Grumman G-44 Widgeon

Twin Piston

The Grumman G-44 Widgeon is a small twin-engine amphibious aircraft that became one of the most beloved flying boats of the mid-20th century. First flown in 1940, the Widgeon was designed as a scaled-down version of Grumman's larger G-21 Goose, intended for the private owner-pilot market. With its distinctive boat hull, retractable landing gear, and folding wings for hangar storage, the Widgeon offered genuine go-anywhere capability: equally at home on grass strips, paved runways, or remote lakes and coastal harbors. Powered by two Ranger inline six-cylinder engines producing 200 horsepower each, the original models could carry four to five occupants at a cruise speed around 130 knots with a range of approximately 900 nautical miles. During World War II, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard operated military variants (designated J4F) for anti-submarine patrol, air-sea rescue, and utility transport duties. After the war, surplus military Widgeons flooded the civilian market, and many were re-engined with more powerful and reliable Lycoming radials, creating the Super Widgeon and McKinnon conversions that remain popular today. The type found its niche with bush operators in Alaska and Canada, island-hopping services in the Caribbean and Pacific, and wealthy sportsmen seeking a capable amphibian for fishing and hunting expeditions. Its rugged construction, benign handling, and ability to operate from unimproved surfaces made it a workhorse in remote regions where infrastructure was minimal. Today the Widgeon is a rare sight, with fewer than 50 believed airworthy worldwide, cherished by collectors and operators who value its classic lines and amphibious versatility. Maintenance can be challenging due to the scarcity of parts and the specialized knowledge required for both airframe and marine systems, but dedicated owners keep these vintage amphibians flying. SkyMeter has tracked 16 flights across 6 airframes and 6 operators, with REYNOLDS JOHN N IV the largest observed operator.