.4-inch displays, Day and Night VFR capability with Whelen lighting, and SiriusXM weather and radio. It marked the milestone serial number 400 in worldwide production and is targeted at recreational seaplane pilots.
• Super Petrel XP The Super Petrel XP is the next-generation clean-sheet redesign of the Super Petrel LSA, featuring a streamlined fuselage with a one-piece canopy, fully composite tapered wings, hydraulic landing gear, increased fuel capacity to 30 gallons, and the Garmin G3X glass cockpit. Available with Rotax 912iS (100 hp) or Rotax 915iS (141 hp) engines, it is positioned above the Legacy LS in the lineup.
• Super Petrel XP PLUS (2026 Model Year) The Super Petrel XP PLUS is the premium next-generation amphibious LSA in the lineup, featuring dual 10.6-inch Garmin G3X Touch displays, a streamlined one-piece-canopy fuselage, hydraulic landing gear, larger wheels, 30-gallon usable fuel capacity, and the Rotax 916iS 160 HP turbocharged fuel-injected engine paired with an E-Props Excalibur 5-blade propeller. Priced at $367,000 with Dual Display.
• Certified Flight Instruction Factory-certified flight training provided by Super Petrel USA or its network of authorized flight instructors. Training includes transition training for new owners, water-landing procedures, and ongoing proficiency training. Ten hours of certified flight training is required as a condition of delivery and warranty for new aircraft purchases.
• Maintenance Training Course Two-day line maintenance and annual compliance inspection training courses conducted at the Ormond Beach, FL facility, covering aircraft systems, Rotax maintenance compliance inspections, and technical manuals. A Certificate of Course Completion is issued; the annual Tri-Fecta event combines this training with technical seminars, priced at $300-$400 per attendee.
• Aircraft Maintenance Services Pre-purchase, annual, and 100-hour compliance inspections; propeller dynamic balancing; engine maintenance; and repairs performed at the Ormond Beach, FL facility (KOMN). Includes stocking of proprietary factory-sourced replacement parts (muffler tension springs, nose gear tires, main gear tires, wheel bearings, brake pads, gas springs) alongside standard consumables.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fuel burn of 4 gallons per hour (912iS) vs 10+ gallons per hour for conventional seaplanes — providing over 5 hours of endurance on standard fuel load
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Scoda Aeronautica LTDAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScoda Aeronautica LTDA, headquartered in Ipeuna, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the exclusive manufacturer of Super Petrel Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft. Founded by Rodrigo Scoda, the company has 20+ years of aircraft design and manufacturing experience. Super Petrel USA is the authorized US distributor. Scoda designs the aircraft around Rotax engines and uses EU-sourced carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass composite materials. The factory ships aircraft two per container to the US, where Super Petrel USA handles reassembly, certification, and delivery.
• Rotax (BRP-Rotax)coreTechnology or IntegrationRotax (a BRP subsidiary) produces the 4-stroke aircraft engines that power all Super Petrel models: 912 ULS (100 hp), 912 iS fuel-injected (100 hp), 914 UL turbo (115 hp), 915 iS turbo fuel-injected (141 hp), and 916 iS turbo fuel-injected (160 hp). Rotax engines are manufactured in Austria and have been building aircraft engines for over 45 years, used by more than 220 aircraft manufacturers. The Super Petrel is engineered around Rotax powerplants.
• Garmin InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationGarmin provides the avionics suite for all Super Petrel models. The 400 Series and XP include Garmin G3X dual 10.4/10.6-inch touch displays with full Garmin Suite including autopilot, ADS-B In/Out, SiriusXM weather and radio, terrain warning, traffic alerting, and moving map. Garmin G3X displays also provide gear position indication (GREEN for gear down, BLUE for gear up).
• E-Props (Excalibur Propeller System)coreTechnology or IntegrationE-Props (manufactured in France) produces the propeller systems for the Super Petrel. The XP with Rotax 916iS uses the E-Props Excalibur 5-blade propeller system with blade angles set at 29 degrees for optimal thrust from the higher-power engine. The company also supported earlier models with DUC Flash II propeller systems.
• Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Seaplane Pilots Association is the leading advocacy organization for seaplane pilots in the US and internationally. SPA's Executive Director Steve McCaughey has presented safety seminars at Super Petrel Tri-Fecta events. Super Petrel recommends SPA membership and the Water Landing Directory to prospective and existing owners. SPA fights for seaplane access rights and safety standards.
• Wings of Gold Aviation LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWings of Gold Aviation LLC (Louisa, Virginia), led by Bill Gortney (retired US Navy Admiral) and Mark 'Ziggy' Ziegler (retired USN FA-18/Blue Angel pilot), serves as an authorized Super Petrel sales agent. They also provide pre-buy/annual inspections and transition training for Super Petrel purchasers, working with local A&P mechanics.
• Water Wings SeaplanescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWater Wings Seaplanes in Alabama operates two Super Petrel aircraft available for flight training, making them a key training partner for prospective Super Petrel buyers who need transition training before insurance approval. They are referenced by Super Petrel USA as a recommended training resource.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Quest Aircraft (Kodiak): Quest's Kodiak 100 is a larger, utility-class amphibious-capable aircraft that competes with Super Petrel in the floatplane/private-owner space, particularly for buyers wanting STOL/unimproved-surface performance. It sits above Super Petrel in price and complexity, anchoring the higher end of the amphibious recreational and mission aircraft market.
• CubCrafters: CubCrafters builds the XCub and Carbon Cub series of backcountry/STOL Light Sport Aircraft that overlap with Super Petrel's recreational, unimproved-surface use cases. They compete for the adventure/private-pilot customer, though CubCrafters' aircraft are land-only versus Super Petrel's amphibious platform.
• Pipistrel: Pipistrel is a broader LSA/composite aircraft producer (Alpha Trainer, Velis Electro, Panthera) overlapping with Super Petrel in the Light Sport category. While not amphibious, it competes for the same recreational private pilot wallet share and represents the larger, more capital-backed LSA competitive set.
• Flight Design: Flight Design's CTLS and related LSAs compete with Super Petrel for the recreational Light Sport buyer, with similar Rotax engines and modern glass avionics. It is a comparable European-sourced, Rotax-powered LSA, though without amphibious capability.

