About me

My name is Philip Seale and I am the sole director of Westwind Aviation. I had my first introduction to flying in 1979. My career in commercial aviation commenced in 1985 as pilot of Cessna single engine aircraft in the Northern Territory of Australia.

My General Aviation career lasted for about 3000 flying hours flying a variety of singles and twin-engine piston and turbo prop aircraft in Australia and New Zealand. An airline career followed which took me about the world.

While I have been flying aircraft for many years, I have always been interested and enjoyed the engineering side of aviation, particularly building, and maintaining aircraft. Choosing to leave long haul flying early, I am focusing on my company actively supporting and promoting a growing community of ICP aircraft throughout New Zealand.

I am a member of the EAA (US), Cessna Pilots Association (US) and AOPA (US), AOPA (NZ), SAANZ, NZ 185 Group and the Marlborough Aero Club.

Why my interest in Light Sport Aircraft?

In 2015 while on Norfolk Island I chanced to meet someone who had built an aircraft with friends. The aircraft was an ICP Savannah S.

As so often is the case with aviators, an invitation for a flight was offered and. to say I enjoyed the experience was an understatement.I walked away with a lasting impression as to what a fantastic aircraft this was.

I had always harboured a desire to be involved in building an aircraft. Although being a member of the EAA (US) for about 25 years, I had not found an opportunity to do so. Following my introduction to the Savannah, I decided that was about to change and contacted the Australian agent for ICP to discuss the Savannah and then, to purchase one.

My Build

The Savannah owner on Norfolk Island upon learning that I had purchased a kit, advised he was returning to New Zealand for a time to visit family and offered to take me under his wing with the build in my hangar at Forest Field (NZFF).

When the aircraft was finished, it was registered, and a CAA certification survey was undertaken. The aircraft received a Permit to Fly, and the test flying was then conducted.

The aircraft would later go on to be awarded the 2017 best kit-built aircraft at the SAANZbiannual event held at Ashburton in the South Island.

The Agency

In 2016 I was appointed by AeroKits Australia as the sub agent for New Zealand.In 2018 I was appointed the sole Agent for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands by ICP.

In 2018 I was appointed the sole Agent for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands by ICP.

There are numerous Savannah S aircraft at various stages of build throughout New Zealand and several of these will be completed in the coming months.

A Ventura, the first of type in New Zealandwas recently issued a Permit to Fly.

We typically carry stock of kit sets and normally a factory built LSA or Micro Light Class 2 aircraft.

Why buy an ICP aircraft?

Customers often make the comment that the ICP Savannah S model was their preferred selection for a light sport aircraft after considering its safety record, stable handling characteristics, amazing range, short field capability, sturdy design, production quality, excellent flight visibility, local spare parts availability, and value for money. They are a great flight trainer for a flying school.

The attraction for me personally about ICP aircraft is that they are both a designer and manufacturer.

ICP are constantly innovating and consistently improving the quality and finish of their kits and factory-built models. In this regard, the company recently announced it is in the advanced stages of further improvements incorporated into a Savannah with the SR model, planned to be released late in 2024.

The Ventura is available as both a kit set and a factory build. It’s point of difference to a Savannah S is that it has a single strut, larger interior accommodation rear seat/baggage area, 600kg LSA or 800kg Experimental weight options, and powered by a choice of engines to suit the owner’s preference.

I believe when you take into consideration the exceptional value of an ICP kit or a factory-built aircraft, we will become your preferred choice. However just don’t take my word for it. If you would like to be put in touch with a builder or owner close to you, please contact me via the link provided.