A SEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION • NO. 211 • $3.95 SEP/AUG 2015
WIPAIRE'S 182 IS THE BOSS
AIRVENTURE SEAPLANES
YEAR OF THE SEABEE 8 SPA CORN ROAST
September/October 2015 • No. 211 FEATURES here Comes the Boss by Mark Twombly
Food, Fun. friends Wipaire is known as the world’s largest man- ufacturer of straight and amphibious floats, but the Minnesota company also has ven- the boss 16tured into aircraft modifications, such as the 16 modified and re-engined Boss Cessna 182 that offers better performance, useful load, and loading flexibility.
Seaplanes at AirVenture by Bill McCarrel
A little-known but vital part of EAA AirVenture, the seaplane base is located on Lake Winnebago just southeast of Wittman. 24Nestled in a shady cove on the west shore, the wipaire upgrades the 182 base exists to host seaplane arrivals for the
convention each year. It is a welcome refuge seaplanes at airventure from the hustle of the main show. 24 oklahoma to Oshkosh—and montreal—and Back by Les Cashmere
A 750-mile trek from Oklahoma to Oshkosh in the family Maule on floats was just the start of the summer adventure. After AirVenture it was 36north and northeast to Montreal, and then the long and interesting flight back to Oklahoma, The seaplane base experience all done in seven days. DEPARTMENTS to oshkosh and beyond 36 2 Exec. Director’s Message Fall Flights 4 SPA in Action SPA's New Website 7 2014 Annual Report 8 SPA Corn Roast 10 SPA Field Directors Listing 12 Briefs China and Seaplanes 40 Splash-in Marion Lake 41 Calendar Complete Schedule 44 Snapshots a family floatplane adventure
Cover: Wipaire's Boss. Photo by Jim Koepnick, Ccourtesy of WipaireONTENTS Executive Director's Message
We have so much news, and more ment for PK Floats, and Burt Rutan, importantly good news, to report that who gave numerous talks to bunker- we were challenged to fit it all in this busting crowds about his new SkiGull issue. triphibian. Membership sign-ups and 3859 Laird Blvd. SPA has made the final switch of the renewals reached the highest levels we Lakeland, FL 33811 seaplanes.org website domain name to can document, and we had 11 regular Toll-free: 888/SPA-8923 Voice: 863/701-7979; Fax: 863/701-7588 the new website: www.seaplanepilot- members convert to Lifetime member- [email protected] sassociation.org. Feedback on the new ship—a strong show of their long-term www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org website has been overwhelmingly posi- support to SPA. Wtive and, fortunately, the dreaded hid- Traditionally, seaplane events start SEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION den problems that you find only after to wind down in late summer after Officers going live have been minimal, to say the EAA’s AirVenture, but I am happy to EXEC. DIRECTOR Steven McCaughey least. Once again I would like to invite report that that is not the case in 2015. CHAIRMAN Phil Lockwood you to visit the new website, and wel- The lineup of post-Oshkosh seaplane Board President Stephen Williams VICE PRESIDENT Lyle Panepinto come your feedback as this is your site events includes Greenville, Maine’s, TREASURER Gordon B. Richardson and your resource. Annual International Seaplane Fly-In, sECRETARY John Touchette the Curtiss Museum’s Annual Seaplane Homecoming, Virginia’s Lake Gaston BOARD MEMBERS Splash-In, and AOPA’s Barnstormer’s Mark Baker Party at Surfside Seaplane Base in J.J. Frey Bruce Hinds Minnesota, to name just a few. Walter Windus We have scheduled our 2015 Member Meeting for Friday, November 6 at 10:00 SEAPLANE PILOTS a.m. in conjunction with a seaplane- FOUNDATION Officers event weekend that is being planned at CHAIRMAN Phil Lockwood Gilbert Field in Winter Haven, Florida. President Stephen Williams Our talks have continued with the city TREASURER Harry Shannon of Winter Haven and we are optimistic sECRETARY Walter Windus that we will have good news to report SPECIAL ADVISORS to you in the near future regarding our Robert A. Bryan lease for a new location to build a per- Robert Murray manent headquarters facility. David Quam Last but far from least, I would like EDITOR Mark Twombly This issue’s cover story is on the Boss to thank the team of staff and volun- ART DIRECTOR Susie Holly Cessna 182 amphib conversion that our teers who gave their time, sweat, and AD SALES Chester Baumgartner good friends at Wipaire produce. We money in a way that produced such an MEMBERSHIP MGR. Ann Gaines have been trying to fly and report on the amazing AirVenture year for SPA and powerful IO-580 conversion for a while our members. Thank you Mike Bailey, Copyright © 2015 Seaplane Pilots Association. All rights reserved. Water Flying (ISSN:0733- now, and our editor, Mark Twombly, Jessica Grega, David Quam, Austin 1754) is published bimonthly (January/Febru- finally got his hands on this impressive Watson, Karen Stemwell, Brad Fuller, ary; March/April; May/June; July/August; Sep- airplane at Oshkosh—once again before Christie Kenyon, Mark Twombly, Ed tember/October; November/December) by the I was able to. I’m glad we are finally able Tello and his clan, Randy Strebig, Bill Seaplane Pilots Association, 3859 Laird Blvd., to share with you Mark’s impressions of and PJ Gillespie, Mary McCaughey, Lakeland, FL 33811. Periodicals postage paid at the airplane. Ann Gaines, and the countless others Lakeland, Florida and additional mailing offic- Speaking of AirVenture 2015, it was for all you did. es. Postmaster: Send address changes to Wa- a tremendous success. Attendance was Enjoy this issue of Water Flying and ter Flying magazine, 3859 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, spectacular, and the rain-free weather the fall seaplane flying season, my FL 33811. Membership fees for the Seaplane was great for our annual SPA Corn friends. Pilots Association are $55 a year, of which $25 Roast and also the entire week-long is for annual subscription to Water Flying. Send all manuscripts to Editor, Water Flying maga- event. SPA and seaplanes dominated zine, 3859 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33811. Rea- the largest aviation event in the world sonable care will be taken in handling scripts, with the delivery of the first ICON but the magazine assumes no responsibility for A5, an impressive international order material submitted. for 20 Cessna Caravans on Wipaire amphibs, a multimillion-dollar order for Edo floats, a new owner announce- Water Flying magazine is accepting articles and photos for publication!
Technical articles especially welcome.
2 Water Flying September/October 2015 July/August 2010 Water Flying 3 SPA in Action SPA in Action
a brief overview of seaplane oppor- program; banners and links to program new spa website tunities in the state, links to seaplane supporters; and an online form that schools and commercial seaplane oper- allows young career-track pilots to apply marks official ators, a list of advocacy issues we are online for the scholarship. ■ working in the state, upcoming events, MEMBER launch and an easy-to-use feedback mecha- nism for submitting new state advocacy SPA UPGRADES SPA completed the launch of the new issues and events. association website (www.seaplanepi- • A visual dictionary of seaplane field director lotsassociation.org or www.seaplanes. terms, acronyms, and abbreviations org) this August. The official launch • An expanded photo gallery that also COMMUNICATIONS follows a soft launch this spring at Sun encourages members to submit photos n’ Fun, which generated valuable input of their seaplanes, flying adventures, To coincide with the official launch of from our volunteer alpha-tester mem- and water flying events. the new SPA website, SPA has divid- bers. • A video gallery with SPA advocacy ed its Field Directors into six regional At 286 pages and growing, the new videos, manufacturers’ videos, member groups that share similar waterway website is considerably larger than the videos, and even reviews and trailers and geographic features, and has initi- previous site. The increased size is due from movies and television shows that ated monthly conference calls for each to numerous new features designed to feature seaplanes. regional group. These sessions will serve bring more data and resources to our • A Tyler Orsow/Chuck Kimes to increase communication between SPA and AOPA members. Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship SPA headquarters and our volunteer New website features include: section that allows seaplane flight advocates; allow SPA to share updates SPA held a press conference at AirVenture to announce that AOPA President • A dedicated page for each state’s schools and individuals to donate ratings with Field Directors; provide new tools An electronic newsletter is part of the Mark Baker (right) has joined the association’s board of directors. Afterward, water flying community that includes and financial support to the scholarship to the Field Directors to help them improved communications strategy SPA Chairman Phil Lockwood (left) and Executive Director Steve McCaughey for the SPA Field Director system. (center) point out features of the SPA Water Landing Directory app to Baker.
