America's first turboprop seaplane transport -- the Convair R3Y Tradewind -- races down San Diego Bay for its maiden flight. Built by Convair's San Diego Division for the U. S. Navy, the 80-ton seaplane took off in less than 30 seconds and was flown during a shakedown test program for more than two hours on its first flight. Upon completion of the flight, Convair Test Pilot Don Germeraad said: "I have flown many types of seaplanes, but the R3Y is the best I've ever handled." February 25, 1954.