Wetsuit recommended, pilot's license optional*. FlyNano Proto, an electric, single-seat amalgam of a seabird and a seaplane, took its maiden voyages in Summer 2012. Now the Finnish company is working to develop its first production series, FlyNano Oy, in the spirit of "minimum red tape - maximum thrills."

FlyNano has no room for passengers and no room for cargo. It's purely a joy-flyer. Pilots must take off from and land in (relatively still) water, but once in the air they'll travel from around 45 to 85 mph at a service ceiling of up to 10,000 feet. The FlyNano craft itself is extremely light, constructed from advanced carbon fiber composite materials. An electric power train runs it cleanly and quietly, with minimal vibration for the pilot and minimal disruption to neighbors in the plane's vicinity. Designers anticipate an average range of 40+ miles per charge.

FlyNano dimensions include a 16-1/2' wingspan, 11-1/2' distance from nose to tail, and 4+' height. The company is currently accepting reservations for plane purchase. Their Option to Buy requires a $1,200 deposit, which returns a booking number representing each buyer's place in the production line. It is still unclear when FlyNano believes their Oy version will be ready to ship.

*Since FlyNano is below the European Aviation Safety Association's aircraft designation weight of 70 kg (154 pounds), licensing requirements are left to national authorities. In the plane's native Finland, no aviation license or medical certification is needed. In the US, you may need a Sport Pilot License.

Muchas danke to Manny for the Dude Product Tip.