achieve success in their advocacy agen- the company purchasing 35 SPA mem- support of this rapidly expanding seg- das; and provide our staff with more berships. Taking that strong show of sup- ment of the water flying community. comprehensive updates for the new state port even further, he offered to provide The group will meet via a conference pages on the SPA website as well as the SPA with Field Directors from within call once a month to discuss issues affect- Water Landing Directory, the SPA eLet- his staff. As a result, Rob Ceravolo will ing their operations, such as access to ter, and Water Flying magazine. ■ become SPA’s new South Florida Field waterways, safety, and regulatory con- Director, and Nick Veltre will become trols, among others. the new Bahamas Field Director. We thank the entire Tropic Ocean tropic ocean Tropic also joins Kenmore Air Harbor Airways team for their support of SPA, as a founding member of the new com- and look forward to sharing more of airways pilots mercial seaplane operators focus group their impressive operation with Water join spa that SPA is assembling to expand our Flying readers. ■ SPA Executive Director Steve The Tropic Ocean McCaughey attended the month- Airways team. ly Tropic Ocean Airways pilot safety meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, THE New SPA last August. Tropic is one of the fastest- website has growing commercial seaplane services more than in the United States, with an inven- 250 pages, tory of six Cessna 208 Caravans and a including a Cessna 206 that are flying extensively page devoted throughout Florida, New York, and the to seaplane Bahamas. Tropic also has been actively information paving the way to open seaplane access for each state. and service to Cuba. Tropic Oceans Airways President Rob Ceravolo committed his company to having a 100-percent SPA participation policy for its employees, which resulted in
4 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 5 SPA in Action SPA Annual Report
2014 represented a “technology” year for SPA. The the payment to the association for each Lifetime mem- association devoted considerable time and expense to ber is dispersed over 20 years. Advertising sales are the Dan Nowakowski was awarded a annual member Tyler Orsow/Chuck Kimes Memorial upgrading our software, systems, and developing the next most significant income source, followed by retail Seaplane Scholarship by SPA Water Landing Directory app. We also increased our merchandise sales, which are growing. meeting in Executive Director Steve McCaughey activity on the advocacy front. As for the financials, On the expense side of the equation, salaries—driven by at EAA AirVenture, and within weeks notice that annual membership dues represent consid- the addition of an additional part-time employee—is the november had earned his Single-Engine Sea erably less than half of SPA’s annual income. Lifetime single largest expenditure. Water Flying magazine is the rating. Nowakowski, a soaring enthu- Membership sales have added considerably to member- second most significant expense, followed by trade show SPA will hold its 2015 Member Meeting siast, said he has taken a year off ship income, but it also generates a long-term liability as and advocacy travel expenses, and professional services. ■ at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, from college to earn as many pilot 2015, at Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport certificates and ratings as possible. 2 The SPA-administered scholarship in Winter Haven, Florida. Members are is awarded on a competitive basis to invited to hear SPA staff and directors career-oriented young pilots. 2014 INCOME TOTALS provide a comprehensive “State of SPA” briefing, which will include a review of FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS $ 15,000.00 current SPA activities and future initia- LOUISIANA AND TEXAS GREENVILLE BREAKFAST $ 1,750.00 tives we are planning to engage in on CORRECTIONS Cubs, Floats and Fun CORN ROAST $ 44,380.00 members’ behalf. 200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville, LA INVESTMENT INCOME $ 20,791.56
This is a great opportunity to get Following are updates to the recently 71360 CONTRIBUTIONS $ 7,524.00 one-on-one time with SPA staff and published Seaplane Training Guide: David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, INSURANCE ROYALTIESS $ 27,041.00 board members, and other passion- Houston, TX DISPLAY ADVERTISINGS $ 125,307.31 ate members who attend the member FLORIDA Contact: Dave Lewis 318/880-7787 SHIPPING & HANDLING FEES $ 4,820.89 meeting. Adventure Air Inc. Email: [email protected] The city of Winter Haven is planning 6223 U.S. Highway 27 North PBM21, Website: www.cubsfloatsandfun.com MERCHANDISE SALES $ 55,544.65 a seaplane festival to coincide with this Sebring Aircraft: Piper PA18 Super Cub LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP SALES $ 19,735.00 year’s meeting. The festival will pro- Contact: Art Stifel; 863/273-0910 Courses: SES MEMBERSHIP DUES $ 224,194.55 vide SPA and the seaplane community Email: [email protected] Comments: Cubs Floats and Fun pro- with an opportunity to interact with the Website: http://adventureairinc.com vides flight training in our PA-18 Super larger land-flying community and non- Aircraft: Lake LA4-200 Cub on floats or wheels, or in your air- flying general public. Planned activities Courses: SES, Advanced training craft. We also provide training in other include a parade of seaplanes that will Comments: We are experienced in all Lake aircraft, and ferry service. tour the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, models as well as the Searey, Aventura II, media flights, and numerous other out- Seawind, and Light Sport. We also train in BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA reach activities. ■ your aircraft. For more detailed informa- Seaplane Adventures no longer is oper- tion please see our website. ating. ■ 2014 EXPENSE TOTALS New Lifetime Members FAA Advisory Circular AC61-91J, CORN ROAST EXPENSES $ 15759.7 SEAWINGERS and www.faasafety.gov. BANK &BROKER SERVICE CHARGES $ 8810.7 Bradley Savage POSTAGE $ 22156.6 The Seaplane Pilots Association con- Cathy Blessing TELEPHONE &FAX $ 7391.12 gratulates the following for their focus Robert Wilson The FAA’s revitalized Pilot Proficiency FACILITIES &UTILITIES $ 16355.2 David Anderson Program for seaplane pilots, known on seaplane safety and proficiency as MISC. EXPENSES $ 2356.32 Gary Salerno as “Seawings,” has welcomed a num- demonstrated by their participation in TAXES &INSURANCE $ 5866.73 Stephen Mestler ber of seaplane-rated pilots who the Seawings program. ■ BOARD EXPENSE $ 6265.3 Barry Stott have completed a Seawings phase in TRAVEL, MEETINGS & SHOWS $ 49928.8 Robert Mai Basic Mike Bailey a seaplane or amphibian. MEMBERSHIP PREMIUMS $ 10616.6 Taylor Oliver Master Jessica Grega The Seaplane Pilots Association INVENTORY RELEASED $ 41407.4 Jim Pitman Basic Mary McCaughey encourages all seaplane pilots to par- OFFICE SUPPLIES $ 8685.53 Alexander Slingeland David Hensch Basic INTERNET SERVICES $ 7210.07 ticipate in the Seawings program, and Peter Leventhal Basic, Advanced Matthew Blackwell WLD PRODUCTION $ 3600 will send a special lapel pin to those Serge Abitbol Basic PRINT &MAIL SERVICES $ 12572.8 Donors who complete a Basic, Advanced, or Jose Navares Basic, Advanced, PROFFESIONAL SERVICES $ 34269.6 Mike Bailey $300 Masters-level phase. For more infor- Master WATER FLYING MAGAZINE $ 148948 Kevin Hughes $500 mation about the Wings program see Eric Hendrickson Master STAFF SALARIES, WAGES, BENEFITS, &TAXES $ 176401 Steve McCaughey $300 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS-FUTURE YR. $ 19735
6 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 7 SPA in Action SPA’s AirVenture Corn Roast Thankyou
EAA’s AirVenture is so big, so long, and features so many things going on that it’s tough to pick one activity or event that tops them all—unless The Seaplane Pilots Association thanks the companies that, through their you were one of the 600 or so people at SPA’s generous sponsorship and participation, helped make the SPA Corn Roast at annual AirVenture Corn Roast who enjoyed good food, good friends, and good times. This year’s EAA’s AirVenture 2015 not only possible, but also tremendously successful and, Corn Roast was a resounding success on all most important, a heck of a lot of fun. fronts—food, friends, and good times—all while It’s called the Corn Roast, but grilled brats are just as much of an attraction. contributing precious financial resources to SPA’s mission of advocating for seaplane owners and Thanks, and we sure hope to see everyone at next year’s Corn Roast. pilots, and supporting the seaplane community with information, education, and opportunities to enjoy water flying. Be sure to put the next SPA AirVenture Corn Roast on your long-range plan- ning calendar. It happens on Thursday evening, PRESENTING SPONSOR: July 28, 2016. See you there! ■
Anheuser Busch donated beverages for the big event. GOLD SPONSORS:
Burt and Tonya Rutan prepare to chow down at Auctioneer Greg Smith brought in Bill and PJ Gillespie won the con- this year's SPA AirVenture Corn Roast. record bidding. test for best flip-flops. SILVER SPONSORS:
SPA Florida Field Director Mike Bailey pitches a strike… …and drops boss Steve McCaughey into the dunk tank.
