Grumman G-21 Goose

Twin Piston

The Grumman G-21 Goose is a twin-engine amphibious aircraft that became one of aviation's most beloved flying boats when it entered service in 1937. Originally designed as a commuter aircraft for wealthy Long Island businessmen who needed to reach Manhattan by water, the Goose combined the practicality of a seaplane with the comfort of a cabin-class aircraft, seating up to eight passengers. Its distinctive high-wing configuration, retractable landing gear, and boat-like hull made it equally at home on water, land, or remote wilderness strips. During World War II, the U.S. military adopted hundreds of Gooses for transport, reconnaissance, and air-sea rescue missions, cementing its reputation for rugged reliability. After the war, surplus Gooses found new life in bush operations across Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean, where their amphibious capability made them indispensable for reaching communities without runways. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines producing 450 horsepower each, the Goose cruises at around 160 knots with a range of approximately 640 nautical miles. Its stall speed of 55 knots in landing configuration and never-exceed speed of 190 knots define a forgiving flight envelope well-suited to backcountry operations. Nearly nine decades after its first flight, the Goose remains in active service with operators who value its unique blend of versatility, nostalgia, and go-anywhere capability. SkyMeter has tracked 8 flights across 3 airframes and 3 operators over routes, with PEMBERTON ADDISON J, PEMBERTON WENDRA M the most frequently observed operator.