Direct peers

• ICON Aircraft: ICON's A5 is the most direct competitor to the Super Petrel in the US amphibious Light Sport Aircraft market. Both target recreational private pilots seeking an easy-to-fly amphibian with modern avionics, though ICON's aluminum construction restricts salt-water operations where Super Petrel's composite hull excels.
• Progressive Aerodyne (SeaRey): SeaRey manufactures the Sport 100 and Elite amphibious Light Sport Aircraft, directly competing with Super Petrel in the recreational amphibian LSA segment. Like Super Petrel, it targets sport pilots and recreational owners wanting water and land operations, typically at a lower price point but with metal rather than composite construction.

Others

• Seaplane Pilots Association: While not a manufacturer, the Seaplane Pilots Association is a key ecosystem partner for Super Petrel and an industry advocacy body whose membership overlaps directly with the company's customer base. The SPA shapes seaplane access policy and is a critical marketing channel for amphibious LSA sales.
• Daher (TBM): Daher's TBM series is a much larger, single-engine turboprop that occasionally competes for the high-end private-pilot/owner-flown amphibian buyer. It is not a direct LSA competitor but represents the aspirational product above Super Petrel in the owner-flown market.

Emerging players

• Zenith Aircraft: Zenith's CH 750 STOL and amphibious STOL variants overlap with Super Petrel in the recreational Light Sport and bush-plane segment, with their own amphibious kit option. They are a kit-based competitor rather than a fully certified production aircraft, but compete for the same budget-conscious private pilot.
• Aviat Aircraft: Aviat's Husky A-1C and Christen Eagle II are STOL/biplane aircraft that compete for the adventure private-pilot segment, particularly the backcountry and short-strip market where Super Petrel also plays. They are land-only but share the recreational/experiential-pilot customer profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/superpetrelusa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCj5otWu1EfpoArQT-XFEZog
• Facebookfacebook.com/SuperPetrelUSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/superpetrelusa
• Instagraminstagram.com/super_petrel_2020

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Super Petrel