The one and only Fleetwings F-4 Sea Bird pictured during the time it was owned by Volitan Aviation of Pacoima/CA. The photo was taken by retired Fleetwings test pilot (William H. Engle) who originally flew it in 1937. He tracked it down to see how it had survived the years in between. Collection holder William Engle is the son of Fleetwings test pilot William H. Engle.

The prototype Sea Bird still in beautiful shape after over 80 years. The only sign of its age is the wrinkled skin which is a mere 0.010 inch thick stainless steel. At a period when most aircraft lasted about 10 years I'm sure Fleetwings did not worry about long-term skin durability at the design phase. Thanks go to then owner Walter Bowe, who arranged the photo session, for allowing its use. The aircraft is Texas based in 2024. Photo from: William Engle (photo credit Scott Slocum) via Tim Martin

The stainless steel Sea Bird prototype in Newport Beach, California. The 1960 date may or may not be a guess.

The sole Fleetwings F-401 Seabird four-seat amphibian. Built in 1936 using stainless steel. Preserved airworthy in Greg Herrick's private museum at Anoka-Blaine.