8 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 9 SPA Field Directors SPA in Action
Have a question about a waterway or some other seaplane issue tionships and conduct community outreach and education; and to U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) specific to your area? Ask your SPA Field Director! Field Directors manage and vet information on local waterways for SPA’s Water 1. Publication Title: Water Flying 2. Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated are experienced seaplane pilots and owners who have volunteered Landing Directory. They are knowledgeable about the waterways 2. Publication No.: 0065-6400 on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above to serve as SPA’s front-line commanders to protect, preserve, and and restrictions in their area, or they know who to contact to get the 3. Filing Date: August 25, 2015 nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and promote water flying in their region; to maintain community rela- information. They are happy to hear from you. 4. Issue Frequency: Bimonthly exchange copies) 1 1 STATE NAME E-MAIL PHONE 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 6 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25.00 Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (not printer): 3859 Outside USPS. 691 941 Alabama / Georgia Troy E. Wheeler, Jr. [email protected] (404) 702-7766 4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Alaska John Pratt, Jr. [email protected] (907) 274-2990 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33811 Arizona Tod V. Dickey [email protected] (602) 525-5916 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Office of Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail). 0 0 Arkansas / Louisiana Lyle Panepinto [email protected] (504) 394-5633 Publisher (not printer): 3859 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33811 C. Total Paid Distribution 5,999 6,120 California / Nevada / Utah Walter B. Windus [email protected] (408) 255-1917 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor: Publisher: D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and outside Colorado Ray Hawkins [email protected] (303) 342-1537 Seaplane Pilots Association, 3859 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33811; Editor: Mark R. the Mail) Colorado / New Mexico David Nagler [email protected] (505) 989-7211 Twombly, Seaplane Pilots Association, 3859 Laird Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33811 (Include Sample, Complimentary, and Other Free Copies) Connecticut / Massachusetts Jeff Moody [email protected] (413) 281-7576 10. Owner: Seaplane Pilots Association, a not-for-profit membership corporation 1. Outside-County Copies Included on Florida Jon Brown [email protected] (863) 956-2243 incorporated under the laws of the state of New York. Address: 3859 Laird Blvd., PS Form 3541 46 90 Bill Schmalz Florida [email protected] (561) 414-6865 Lakeland, FL 33811 2. In-County Copies Included on Florida/Missouri Mike Bailey [email protected] (314) 249-6680 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding PS Form 3541 0 0 Idaho Mike Kincaid [email protected] (208) 635-5102 3. Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through Illinois Gordon Olson [email protected] (773) 852-3700 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None Indiana Randy Strebig [email protected] (260) 424-5371 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) 0 0 Iowa / Nebraska / Wyoming Andrew L. Winstrom [email protected] (402) 943-6383 nonprofit rates: Has not changed during preceding 12 months. 4. Distribution Outside the Mail Kentucky / Tennessee / West Virginia Lloyd “Whig” Bell [email protected] (615) 604-4995 13. Publication Title: Water Flying (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms, Maine Stephen Williams [email protected] (207) 350-2120 14. Issue date for circulation data below: July/August 2015 and other sourcess) 0 0 Maine Dave Latham [email protected] (207) 446-6286 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average No. No. Copies of E. Total Free of Nominal Rate Distribution 46 90 Michigan Brian Van Wagnen [email protected] (517) 764-4193 Copies Each Single Issue F. Total Distribution (Sum of 15C and 15E) 6,045 6,210 Minnesota Mary Alverson [email protected] (612) 240-0123 Issue During Published Nearest G. Copies Not Distributed 845 810 Minnesota Jerry Potter [email protected] (952) 884-5932 Preceding 12 Months to Filing Date H. Total (Sum of 15F and G) 6,890 7,020 Montana OPEN A. Total No. of Copies (Net press run) 6,890 7,020 I. Percent Paid 99% 99% Nevada Robert Lober [email protected] (775) 843-7908 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: September/October 2015 Issue New Hampshire Ken Costa [email protected] (603) 630-0076 B. Paid and/or Requested Distribution New Jersey David Baldwin [email protected] (802) 558-4246 1. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions 17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. New York Steve Kent [email protected] (914) 202-5506 Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include Steven M. McCaughey, Publisher North and South Carolina / Virginia Ed “ET” Tello [email protected] (704) 491-3152 paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s North and South Dakota Jeff Faught [email protected] (701) 250-8081 proof copies, and exchange copies) 5,307 5,178 Ohio Jim Priest [email protected] (216) 390-3942 Oklahoma Steve Robinson [email protected] (918) 289-3940 Oregon Cliff Gerber [email protected] (503) 313-0840 Tennessee Bill Rucinski [email protected] (615) 308-7274 Texas Gordon B. Richardson II [email protected] (713) 302-2021 Texas / Oklahoma Herbert K. Hagler [email protected] (214) 566-4476 Vermont Douglas W. Smith [email protected] (802) 372-4040 Virginia Steve Harris [email protected] (301) 606-0723 Washington Karen Stemwell [email protected] (206) 232-1644 Washington Austin Watson [email protected] (206) 979-4654 Wisconsin Gary Mueller [email protected] (715) 272-1917 Italy Cesare Baj [email protected] Canada Bill Gillespie [email protected] (807) 475-5600 Mexico Carlos Gottried [email protected] 52 55-43492400
www.seaplanes.org
10 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 11 Briefs Briefs
EDO will build composite floats AVIC chose EDO because of its long me and so many others to aviation as tion. Many have tried and failed when for Chinese-built Y-12E. history and experience, especially with young eagles get children, and it shows how well aligned it comes to bringing truly revolutionary float certification, Carroll explained. ICON’s and Young Eagles’ missions are. aircraft to market in recent decades, so EDO will partner with a Seattle-area first icon a5 Yeah baby! ICON, you rock!” there is often understandable skepticism aerospace company, thought to be Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman of the in our industry. But after flying the A5 Boeing, to design and construct the EAA’s Young Eagles were awarded the Board and former CEO of Cessna myself and seeing it perform firsthand, I composite floats. EDO will manage the first A5 customer aircraft to be deliv- Aircraft, noted that “EAA’s mission is to can say unequivocally that aircraft deliv- certification process. ered by ICON Aircraft. ICON CEO help support and grow general aviation ers on its promise. It’s incredibly easy Initially EDO will deliver straight Kirk Hawkins presented the innova- at every level. ICON’s mission couldn’t to fly, safe, forgiving, and ridiculously floats, followed by amphibians. The tive LSA amphibian to Young Eagles be more aligned with ours, and seeing fun. Not only is it the perfect aircraft to new composite floats will be “rough- Chairman Sean Tucker in a ceremony them succeed benefits all of general avia- introduce young aviators to the thrill of ly based on an existing EDO design,” at AirVenture 2015. Carroll said. EDO is expected to deliver “Our mission is to make flying more two sets of the Y-12E floats each month, accessible to the thousands who dream beginning in 18 to 22 months, with the about it but consider it out of reach, last of the converted Y-12Es to be com- including our youth,” Hawkins com- pleted in 2017. The Y-12E “will be the mented. “EAA’s Young Eagles shares first medium-to-large seaplane to use that same vision and we couldn’t think carbon-fiber floats,” AVIC said. of a more worthy recipient for the first tourism flourishes. Thus the current Carroll said he hopes one of the ICON A5. Old, young, and in between, china, the u.s., focus on seaplanes, he said. 18-passenger Y-12Es, which received the A5 was specifically designed to AVIC said its “aggressive expansion FAA certification in 2006, will be at change the way you experience personal and seaplanes in the last two years has seen it extend its EAA AirVenture in 2016. flying–and it will. I can’t wait to see all seaplane bases from Zhejiang to Fuzhou The PK purchase was similar to SR the smiling faces of those youth who get $100 million, and probably more. That’s and along the southeastern coastal area.” Aviation’s purchase of Continental and to fly in it for the first time.” what the Aviation Industry Corporation The company “intends to widen its sea- Cirrus in that it was “more of a strate- “I am very humbled and ecstatic to be of China—AVIC—is spending on U.S. plane bases to cover the Pearl River gic acquisition so we can understand taking delivery of this magnificent fly- seaplane products in 2015. Delta Region and Yun Nan province. the business,” Carroll said. Along with ing machine on behalf of Young Eagles,” As reported in the July/August Water A strong fleet of seaplanes is there- manufacturing existing float models, Tucker said. “It’s exactly the perfect air- Flying (page 10), AVIC’s U.S. subsidiary, fore imperative for AVIC’s expansion PK is interested in developing two new craft for our mission of showing the kids SR Aviation, has purchased PK Floats plans,” it said. The EDO-shod Y-12Es float models, one for Part 23-certificated across America, many of whom would in Lincoln, Maine, for an undisclosed and Wipline-equipped Caravans are aircraft and one for Light Sport Aircraft, not otherwise be able to experience the amount. SR Aviation also owns Teledyne intended to fulfill that need. according to Carroll. PK is talking to magic of flying, that aviation is a fun and Continental Motors and Cirrus Aircraft. “It’s our intention to be the largest sea- six airframe manufacturers about floats, exhilarating adventure which empowers At AirVenture 2015, AVIC announced plane operator in China, and the world,” he said, as well as an Australian LSA you to become the best you can be. The that it has awarded a $50 million contract Carroll said. manufacturer. ■ A5 captures the essence of what drew to EDO Floats, a subsidiary of Kenmore Air in Seattle, to design, certify, and EAA Young Eagles line up with the A5 that produce 100 sets of carbon-fiber floats ICON has donated to the organization. for the Harbin Y-12E, a Chinese twin- turboprop similar to the de Havilland Twin Otter. Also at AirVenture it was announced that AVIC has ordered 20 sets of Wipline 8750 amphibious floats that will be installed on the 20 new EX-model Caravans it has ordered from Cessna Aircraft. General aviation in China is still in its infant stage, commented Patrick Carroll, Vice President of International Business for AVIC Joy Air Holdings, at an AirVenture press conference. The aviation infrastructure is not geared to general aviation, airspace is restrictive, and costs are high, he said. However, seaplanes are an exception, especially along China’s southeast coast where
Water Flying September/October 2015 12 September/October 2015 Water Flying 13 Briefs Briefs
flying, but I’m getting one myself.” floatplane in the country, a Cessna 206 60 mothers and children, by flying more to demonstrate God’s love by providing Prior to being handed over to Young amphib, since April 2010 on emergency than 300 hours on 117 emergency flights. aviation and medical services in remote Eagles, ASN-001 participated in ICON’s evacuation flights, medicine delivery, disas- Now Samaritan Aviation has pur- areas”—Samaritan Aviation is incorpo- FAA audit in June and was the first A5 ter relief, and community health programs. chased and outfitted a second Cessna rated as a 501(c)(3) organization, with half to receive an S-LSA airworthiness cer- Samaritan says it has delivered more 206 amphib floatplane that it will ship of its funding based on grants from the tificate. than 100,000 pounds of medical supplies in a container to Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea government and half ICON brought two flying A5s to to 37 air posts located along the Sepik The airplane was on display at the Vette on donations from individuals, companies, AirVenture, and gave rides to some 150 River, and has saved more than 390 lives, Seaplane Base at EAA AirVenture, and churches, and foundations in the U.S. people including deposit holders and 60 percent of whom are mothers and won the Judge’s Choice award. For more information and to donate media. At AirVenture ICON offered a their babies. In 2014 alone the charitable A faith-based organization—its web- to Samaritan Aviation, see www.sama- special price of $2,000 for a deposit on organization saved 103 lives, including site says that “Samaritan Aviation exists viation.com. ■ an A5, and following the show ICON reported that it now has orders for 1,500 A5s. ICON is establishing com- pany headquarters and a final assembly facility in Vacaville, California. ■ floatplane The full-size mockup of the MVP amphibious LSA that debuted at last year’s EAA odyssey recalls AirVenture was on display at the Vette Seaplane Base at AirVenture 2015. Design engineering work has been completed, and the company is seeking additional epic flight funding to build a flying prototype. MVP has $100,000 deposits for 30 aircraft, most from a Chinese company that also will manufacture and distribute the SkiGull Revealed How’s this for a seaplane adventure: MVP in Asia. The MVP design is unique in that it can be used as a fishing and 188 days of flying covering 26,579 miles swimming platform, and even converts to a camper. For more information see For the first time, at AirVenture 2015, Burt Rutan made public his and 20 countries landing only on water, MVP.aero. drawings and photos of his innova- having back surgery in Saudi Arabia, Mark Palm, president of Samaritan Aviation (left) and Bruce Johnson, who advis- tive SkiGull seaplane design. ditching off the Aleutians, seeing the Coleman. Now, 25 years later, Coleman, “I wanted everyone to know how it es the organization on aircraft and training, with their latest Cessna 206 amphib. National Aeronautic Association refuse along with editor John F. Infanger, has really happened…what went on behind to recognize the record flight and, final- written a detailed account of the epic the scenes,” he says. “I also wanted the ly, being forced to sell the Cessna 206 trip and the many international hoops world to finally recognize that Casey’s that accomplished the remarkable feat. that Coleman had to jump through dream turned out to be a feat unequalled So goes the story of the irascible Tom to keep the journey going. The book, in the annals of aviation, and one worthy Casey, who in 1990 flew his Wipaire Floatplane Odyssey, chronicles the often- of official record-setting recognition.” straight-float 206, which he had named difficult dealings with the headstrong For more information and to order a Liberty II, around the world. Casey Casey. Coleman writes that the “ongo- copy of the 394-page Floatplane Odyssey, had sponsorship from Phillips 66 and ing mantra” throughout the trip was, go to www.floatplaneodyssey.com. ■ organizational and promotional help “Where the hell is Casey?” from public relations veteran William T. Coleman says the book was his dream. samaritan serves papua new guinea
Papua New Guinea is said to be one of the most rural countries in the world, with just 18 percent of the population living in urban areas. For example, some 200,000 people live along the 700-mile-long Sepik River, and many of those people are served by just one hospital in a 30,000-square-mile area. That presents a significant problem for those who need medical attention—a Tom Casey and “Liberty II,” problem that Samaritan Aviation is work- the 206 he flew around the ing hard to address. world on straight floats. Samaritan has been operating the only
14 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 15 Here Comes the Boss Wipaire one-ups the Cessna 182
Story by Mark Twombly Photos by Jim Koepnick, courtesy Wipaire Inc.
