In response to our call for readers’ seaplane stories, Howard J. Whaley sent in his: “I was born and raised next door to the Philadelphia Seaplane base in Essington, Pa. — the oldest seaplane base in United States.
“When I was old enough to walk, I was at the seaplane base. Bob Mills, the owner, took me under his wing . Bob taught me maintenance, repair and everything I wanted to know about flying.
“He also got me rides with his customers. I got time in Seabees, Cubs on floats and other seaplanes based there.
“When I turned 16, Bob taught me to fly and and issued me my license. Bob was like a second father to me.
“I could go on and on about Bob. I’m 82 years old — and yes, I’m still active — and think of Bob Mills all the time. Rest in peace, Bobby.”
Doug Macnair – VP Government Relations – EAA
I am an EAA member [508091]. Just ran across your story about Bob Mills. He trained me for the ASES rating in a float-equipped J-3 and a similarly equipped Cessna 140.
I’d be happy to mail a two-page story about qualifying for the sea-plane rating with Bob. He was a consummate Instructor….and seaplane pilot.
Copies of Bob’s endorsement in my logbook can be provided. Please send a postal address to which I can direct the mail. [I am too old to be internet-fluent….but not too old to lick a stamp!] (grin)
Hope you enjoy the story.
Cordially,
Wayne Boyd
[email protected]
Bob Mills conducted my seaplane rating check ride 25+ years ago and at the time he was in his early eighties. I have told many people over the years of my brief but highly impactful experience with this kind and knowledgeable airman and the living museum he inhabited at the Philadelphia Seaplane Base. Bob had so many amazing stories and aeronautical lore to share I dearly wanted to stay longer and come back often to pick his brain but was never afforded the opportunity.
I will share one poignant moment that summed up this small but powerful man. In the late 1980’s the seaplane base was in less than ideal condition and the floating docks were awash in places and very slippery with wet algae and other weed. As I was preparing to depart for home in the Cessna 180 amphib I had used for a successful check ride, Bob was helping me untie the plane when he lost his footing on the slick algae and fell roughly on the dock and into the river. Fearing he was hurt I ran over and reached for him to pull him up on the dock to which he shouted, “Unhand me young man, hang on to that airplane!” At once, this sharp minded and apparently physically fit octogenarian sprung back up on the dock like an olympic swimmer leaving the pool and, dripping wet, helped me on my way.
That was the last I saw of Bob Mills, soaking wet and and waving me off as I taxied out into the river for what would be my last departure from the Philadelphia Seaplane Base. Bob was a remarkable man, a kind spirit, and a treasure trove of aviation history and aeronautical knowledge. I have never forgotten the brief but important influence he had on me.
Thank you for rekindling these memories.
Howard – I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, not in aviation until I lived in another city, and never heard of the Philadelphia Seaplane Base! Your story is wonderful; will definitely visit the Base when I return. (Interesting sidebar in the legislative and legal activity in recent years re Tinicum Township, PHL and oversight of regional airports.)
Keep flying!
Nice recollection Howard. I often kept my Supercub at Bob’s over the winter when it was on straight floats. He is surely missed. A mentor to many of us.
Rob Murray
I was never at the Philadelphia Seaplane Base in Essington. We lived in the “Meadows” of Southwest Philadelphia, and as a youngster was able to walk up onto the Philadelphia Airport with my dog and watch the airplanes take off and land. Back then there was only one runway and no control tower. Many years later, out of Wings Field in Ambler, PA, I did learn to fly. Being around planes as a youngster was a real inspiration. I’m 83 years old now….great memories!
The sea plane story I’ve enjoyed was a book by Anna Morrow Lindberg about Charles and Her flying around the world in the ?”Tingamasarak” sea plane setting up agreements for sea plane bases for Pan American World Airways.