Float Flying

Editorial note: I have had the privilege of experiencing a lot of different kinds of airplane flying in the past 48 years or so... Aeronca Champs to Navy Fighters, to Airliners, to owning 6 different general aviation aircraft (so far). A few years ago, I finally fulfilled a long held dream, and got my float rating. The hook was set... and I was "reeled in."

My enthusiasm for flying has been "relit." I hadn't really "flamed out" but I sure was winding down. In my humble opinion, this kind of flying is challenging, is fun, and will take you to places you may have only dreamed about. Pardon my exuberance and shameless promotion... but you will find a significant part of this web site devoted to and promoting float and bush flying. I hope you can share the enthusiasm.

Seaplane Pilots Association If you are just interested in float flying, or are a seasoned float plane flyer... this organization... The Seaplane Pilots Association is the organization to belong to. Members receive the bi-monthly publication, Water Flying, which features articles covering everything from pilot technique and safety to destinations and personalities. Each issue also includes industry news and an updates on regulatory issues across the country. I think the most important feature SPA members receive, is the resulting benefit from the intensive lobbing efforts of AOPA legislative staff, our SPA Executive Director and headquarters staff, SPA Field Directors, and our SPA Board of Directors. As anyone who is even remotely connected to aviation knows, and particularly since 9-11, if it weren't for organizations like AOPA, the EAA, and SPA... general aviation pilots would have lost a lot more (than we already have) if it weren't for legislative "pressure" exerted on our behalf by the legislative staff of our organizations. As you can guess, exerting "pressure" takes money, and if you are the least bit concerned about continuing "encroachments" on our freedoms to fly our airplanes in our country... join this organization. All the rest of what you will get as a SPA member will be a "bonus"...access to a Seaplane Insurance Program, Technical Referral Services, Special Information Services and Mailings, and Car Rental Discounts will pale in comparison to preserving your freedoms as an Aviator and a Seaplane Pilot. It may well be the best investment you can make.

eBushPilot.Com
Here is a superb float flying and bush pilot web site, E-Bush Pilot, edited by John Goulet. The photographs are stunning, and in the "Friends" section you will find first hand accounts of some of the most dramatic and interesting flying anywhere in the world. Spend some time here, and you will glimpse some of the magic in bush and float flying.

Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association
One of the dozen or so "Mecca's" for float flying in the lower 48, is Minnesota. The Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association website is informative and interesting. They host many events during the year, with seminars and fun filled events. What better place to fly floats that in the land of 10,000 lakes.


Adventure Seaplanes
Adventure Seaplanes specializes in custom Midwest and Canadian Seaplane, Skiplane, Tailwheel training and adventures from the state of 10,000 lakes. They offer training in a PA12, Cessna 172, Cessna 180s and the 185....one of the very few who offer instruction in this type of aircraft. Their website offers an excellent look at Floatplane and adventure flying in Minnesota, Canada, and planned adventures to the Caribbean. Excellent photographs along with good descriptions of what they offer in adventure and float flying.

Texas Seaplane Pilots Home Page
This site is dedicated to the promotion of safety in the operation of seaplanes in and around the great state of Texas. The site will be of interest to pilots that already fly seaplanes and those that are interested in learning to fly seaplanes as well as the general public. They host many activities throughout the year, which might be very attractive to those in the North-county who still have "hard" water, and can't wait for the spring thaw.

Quoting from their home page... "This is a group of over 100 friendly, and knowledgeable "old-timers" and individuals new to the sport of Water Flying. We gather together on a number of occasions each year to share our interests and lives." Sounds like a good group to be associated with... lots of water, lots of floatplanes, and a great place to do some Water Flying. Very knowledgeable on all of the current issues involving Water Flying in the Great Pacific Northwest.

BC Floatplane Association
The B.C. (British Columbia) Floatplane Association was formed to promote the interests of floatplane pilots and the use of floatplanes in general, and to ensure that those special interests and uses are properly considered in any public arena, and particularly to ensure that Rules and Regulations promulgated by government authorities do not unnecessarily impinge on the current rights and privileges of pilots or the safe and appropriate use of floatplanes. In a land where the floatplane was and still is essential to the well being of many...this organization stands as a guardian of the floatplane's continued importance. The site has some great photographs, safety tips, an operations corner, a message board, and sponsors social fly and splash-in events.

Water Flying
A thought provoking article by Jim Bethea printed in Ultralight magazine about Water Flying in ultralight aircraft. Flying an ultralight on and off of the water could be habit forming... so caution... read this at your own risk!

Floatplane Flying Notes
Floatplane Flying Notes by Pierre Rivest is a "checklist" of notes compiled to give the seasoned and the new floatplane pilot something to use as "reminders" to ensure that your Water Flying days will be fun-filled. Complete with sketches to help illustrate most of the various "aspects" of Water Flying.

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