ipaire’s new Boss 182 amphib puts an exclamation point on two absolute truths in aviation. First, the 182 is a universally recognized gem in Cessna’s lineup, a versatile, comfortable, reliable airplane with an understandably long production his- W tory. Second, there is no substitute for power; the more the better. The Boss 182—let’s Shapely composite-construction Hartzell float struts near the lower corners of sents a more modern, roomier, more country flying, in part because it is opti- just call it The Boss—embraces those Trailblazer prop propels The Boss. the firewall. This distributes loads to capable alternative to a popular, proven, mized for maximum takeoff perfor- two truths. Wipaire takes an already- the new heavy-duty engine mount and but aging workhorse of the floatplane mance, but that emphasis, combined good airframe, refurbishes it inside and beefed-up fuselage. (Along with several fleet—the Cessna 185, Addis adds. with its lower noise signature and out; beefs up the structure in strate- internal braces in the engine plenum, “With the structural mods, big engine, water-damage-resistant design—the gic locations; boosts max gross takeoff Wipaire installs a large skin doubler on and extra useful load you get a new, blades have a mesh erosion shield and weight; replaces the wheels with a set each side of the fuselage in the area of wider airframe that performs better field-replaceable nickel-cobalt leading of Wipline 3000 amphibious floats; and the lower firewall). than a 185. And the weight and floata- edges—should make it good on the re-powers with a big 315-hp Lycoming In addition to lessening the load on tion of the Wipline 3000s make them the water as well. IO-580 motor that, with optional port- the forward fuselage struts and adding perfect floats for the airplane.” N580ZZ has all the Boss mods includ- ing and polishing, churns out a healthy strength to handle the airplane’s extra ing the 340-hp engine and the 3500- 340-plus horses. The result is a better- 400 pounds of weight, the four-point pound gross weight increase. It weighs than-new, high-performing amphib that attachment allows the center of grav- DECIBELS TO SPARE in at 2,675 pounds empty, according any seaplane pilot would be proud to ity to move forward two inches. This The burly Hartzell Trailblazer carbon- to Addis, yielding a useful load of 825 splash around in. solves a forward-CG problem with 182 fiber prop, with its swept, scimitar- pounds. With about 42 gallons in the I certainly was sitting proud when amphibs that in some loading situa- shaped blades and small-radius tips, 92-gallon-capacity tanks and 375 pounds Wipaire demo pilot Brian Addis put tions forces operators to carry ballast is the only prop that Wipaire found of humanity aboard, we calculated our me in the left seat of N580ZZ, a Cessna in the baggage area to stay within the could meet—with three decibels to ramp weight at 3300 pounds, or 200 182T originally manufactured in 2003 airplane’s allowable CG range. spare—FAA noise requirements on the pounds under max gross. but recently transformed into Wipaire’s Addis had repositioned ZZ to the Basler Wipline 3000 amphibious legs. At the Wipaire designed The Boss “to be 3500-pound-gross Boss 182. Three deci- After getting the three-blade, 82-inch- latest example of The Boss. East ramp at Wittman Regional for our heart of Wipaire’s 182 modifications is a the best-performing late-model piston bels “may not sound like a lot,” com- diameter Hartzell fan turning and set- It was the Monday following EAA’s flight, which began with a walkaround. four-point float attachment kit. Instead Cessna without sacrificing power or use- ments Wipaire CEO Bob Wiplinger, ting up the panel, which features a very successful AirVenture 2015, where The Boss is quite the attractive sea- of the previous configuration where the ful load,” explains Wipaire’s Brittnie “but if you're sitting at the end of a lake Garmin GTN750 touch-screen GPS The Boss had spent the week sharing plane with its sweeping, striking, glossy front float struts come together at a Brink. Wipaire President Chuck when the plane goes over, it’s tremen- Navigator and EDM 730 electronic the stage in Wipaire’s display with a paint scheme complementing the 182’s single point in the area of the nose gear Wiplinger calls it “the cure for the com- dous!” engine monitor with fuel computer, we Caravan EX on Wipline 8750 amphibs. classic lines, and its tall and shapely assembly, Wipaire attaches the front mon Skylane.” The Boss also repre- Hartzell markets the prop for back- called for taxi clearance and made our
Wipaire modifies the Boss 182 wing by adding longitudinal stiffeners Later-model 182s are desirable because of factory corrosion-proofing, modern between the ribs, internal bracing, and a pair of stall fences. panel and avionics, the latest crashworthy seats, and better cabin ventilation.
18 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 19 way to Runway 27. Small dabs of power Sure enough the airplane glided onto down near scattered boats, flew the base and differential braking were sufficient the surface of the lake like the floats at 80 knots, and selected flaps 20 turning to keep the airplane moving around were on trailing-link mounts. final approach. Flare, back pressure, hold 90-degree turns to the right and left and After idle-taxiing to position the air- a bit of power, more back pressure, ignore Boss 182 Specifications the four wheels on the Wipline 3000 plane for takeoff, Addis pointed out a the stall warning, more back pressure, floats tracking the taxiway centerline. spit of land jutting into the lake and and once again The Boss rewards the For the takeoff Addis advised using estimated it to be 1500 feet distant. That pronounced nose-high attitude with a IO-580 @ 3,500 lbs. a lot of back pressure to initially lift the would be our yardstick for the takeoff smooth splashdown. bow of the floats off the runway sur- run. Flaps 20, water rudders up, yoke I added power to stay on the step, Engine IO-580 315 hp, face, then some relaxation of the yoke back, throttle to full power. The Boss turned back to the south and then back optional 340 hp once the airplane was flying. Flaps up, reared up on the first rise, then quickly again into the wind for takeoff. Almost Takeoff run (land) 987 ft/301 m reduce power to 25 square, and main- on the second. I relaxed back pressure as soon as I pushed the throttle in we Takeoff run over 50-ft obstacle (land) 1,836 ft/560 m tain 80 knots indicated for an impres- and felt for the step. We ran along had flying speed. Takeoff run (water) 1,257 ft sive 20-degrees-nose-high, 1,000-fpm briefly on plane, and before I could raise On the return to Wittman Addis said Takeoff run over 50-ft obstacle (water) 2,463 ft/751 m sustained climb. one float to halve the surface tension the to use the same technique for a land Rate of climb 1,048 fpm/319 mpm At 2,000 feet MSL we leveled off, airplane lifted off, well before reaching landing—flare relatively high, hold Cruise speed/fuel consumption briefly cruised at about 120 KIAS, and the 1500-foot mark. some power and bleed off speed and (75 pct power @ 6,000 ft) 124.5 KTAS/15.5 gph flew north to check out nearby Lake altitude until the stall warning sounds. Butte des Morts. It was an early, windless Apply a bit more more back pressure, Gross weight 3,500 lbs/1,587 kg morning and the lake water was mirror SMOOTH SPLASHDOWN and fly it on to the runway. The brakes smooth. Addis talked me through a Next we headed east for a few miles and were effective in slowing The Boss to IO-580 @ 3,370 lbs glassy water approach and landing to the broad expanse of Lake Winnebago. make the next turnoff, and after sort- the east: prior to the last visual reference There the water was completely different ing through the after-landing tasks we Engine IO-580 315 hp, flaps 20, speed 65, 100 fpm descent. As than at Lake Butte des Morts, with wind taxied back to the ramp. optional 340 hp we approached the water he had me streaks stretching northeast to southwest, N580ZZ is The Boss at its best and Takeoff run (land) 867 ft/264 m slowly add a bit of back pressure on the and ripples and swells on the surface. We most capable. It begins with the late- Takeoff run over 50-ft obstacle (land) 1,602 ft/488 m yoke. The stall warning began to blare, flew a downwind to the southwest with model 182 airframe, which features Takeoff run (water) 1,124/343 m but Addis said to keep everything as is. flaps 10, timed our turn to avoid touching full factory applied internal corrosion- Takeoff run over 50-ft obstacle (water) 2,199/671 m Rate of climb 1,123 fpm/342 mpm Cruise speed/fuel consumption (75 pct power @ 6,000 ft) 124.5 KTAS/15.5 gph Gross weight 3,370 lbs/1,528 kg
At the heart of The Boss modifications on ZZ is a four- point float
Touch-screen GPS flight-management system, electronic engine display, and digital autopilot make for a fully capable seaplane. JESSICA VORUDA attachment kit.
