Piaggio P.136: The Graceful Pusher

Wisconsin pilot is the proud owner of one gallant 'Gull.'

Jay Selman

Friday, June 28, 2024 at 08:58 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The first flight of the P.136 occurred in summer 1948. [JayBird Aviation Photos]

Key Takeaways:

Piaggio Aerospace, a historic Italian aircraft manufacturer established in 1915, developed the unique P.136 "The Gull" amphibian after World War II.
The P.136 stood out for its unconventional design, featuring a tailwheel, pusher propellers, and a graceful appearance, contrasting with prevailing postwar aircraft trends.
The article details the extensive restoration and modifications of a specific 1954 P.136-L1, "N222A," initially by George Stevenson and later by current owner Barry Hammarback, who has flown it on numerous adventures.
The Piaggio P.136 remains a rare and admired aircraft, with only a few flyable examples known today, celebrated for its enduring design and unique capabilities.

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Piaggio Aerospace boasts a history of building some of the premier airplanes coming out of Italy. Formerly known as Piaggio Aero Industries, the company is one of the world’s oldest aircraft manufacturers, having produced its first design in 1915.

The 1920s and ’30s saw Piaggio’s prestige grow. The company added top aeronautical engineers and expanded its capabilities worldwide. And, of course, the firm made significant contributions to Italy’s war effort.