Development and Company History
The Glass Goose emerged from the consolidation of amphibious aircraft technology in the early 1990s. Tom Scott founded Quikkit Division of Rainbow Flyers, Inc. in 1992 specifically to market this ambitious amphibian design. The following year, Scott acquired the production tools and manufacturing jigs from Aero Composites, the original developers of the Sea Hawker amphibian. The Glass Goose represented a substantially revised evolution of the Sea Hawker design, incorporating significant improvements in both structure and performance.
Technical Innovation
The Glass Goose broke conventional design boundaries by combining biplane configuration with modern composite construction. Its all-fiberglass structure supported four wings equipped with flaperons that served dual functions as both flaps and ailerons. The aircraft's wings were manufactured as single-piece assemblies, becoming permanent installations once fitted to the fuselage.
Powered by a 160-horsepower Lycoming engine mounted in pusher configuration, the Glass Goose drove a 62-inch four-bladed Warp Drive propeller. The upper engine mounting provided clear propeller clearance during water operations while maintaining favorable weight distribution. The hydraulically actuated retractable landing gear system completed its cycle in approximately five seconds, transforming the aircraft from land to water configuration with remarkable efficiency.
Operational Capabilities
The Glass Goose's dual-tire main landing gear configuration enabled operations from challenging surfaces, including soft-sand beaches where conventional single-wheel systems would struggle. A water rudder mounted beneath the air rudder provided precise directional control during water taxi operations. The aircraft incorporated extensive baggage storage both behind the cockpit seats and below the lower wing structure.
Range performance proved exceptional for an aircraft of its size. Tom Scott demonstrated the Glass Goose's capabilities by completing a non-stop flight from Dallas to Oshkosh, covering slightly more than 1,000 miles without refueling. This endurance capability positioned the aircraft as a serious cross-country traveler rather than merely a local recreational amphibian.
Production History
By October 1993, the Glass Goose had generated significant market interest within the experimental aircraft community. Forty-two aircraft were under construction at various stages, with seven already completed and flying. This production rate suggested strong initial market acceptance for the unique biplane amphibian design.
The side-by-side seating arrangement appealed to pilots seeking to share the amphibious flying experience with passengers or co-pilots. Unlike tandem configurations common in many experimental aircraft, the Glass Goose provided equal visibility and comfort for both occupants.
Market Challenges and Decline
Despite early production success, the Glass Goose faced mounting challenges through the 2000s. The complexity of amphibious aircraft certification, combined with the specialized nature of the biplane amphibian market, limited broader commercial appeal. By 2013, Kitplanes Magazine's annual survey found Quikkit Division unreachable, officially listing the Glass Goose design as unavailable.
Tom Scott's health issues further complicated the aircraft's future prospects. As the primary designer and company founder, Scott's involvement was crucial to ongoing production and customer support. Without his active participation, the specialized nature of the Glass Goose made continuation difficult for potential successors.
Legacy and Current Status
The Glass Goose represented an ambitious attempt to revive biplane configuration in modern amphibious aviation. While production ceased before reaching significant numbers, the aircraft demonstrated that innovative design approaches could still find market niches in experimental aviation. The combination of vintage aesthetics with contemporary materials and systems appealed to pilots seeking distinctive alternatives to conventional designs.
Today, the Glass Goose exists primarily in the aircraft completed during its active production period. The specialized nature of amphibious operations means these aircraft likely remain concentrated among dedicated seaplane pilots who appreciate their unique capabilities. The design's innovative features, particularly its rapid gear retraction system and dual-surface landing capability, influenced subsequent amphibious aircraft development even as the original production line remained dormant.
The Glass Goose's story reflects the challenges facing specialized aircraft in the kit-built market, where innovative designs must balance technical complexity with practical supportability to achieve long-term success.