20 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 21 proofing using epoxy-based primer; a contemporary panel layout with modern instruments and avionics; FAR Part 23 crashworthy seats; Cessna’s latest take on fresh-air vents (lots of them), and a wet wing. The full roster of Wipaire- installed Boss 182 mods includes: • Heavy-duty engine mount • Lycoming IO-580-B1A engine (315 hp stock, up to 340 hp with optional porting and polishing) • Hartzell HC-F3YR-1AN/NG8301-3 Trailblazer propeller w/ spinner • MVP-50 digital engine monitor • New prop governor • 90-amp alternator • New engine hoses and lines, new Extensive airframe modifications include fuselage skin doublers in the area high-flow tuned exhaust, new vac- where forward float struts attach. uum manifold, and all-new engine control cables ZZ had Wipaire’s new laser gear advi- The Boss looks and is big and tall but • Longitudinal stiffeners on the upper sory system that can distinguish between performs like a smaller, more nimble wing surface and internal wing brac- a hard surface and water, and alert the floatplane on takeoff and climb. The ing, plus a stall fence on each upper pilot if the gear configuration is incor- gross weight increase to 3,500 pounds wing rectly positioned for the landing surface allows for two to four people on board • Larger-chord rudder for better direc- it detects. However, the FAA still had depending on fuel load, with no com- tional control on crosswind takeoffs some final testing to do on the system promising CG limitation or need for on the water so it was disabled for our flight. We’ll ballast. • Ventral fin for in-flight directional report on the gear-alert system in an Inside it’s new and comfortable with stability upcoming issue. leather-upholstered seats and sheepskin • Wipline 3000 amphibious floats Wipaire also is testing Wing-X STOL covers for the crew, a capable ADS-B- Boss mods eliminate forward center-of- • Gross weight increase to 3,500 pounds wingtip extensions for the Boss 182. compliant IFR panel, King KAP 140 gravity problem affecting 182 floatplanes. for takeoff, and 3,350 for landing The extensions add three feet to wing- autopilot with altitude preselect, and XM span and 12.4 square feet to wing area. Satellite Nexrad weather. It’s a beautiful, Manufacturer Air Research Technology capable, roomy, better-than-new option EARLIER-MODEL MODS Inc. of Montreal claims the wingtip for splashing around proud. ■ Only the late-model 182S and T can extensions improve performance accept the IO-580, and the heavy-duty throughout the flight envelope. Mark Twombly is editor of Water Flying. Gear up. Take off. engine mount is required when the READY FOR Up to 25% o plus airplane is on floats. The 182Q and R The Boss 182 rides on Wipline other great o ers. models are eligible for the 3,500-pound 3000 amphibious floats. TAKEOFF max gross takeoff weight/3,350-pound When it’s time to get away, max landing weight increase and CG get moving with more savings. extension when fitted with Wipline 3000 floats, the AirPlanes IO-550 engine, and Book today at budget.com/seaplanepilots or call 1-800-527-0700. Be sure to use the heavy-duty engine mount. Both o er code (BCD) Z661800 when booking. gross-weight-increase options call for the four-point strut attachment for the Wipline 3000 floats. Wipaire can pro- vide a kit to upgrade a three-point strut Make the most of your next trip with system to a four point. A less-expensive gross weight up to 25% o plus other great o ers. increase—and CG extension—to 3,370 Reserve today at avis.com/seaplanepilots or pounds for takeoff and 3,350 for land- call 1-800-331-1212 to make a reservation ing is available for the S- and T-model and use o er code (AWD) B256700. 182 when fitted with the IO-580, and for the Q, R, and P models when fitted with an AirPlanes IO-550 and Wipaire 3000 floats. The cost savings comes from not ©2015 Avis Rent A Car System, LLC ©2015 Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. having to install the wing reinforcements.
22 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 23 Seaplanes at AirVenture
mazingly, there are pilots alive today who admit they have never attended Oshkosh, AirVenture, the EAA Fly-In—whatever you wish to call the A week-long carnival celebrating all things aviation thatA takes place in late July every year in the head-high corn- fields of eastern Wisconsin. They just don’t know what they are missing, do they. Seaplanes, for example. In the follow- ing pages we recap the seaplane experience at AirVenture, from the goings-on at the Seaplane Base to one family’s Oshkosh-and-beyond floatplane adventure. If you haven’t yet done Oshkosh, we’ll surely see you there next year. PHOTO BY EMILY WILEY Seaplanes at AirVenture
Tahni Barger enjoys the featured attraction at the Friday evening at the Seaplane Base means it’s barbe- Watermelon Social. cue time. A Special Oshkosh Experience by Bill McCarrel located on Lake Winnebago just south- many years. Recently, Bill sold the land Daily visitors to the Seaplane Base enjoyed the good weather throughout the week, which allowed for a lot of flying. east of Wittman. Nestled in a shady cove back to the Vette family, who are EAA t was a beautiful week at the 2015 on the west shore, the base exists to host supporters and who continue to allow in overall charge as well as coordina- register visitors, assign camping spaces, seaplanes in the inner harbor. EAA/Vette Seaplane Base. The seaplane arrivals for the convention each its use for AirVenture each year. At all tion with EAA. There are four Vice- and handle the public address system Seaplane controllers assist with weather gods watched over us, provid- year. This special part of the Oshkosh other times it’s private land. Chairmen: Ann Seehafer handles guest and the phones. They’re also in charge air operations via radio or light gun Iing sun and breezes every day; pleas- experience is easy to reach by car or via The sea base runs on all-volunteer and volunteer relations, Sonja Kargus of the admission gate and car parking. at the entrance to the inner harbor. ant, cool nights; and no rain. AirVenture the dedicated Seaplane Base buses. personnel, and at times we get very busy, supervises ground operations, Jeremy The dockworkers, under Kathy Wick Derek Hildebrand and his crew keep attendance was up this year. More than The EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base especially at the docks. The running joke Gruse supervises all water operations, and Lori Barger, handle arriving and the site policed, the trash dumped, and 100 seaplanes were registered between was originally known as Brennand’s is that when a visitor gets a bit testy about and Tom Leahy takes care of air opera- departing seaplanes, assisting with fuel the campgrounds clean. Lon Nanke, the sea base and the amphibian parking Seaplane Base after its founder, Bill a perceived delay or inefficiency, they’ll tions. and luggage. Transportation Coordinator, runs on the field at Wittman Regional Airport, Brennand. Bill and his friend Al Ziebell be advised that they can volunteer also, Eleven co-chairmen handle impor- Harbormaster Shane Albers and Boat a shuttle van to retail stores and the plus a few more that didn’t register as sea- began keeping their floatplanes on the and will be assigned to make sure their tant segments of the sea base duties Coordinator Brett McKinney supervise AirVenture grounds at Wittman Field. planes but rather as homebuilts, warbirds, spot that Bill purchased in 1949 from problem does not occur to anyone else. including Tony Chrisanti, in charge the boat operators, who take the sea- Eric Rasmussen is Safety Coordinator antique/classic, and others. the Vette family, who still own the sur- Don’t get very many who take that bet. of amphibian parking on the airport; planes to their mooring buoy and trans- in charge of first aide, John Knapp and A little-known but vital part of rounding farmland. Bill made the sea The sea base organization consists and office administration under Mary port visitors to and from their seaplanes. crew do the aircraft judging, and Don EAA AirVenture, the seaplane base is base available to Oshkosh attendees for of Chairman, Paul Seehafer, who is Leahy, whose personnel sell passes, fuel, They also supervise the boat tours of the Boardman plans the activities.
Not all the seaplane activity is at the Seaplane Base. Bruce Douglas had his Super Petrel, a French-designed, Brazilian-built, Rotax-powered LSA biplane amphibian, did SPA Executive Director Steve McCaughey flew the ICON A5 the daybefore AirVenture Piaggio Royal Gull at Wittman Field. It was one of three at AirVenture. daily demo flights at the Seaplane Base. got underway. ICON had two A5s doing customer flights throughout the show.
26 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 27 Seaplanes at AirVenture
All of these people are aided by many other volunteers who contribute their time to make sure that sea base visitors enjoy their experience. An on-site food vendor provides breakfast, lunch, din- ner, and snacks, and let’s not forget the Porta-Potties and the shower facility for campers. Camping is restricted to the pilots and passengers who fly into the sea base, and the volunteer workers. A strict no-pet policy is enforced at all times. The dock area, although often bus- tling with seaplanes arriving or depart- ing, going to the outer harbor for take- off, or to a spot along the mooring lanes in the inner harbor, still imparts a sum- mer adventure feeling. This year was the “Year Of The Seabee” (see accom- panying story), and 17 registered at the sea base and in the amphibian parking on Wittman Field including two Twin Bees. Three Piaggio Royal Gull twin- Longtime Seaplane Base volunteers Ann and Paul Seehafer, who serve as vice- engine pusher amphibs also came to chairman and chairman, respectively, are part of a large, dedicated corps of AirVenture and performed fly-bys of enthusiasts who keep the base operating smoothly. Following AirVenture, the the seaplane base—a rare sight here. base reverts to private land.
