By 1998 Percy still hadn't flown his Coot off the water, mainly because he didn't have a water endorsement on his flying licence. One day in early October I offered to water-test his Coot.

Percy wanted to come with me, but by this time he was too old and ill to climb aboard.

I flew over to Lake Koshkonong nearby, and felt thrilled at how well N481PH performed.

Two months later, Percy died from heart failure.