n AirVenture opening day SPA Executive Director Steve McCaughey (far left), professional seaplane pilot Karen Stemwell (third from left) along with AirVenture Seaplane Base co-chairs Paul and Ann Seehafer, hosted a group of Women Soar, You Soar teenagers at the seaplane base to introduce them to the world of water flying. “Flying seaplanes can aid your career efforts in aviation,” McCaughey said, adding that “the added dimension of flying seaplanes is that it brings different and interesting challenges to one’s Oflying experiences, and builds self-confidence.” 28 Water Flying September/October 2015 Seaplanes at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015
A Seabee seminar was held in the along an instrumented scale model of the water when the amphibian is at made it a sellout. After a great meal big tent on Friday, with Steve Mestler the Horizon X2 all-composite Seabee rest and act as sponsons during takeoff, and, of course, watermelon, it was time speaking on the aircraft’s history, and on replacement aircraft. making wing-tip floats unnecessary. for the presentation of awards to the Friday morning EAA Radio interviewed A Coot seminar was presented by Steeves wrote the informative “The seaplane-judging category winners, fol- the Seabee group. Representatives from Richard Steeves, who gave a good talk Story of the Airventure Seaplane Base.” lowed by remarks from Paul Seehafer the Robinson Company in Ontario, and led a discussion about the Molt Check it out at www.oshkoshseaplane- and the presentation of volunteer recog- Canada, were at the sea base with their Taylor amphibious design—one of base.com. nition awards. original Bee powered by a Corvette V8 which was at the sea base. The Coot The Watermelon Social, held on Yes, it was a great week, and we fin- engine conversion, now with an impres- features Molt Taylor’s “Floatwing” Saturday night, is the sea base’s big ished it off with a bonfire on the beach. sive five-blade prop. They also brought concept, where the wing roots are in event, and an estimated 900 people Come join us next year! ~
The Year of the Seabee By Edgar “E.T.” Tello
n general aviation there are few air- planes or, for that matter, seaplanes that are as different, weird, and Irecognizable as the Republic RC-3 Seabee. With comments like “Climbs at 80 mph, cruises at 80 mph, approaches at 80 mph;” and “She may be ugly, but at least she's slow;” and “Looks like a VW van with wings;” to “Is that a helicopter, or a mini submarine?” we Beast pilots get more than our share of jabbing. But there’s a strange attraction to this most unusual seaplane, almost a madness, that makes you fall in love with her. The Seabee is very roomy inside, with a 48-inch-wide cabin. It's also unique in the fact that even the rear-seat pas- sengers have unrestricted visibility up It just so happens that 2015 is the Nearly a dozen of the 17 Seabees that were at AirVenture congregated at the and down because the wing is behind 70th Anniversary of the first test flight. AirVenture Seaplane Base (above). The lineup at Wittman (below). the cabin. Plus there's a skylight win- Around 1060 Seabees were built between Photos by Issac Adler dow, adding even more visibility. And 1946-1947. Production was halted due to she is one of the most forgiving, capable cost (legend has it that it was costing the seaplanes in the water. The Bee was company $12,000 to build an airplane way ahead of its time with its reversing selling for $4995) and a government propeller. Very few seaplanes have that contract for the F-84. feature even 70 years later. It's hard to determine how many So it's no surprise that Seabees have Seabees are still flying, possibly 100 to won more awards at Oshkosh, Sun n’ 150 worldwide, but we did break a Fun, and other splash-ins and airshows record at Oshkosh this year with 17 than any other type of seaplane. No two Seabees flying into the show. This was Seabees are alike thanks to numerous achieved thanks to the tireless efforts of modifications and alterations. No two John Knapp and Steve Mestler, master paint jobs are even close. And it was keeper of the International Republic with this realization that the powers to Seabee Owners Club website (http:// be at the Vette Seaplane Base—Paul www.republicseabee.com/). Seehafer and John "Snap" Knapp— It was an exhilarating sight to see 10 decided to make AirVenture 2015 "The Seabees (including a TwinBee) fly over Year of the Seabee." the seaplane base and land one by one
30 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 31 Seaplanes at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015
in the bay. Including mine, there were 11 Seabees there for all to enjoy. From the original "Frankenstein" Bee (215 hp Franklin engine) to the Simuflight, Daubenspeck, or V8 engine conversion, each one was unique. The outstanding professionalism of the seaplane base controllers, boat driv- ers, and dockworkers made this Beast Gathering a safe, efficient, and absolute- ly fun event. I only wish more Seabees would have stayed at the SPB a few more days for everyone to enjoy. All too The Seabee is easily identifiable with its soon, all of them but one returned to bulbous cabin, narrow boom fuselage, and the main field at OSH. I stayed behind constant-chord wing. Photo by Issac Adler. to share my passion and love of this magnificent flying machine with oth- ers, giving many rides in my Bee (more than 35 people). I can't wait for the next gathering of the Beasts. ~
E.T. is SPA’s Field Director for North and South Carolina and Virginia, and the proud owner of a colorfully painted Great visibility (above) Republic Seabee. He flies for a major U.S. is one of the Seabee’s airline. desirable features. Over the years, Seabee own- ers have developed a number of modifications and distinctive paint schemes (left). Seaplane Photos by John Cuny. Pilots Association Become an SPA member Who belongs to the Seaplane Pilots Association? Everyone who loves seaplanes! Anyone who enjoys flying them, riding in, seeing, reading about, or learning more about seaplanes... •Federal, state, and local representa- •Members-only website tion to help keep our waterways open •Seaplane insurance program •SPA publications: •Technical referral services The bimonthly Water Flying •Special information mailings magazine, Water Flying Update, a •Car rental discounts bimonthly e-newsletter, and Water •SPA insignia items Landing Directory •Affinity MasterCard A membership in the Seaplane Pilots Association is only $45 per year, which includes six issues of Water Flying magazine, access to the members-only section of the website, and all of the benefits above.
Seve Mestler and his Seabee, the “Marty B.” Mestler heads Pristine Seabee cockpit with half-panel and overhead up the International Republic Seabee Owners’ Club. Photo panel and the two doors and forward hatch open. Photo by Visit www.seaplanes.org or Tel. 888/772-8923 by Issac Adler. Issac Adler. 32 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 33 Seaplanes at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015
John Ohnstad spent wings and tail, presentation book (in 20 years building his the case of a restoration), difficulty, and award-winning Coot. judge’s comments. Again, condition and airworthiness are the ruling factors. It’s often very difficult to winnow down the field to the winner in a par- ticular category, as there are many fine examples that arrive at the seaplane base and on the field at Wittman. Also, if a very similar seaplane has won recently, the judges may give consideration to another type just on the basis of its Gold Lindy uniqueness, all other things being equal. This year, it’s a bit unusual in that four Cessnas won in different categories, but the judges’ decision ultimately was that The Best of the Best they deserved it based on their quality. There are a couple of other reasons Story & Photos by Bill McCarrel egory of aircraft—warbirds, ultralights- Classic category, for example. a particular seaplane might not have Light Sport, Experimental Amateur- The best seaplanes are awarded rec- been judged, or not named a win- ach year at AirVenture, sea- Built, factory-built and, yes, rotorcraft ognition by a judging team headed by ner. First, a seaplane owner or pilot plane owners can ask that as well as many others. Thus, the judg- Chief Judge John Knapp and Judges has to ask to be judged, and fill out their aircraft be judged in the ing categories at AirVenture are differ- Jerry Matison, Owen Russell, Bill the Judging Request Form indicating Ecompetition to recognize the ent from the typical Classic, Ultralight, Shearer, Grant Rappe, Bill McCarrel, “Seaplanes.” There is not a place on most outstanding aircraft at the show. Warbird, etc. Condition and airworthi- Jerry Ness, and Malcolm Brubaker. the judging form used in the Antique/ Many seaplanes begin as landplanes ness are the ruling factors in judging sea- Some of the items considered in the Classic area to indicate “judged as that are modified for water operations, planes, not trueness to the original type judging process are general appearance, a seaplane.” The pilot or owner has and seaplanes include almost every cat- certificate, as would be the case in the cockpit, engine, undercarriage, fuselage, to specifically ask to be judged as a seaplane. Hopefully, by next year this wrinkle will be ironed out. Second, if a seaplane has been an award winner in the past, it is eligible only for a higher award. The award fol- lows the plane, not the owner. Here are the 2015 category winners:
GOLD LINDY 1955 deHavilland DHC2 Bronze Lindy Silver Lindy Beaver N2MD, D.J. Dondelinger, Brainerd, Minnesota, represented by Mark Mathisen SILVER LINDY 1958 Cessna 175 Skyhawk N7223M, Bob Welch, Ellington, Connecticut BRONZE LINDY 1976 Cessna 182P N13943, Don Goodman, Bellingham, Washington Best Metal Best Amphibian BEST METAL 1959 Cessna 182, N8438T Tina and Kevin Anderson, Paw Paw, Michigan JUDGES' CHOICE 1981 Cessna 206G N52337, Samaritan Aviation, Byron Yergue, Montrose, Colorado BEST AMPHIBIAN 1947 Republic Seabee N398CM, Bill Bardin, Granville, Support SPA New York Jack Brown's Seaplane Base BEST FABRIC Molt Taylor Coot N202YB, Best Fabric Call (863)956-2243 www.brownsseaplane.com Judges' Choice John Ohnstad, Fargo, North Dakota ~
34 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 35 Seaplanes at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015
seaplane adventures were in the making trek after Oshkosh. t o A Sunday morning departure in clear weather from McAlester, Oklahoma, turned to lowering clouds and storms that resulted in a lunch and fuel stop in Columbia, Missouri. The plan was to make several water landings in the upper Mississippi north of Quad Cities, however, the high, muddy water and floating debris changed our minds. Oshkosh was great as usual, but camping under the wing was extra special because son Ed and granddaughter Ada flew from Floating in the bay on the north shore of Lake Superior, the The author’s granddaughter Ada (left) and daughter Skye Spokane in their Piper Tri-Pacer and largest freshwater lake in the world. Note the video camera relax beneath the sign at the entrance to the AirVenture camped in a nearby tent. Steve Robinson, mounted to the wing strut. Seaplane Base. also from Oklahoma, was a camping neigh- bor with his Lake Amphibian. Since my first trip to Oshkosh in ‘83 with young son Ed, a day-long visit to Oklahoma to Oshkosh— the seaplane base has been the norm. The mostly uninhabited northern shore of Lake Superior is dotted with bays and This year, Thursday was our seaplane islands with rocky shores. The water beckons to a seaplane. day. Flying there in the amphibian and Montreal—and Back with multiple water landings in Lake Saturday morning, we broke camp We continued north to the Upper Winnebago, docking at the seaplane and headed north, first to Door County, Peninsula of Michigan with a stop at Story & photos by Les Cashmere Oshkosh, but this was the first time Oklahoma lakes, including beaching on base, watching the impressive ICON Wisconsin, with water landings in Houghton, then across Lake Superior we’ve flown it in a seaplane—our the sand at our house on Lake Eufaula, A-5 fly, eating, and finally ending with Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay and to Thunder Bay, Canada, where clear- his year my wife Valerie and amphibious Maule M7-235B on the real enjoyment comes in making the SPA Corn Roast that evening made near Peninsula State Park. Use of the ing customs was just a phone call. The daughter Skye (yes, that’s her Baumann 2750A floats. an adventurous long trip. AirVenture for a very special and fun day in the air Ephrain airport car allowed a driving inbound flight included flying over the real name), both of whom are While we really enjoy flying the was the first destination, 750 miles from and on the water and socializing with trip through the park. This is a very Isle National Park and the Sleeping Tpilots, and I made our regular amphibian around our many eastern our Oklahoma home, and additional other webfeet flyers. beautiful area of Wisconsin. Giant Provincial Park.
The Cashmeres at the AirVenture Seaplane Base dock with their amphibious Maule. Son Ed (left) and his daughter Ada flew in from Spokane.
36 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 37 Seaplanes at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015
The Thunder Bay overnight stop stopping for the night in Sault Ste. Marie, Lawrence River to Montreal was just included fine dining in the old town area, Canada. The ninth floor of a hotel near beautiful, overflying many islands, boats, a walk thru the marina, and a trip out to the locks gave a great view of ships island homes and marinas along the Kakabeka Falls the next day. After a stop and other boats traveling between Lake way. Water landings in Lake Ontario at the Harley Davidson dealer for tee shirts Superior and Lake Huron. and the St Lawrence River were fun. (Val and I both ride Hogs) we were ready The next day included a not-to-be-missed Montreal is a wonderful European- to head east to explore the northern and tour of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage like, French-speaking city where we eastern shores of Lake Superior en route Centre (http://www.bushplane.com/)— enjoyed touring the old city, the wharf, to Sault Ste. Marie. Thunder Bay is mile wow, did I enjoy the old airplanes and sea- and the arboretum and just walking zero on the St Lawrence Seaway, which planes there—and the old locks still in use. around the downtown area. we intended to fly all the way to Montreal Time to head southeast past the many Thursday morning, we departed from with water landings at neat locations. islands and peninsulas of Lake Huron St Hubert (pronounced Abear) Airport Lake Superior is the largest freshwater and Georgian Bay, with water landings at for Burlington, Vermont. Burlington lake in the world, and the northern and places like Flower Pot Rock and a quick is located on the eastern shore of Lake eastern shores are rough, mostly unin- fuel stop at Wiarton. We then proceeded Champlain, a large north/south lake habited and beautiful places with endless south to the north shore of Lake Erie, bordering New York State to the west. islands and bays. Several water landings then east to Niagara with water land- Landing in Burlington completed my were required so we could get out on the ings at locations along the way. The next goal of visiting all 50 states. floats and just soak in the beauty. day we viewed Niagara Falls from the Departing west, we only got to We made a quick fuel stop at Marathon, Canadian side. It was a sight to behold. Adirondack, New York, before land- then flew past the Pukaskwa National From there the flight up the north ing for a couple hours to allow a line Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park, shore of Lake Ontario and the St of thunderstorms to pass. Then it was down the south shore of Lake Ontario to Buffalo for a quick fuel stop, followed by a 200-mile, 100-feet-over-the-water traverse of Lake Erie to Port Clinton, The author and his daughter, who also is a pilot, up front in the family Maule. Ohio. The next day we were home- ward bound, crossing Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas to Oklahoma. What a trip! Oshkosh was great and our Seaplane Thursday could not have been better. Seeing the Canadian shorelines and landing in all five of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway was extra special. The places we selected to spend time in— Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Niagara Falls, and Montreal—were great. How could you possibly see and do Kakabeka Falls west of Thunder Bay, Canada. The brown tint to the water is due what we did—fly from Oklahoma to the presence of iron. to Oshkosh to Montreal and back to Oklahoma in seven days, other than in an amphibious seaplane? Yes, it could have been done in a wheel airplane, but what can compare to flying over all that water at 100- to 500-feet AWL and making all those water landings. Those big floats do subtract a speed and fuel penalty, but the flexibility they give is priceless. Let’s see...next spring, Sun n’ Fun, all those central Florida lakes, and the Bahamas out islands…sounds like anoth- er seaplane adventure in the making. ■
Les Cashmere wrote about flying the Lighthouse on Lake Huron. The trip traversed all five Great Lakes, plus the St. Lewis and Clark Trail in the November/ Lawrence Seaway. December 2014 issue of Water Flying.
38 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 39 Splash-in Calendar
FEATURED EVENT 2015 ALASKA GRUMMAN OCTOBER 16-18 - Texas: Cedar Mills South Central SPLASH-IN Safety Seminar & Splash-In/Fly-In, Lake Texoma. Since 1997. Cedar Mills Marina & Resort. Contact By Burke Mees Shamarie Hull 903-523-4222 ext. 234, shull@ cedarmills.com.
The seventh-annual Alaska Grumman Splash-in took place on Marion Lake this past July. Terry Smith and Rob SEPTEMBER 2015 Saturday and Sunday from airport to splash-in venue. Hutchison started the fly-in in 2009 and Skylark Shores Resort is the event headquarters. it has been held every year since. This SEPTEMBER 19 - Maine: Belfast Fly-In & Open Saturday spot-landing, takeoff, and water-bombing year the weather cooperated and there House, Belfast Municipal Airport 7:30am-3:00pm. contests, rides will be available to the public for a was the usual collection of good people Rain date September 20. Multiple awards handed out, fee, and BBQ dinner with raffles and awards followed Tand abundant food. photos taken on arrival, food, prizes, free fun for all ages. by seaplane flying presentation. Contact: Melissa In addition to Ashleigh Oliver Breakfast 7:30am-9:00am. Movie: Flying the Feathered Fulton 707-263-5092, www.clearlakesplashin.com. taking pictures, we also had visiting Edge. Aviation mural unveiling. Contact David Valick at Skylark Shores Hotel, 1120 N. Main St., Lakeport, Canadian bush pilot and photogra- [email protected] for more information. California, 707-263-6151 or 866-365-9867, info@ pher Rich Hulina on hand to docu- Marion Lake Fly-In drew a good crowd this year, skylarkshoreshotel.com. (Skylark is sold out. Please ment the event. Rich is the author of thanks in part to good weather. Photo by Rich Hulina September 20- New York: Simsbury Fly-in and contact the Chamber for accommodation information.) a coffee table book title Bush Flying Car Show at Simsbury Airport 4B9. The largest event This event is always the last weekend in September. Captured, and a two-ship Widgeon of its kind in the Northeast, featuring displays of formation flight was arranged for 700+ beautiful airplanes and autos. Many amphibs SEPTEMBER 25-27 - North Carolina: Long Island Rich to photograph. show up, plus homebuilts, helos, antiques, small Airpark (NC26) Splash-In/Fly-In, Lake Norman, Long Next year’s event has already been warbirds, gyrocopters, and lots more. Many new Island. Social gathering since 2001. Food, fun, & flying. scheduled: July 16, 2016, and everyone is aircraft (and autos) on display by dealers. Over 100 Room for 8-9 straight-floats seaplanes on the lake. Friday welcome. Marion Lake is about 20 miles added attractions and exhibitors, making this like a night dinner party at ET’S house, 8291 Clipper Ct. Long north of Anchorage and is accessible by country fair for aviators. Aviation seminars, including Island, NC 28609. Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, seaplane or car. Details on the splash-in, Ken Costa on seaplanes. Judging and trophies, Ben flying, seaplane splash-in, big party at hangar. Sunday: as well as photos from previous events, and Jerry's, live music, displays by several aviation Breakfast, picnic at Lake Norman's Island. Contact ET can be found at www.alaskagrumman. museums, pancake breakfast, lunch. Full details Edgar Tello 704-491-3152, [email protected]. com. Rich Hulina’s collection of sea- at www.simsburyflyin.com. NOTE due to the high plane photos can be seen www.richhu- Bret Brown and Shirley Rohl’s Widgeon makes a volume of aircraft arrivals, FAA has established arrival SEPTEMBER 26 – Colorado: AOPA Fly-In at Colorado lina.com. ■ low pass over the lake. Photo by Ashleigh Oliver procedures: please see them on our website. Springs Municipal Airport. A celebration of general aviation, the grassroots gathering features something Bret Brown and host Rob SEPTEMBER 25-27 - California: Clear Lake Seaplane for everyone with exhibitors, aircraft displays, seminars Hutchison on top of Bret and Shirley's Widgeon. Splash-In, Lakeport. Since 1979. Unicom 122.90. and activities to interest and delight the entire family. Photo by Rich Hulina Docks will serve straight-float planes, and the ramp Make it a long weekend by attending the Barnstormers at the Natural High School field is available for Party on Friday evening sponsored by Jeppesen and amphibians. Thursday Welcome BBQ for early arrivals, featuring a BBQ, bonfire, and entertainment. We’ll kick also Friday night welcome reception with appetizers Saturday off with a pancake breakfast. Renowned avia- and Lake County Wine for pre-registered pilots tion author and humorist Rod Machado will be on hand and guests only. Call for more info. Aircraft unable to entertain you with his whimsical insights on flying. In to land on water more than once are welcome at the afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch provided by gour- Lampson Field (1O2); shuttle service will be available met food trucks or local restaurants. To ensure there is enough food, please RSVP. For more information see https://www.aopa.org/Community-and-Events/AOPA- Please notify Christie Kenyon christie@seaplanes. Fly-In/2015/About/Colorado-Springs-Fly-In. org and the Seaplane Pilots Association spa@sea- planes.org about new events and updates. OCTOBER 2015 The information in this directory has been provid- ed to the Seaplane Pilots Association by volunteer OCTOBER 3 - Maryland: "AOPA Homecoming" Fly-In Tim Martin’s recently rebuilt Widgeon in the seaplane pilots. If you feel that there is a mistake foreground, with Bret and Shirley’s Widgeon in please notify SPA as soon as possible (ASAP). at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK). Come enjoy a the background. Photo by Rich Hulina traditional pancake breakfast and town hall discussion
40 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 41 Calendar AND REAL ESTATE with AOPA President Mark Baker, meet and mingle OCTOBER 17 - Florida: Lake Ashton Seaplane 123.15. ALERT: the airpark is 1/2 mile to the east of with AOPA staff, take part in educational and safety Splash-In, Lake Wales. Social lunch event 10am-4pm. R-2906. Call Jacksonville Center on 134.65 for MOA seminars, and explore aircraft displays and aviation N27-56.500 W081-38.750. Unicom 123.40. Dining room status. Mount Royal Airpark is at N29-26.093 W081- exhibits. Various flying activities and clinics will be 863-324-5810. Contact Gail Spence 863-324-6032, 39.378, Unicom 123.15, 3000-ft paved runway or offered, and for those who aren’t yet pilots come visit [email protected]. land in St. John's River (Little Lake George). Dock by our learn-to-fly area. No admission charge, and lunch boat landing on east side. Call for pick up. For more is free for all AOPA members. http://www.aopa.org/ OCTOBER 24 - Florida: Monster Splash Halloween information call David and Irene Zawistowski, cell Events/2014/October/AOPA-Frederick-Fly-In.aspx. Seaplane Fly-in, Lake Dora, Tavares—“America’s 715-892-1712, home 386-467-0080, davecran@ Seaplane City.” N28-48.043 W081-43.655. If you have gmail.com Second Saturday in November. OCTOBER 3-4 - Alabama: Lake Guntersville never been to Tavares Seaplane Base (FA1), you need Seaplane Splash-In, Guntersville (8A1). Since 2000. to see what the city has provided for seaplane pilots NOVEMBER 21- Florida: EAA chapter 1241 is A weekend of competition, lunch, and dinner. Early worldwide. Tavares has two seaplane events each year, hosting Aviation Day at the Marathon Airport seaplanes arriving Friday call Tom. Holiday Inn 800- one in the spring & one in the fall. Or stop in any time Terminal (KMTH). Seaplanes, Vintage airplanes, 315-2621, Hampton Inn 888-370-0981, both on the —Tavares caters to seaplanes. Join us at beautiful Warbird, classic cars, free flights for those 8-17 lake. Contact Airport manager Bob Martin 256-486- Wooton Park Saturday 9am-3pm for competitions years old, food, and fun. Free Admission for the 5121 [email protected] Michael Kirkpatrick such as the Smashing Pumpkin Drop! Prizes & awards. whole family. The Seaplane Pilots Association will 256-837-8004, [email protected] . GPS N34- Seaplane pilots who fly in will receive a $10.00 dining be there. 9am-3pm. eaachapter1241.membership. 38.6362 W086-28.0120. www.lakeguntersvillesplashin. voucher to downtown restaurants. Parking, seaplane [email protected]. ■ com. First weekend in October. ramp, docks & green grass shoreline. Visit www.tavares. SEAPLANE DESTINATIONS org for event information & registration packet. Call OCTOBER 10 - Tennessee: AOPA Fly-In at or email to register: Lauren Farrell at lfarrell@tavares. INVEST IN AMERICA I Tullahoma Regional Airport. A celebration of general org or 352-742-6176. Seaplane Base information: Joey aviation, the grassroots gathering features some- Graham 352-742-6267 [email protected]. This Advertise in We are seeking a creative entrepre- thing for everyone with exhibitors, aircraft displays, event is on the last Saturday in October. neur for development of city-owned seminars and activities to interest and delight the propeerty. Prime block in downtown Water Flying Tavares, Florida, centrally located entire family. Make it a long weekend by attending NOVEMBER 2015 near Tampa and Miami. Seeking the Barnstormers Party on Friday evening featuring a innovative solution for a project combining commercial, BBQ, bonfire, and entertainment. We’ll kick Saturday NOVEMBER 6 – Florida: Seaplane Pilots The best way to reach residential and public space, with outcome being full own- off with a pancake breakfast. And renowned aviation Association annual member meeting, Winter Haven active seaplane pilots ALL YEAR! ership by investor. Tavares, known as America's Seaplane author and humorist Rod Machado will be on hand 11am. Free lunch following the meeting. If you have City, looks to become the key destination for visitors and to entertain you with his whimsical insights on flying. any suggestions please let us know. Call SPA’s Ann For more information, contact Chester seaplane enthusiasts from around the world. Contact City In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Gaines at 888-772-8923 or [email protected]. 727.641.5436 or [email protected] of Tavares, 352.742.6131, [email protected] gourmet food trucks or local restaurants. To ensure there is enough food, please RSVP. For more infor- NOVEMBER 6-7 – Florida: Sun-n-Fun's annual mation see https://www.aopa.org/Community-and- "When Pigs Fly South Fly-In BBQ Challenge." The Events/AOPA-Fly-In/2015/About/Tullahoma-Fly-In. event is free, parking is $5. house_ad.inddadve 1 rtising index 11/1/13 12:17 PM
OCTOBER 15-18 - Pennsylvania: Come to a get- NOVEMBER 7 - Florida: Winter Haven Airport and Aerocet, inc Hartzell Propeller Inc. Schweiss Bi-Fold Doors together at Raystown Lake Resort in the Pennsylvania Seaplane Pilots Association World Headquarters. www.aerocet.com...... C2,35 www.hartzellprop.com...... 13 www.bifold.com...... 10 Mountains. Come see the beautiful colors and enjoy First Seaplane Splash-in event 9am- 6pm. Food, Fun Air Research Technology Inc. JACK Brown's seaplane base Seaplane Safety Institute/ the Pennsylvania Mountain setting with your seaplane. & Flying for the entire family. www.wingxstol.com...... 39 www.brownsseaplane.com...... 35 Southern Seaplane Raystown Lake is near KAOO airport. Thursday afternoon www.southernseaplane.com...... 30 there will be a 5:00pm social hour at Beach Front. NOVEMBER 8 - Florida: Since 1993. N27-28.400 AVIAT AIRCRAFT Lake & Air SEABORNE Airlines Bungalow number 6. Dinner in the restaurant or provide W081-27.000. Sunset Grille Restaurant, 2650 US 27 www.aviataircraft.com...... C3 www.lakeandair.com...... 11 your own food. Friday just relax, rent a boat, go hiking or South; 863-471-3900. Social event 10am–4pm. Lake AVIS MT Propeller www.seaborneairlines.com...... 37 fly out to near by aviation museum 8N1 Grimes Airport. Jackson is spring-fed and the most beautiful and www.avis.com/seaplanepilots...... 23 www.mt-propeller.com...... 39 Seaplanes West 05:00pm social hour at Beach Front Bungalow number clearest lake around. Over 2 miles in diameter with BUDGET Northwoods Aviation www.seaplanewest.com...... 30 6. Dinner in the restaurant or provide your own food. parking for 100+ seaplanes with white sand and green www.budget.com/seaplane pilots.... 23 www.northwoodsaviation.com...... 10 Sky-Tec Partners, LTD Saturday fly out to Benton PA, PA40 for lunch on a 2200' grass shoreline. Recommend 123.40 for Lake Jackson city of tavares P-2 www.skytecair.com...... 31 grass strip. Dinner cruise on the boat "Proud Mary". Be operation, left-hand traffic. Uncontrolled airspace Survival Products sure to make your reservation when making your lodging and waterway. Contact Bill Schmalz 561-414-6865, www.tavares.org...... 43 www.seaplanerails.com...... 33 reservation. Sunday, fly out for lunch, after lunch head [email protected]. Second Sunday in March cUB Crafters Preferred Air Parts www.survivalproductsinc.com...... 35 for home. To make your reservations by calling 814- and November www.cubcrafters.com...... 15 www.preferredairparts.com...... 35 TEMPEST 658-3500 ext. 370 and ask for Kristen Jenkins. Tell her Falcon Insurance/ Boyd Kleypas Red Right Return www.tempestplus.com...... 21 you’re with the "Fall Colors Seaplane Fly in". Be sure to NOVEMBER 14 - Florida: Mount Royal Airpark (3FL0), www.falconinsurance.com...... 29 www.jhcunningham.com...... 33 Wipaire Inc. check out the location at www.raystownresort.com Leigh Welaka. This one-day splash-in/ fly-in luncheon event www.wipaire.com...... C4 Smith, 574-806-6661; [email protected] will be held between 11am-5pm. Since 2010. CTAF
42 Water Flying September/October 2015 September/October 2015 Water Flying 43 SNAPSHOTS
Cessna 185 on PK 3050 amphibs owned by Pascal Boillat from Kinnelon, New Jersey, at the Libby Camps back dock. The Libby family has owned and operated the renowned fly-fishing and hunting lodge in Maine’s North Woods for 125 years. The Libbys have oper- ated a seaplane air taxi on site since 1991 with a Cessna 185 and 172. There have been three generations of Libby floatplane pilots starting with Allie Libby in the '40s, Matt P. Libby in the '70s, and since 2002 Matt J. Libby.
Luree Ketcham sent these photos of her daughter, Cassandra, at Mac’s Seaplane Service in Rising Sun, Indiana. A student at Indiana State University in the aviation pro- gram, Cassandra has been flying at Mac's for the past two summers, soloing in both Cessna 140s. “She loves it!” Luree writes. “She is a member of SPA and hopes to have a career on floats one day.”
A beautiful Cessna 180 on Aerocet floats owned by Scott Lysford from Frazee, Minnesota, photo- graphed over Poacher Caye on Rainy Lake in northwestern Ontario by Rusty Eichorn.
44 Water Flying September/October 2015 July/August 2014 Water Flying 19