Wyoming lake opens to seaplane training

You can now get your Single Engine Seaplane (SES) rating in Wyoming.

Through the efforts of J.T. Grainger, Seaplane Pilots Association Wyoming Field Director, and Steve Guetter, president of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association, SES ratings can now be achieved on Lake De Smet in Wyoming.

“Local aircraft now have indefinite permission to access the lake,” said Grainger, who is also the owner of Sheridan Pilots 307 Flight School. “Non-local aircraft can obtain access through the point of contact listed in the Seaplane Pilot Association’s mobile app. We hope this will lead to expanded state-wide access.”

“Representatives from the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) met with the Johnson County Lake De Smet operating board to discuss pre-flight and post-flight inspections for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS),” he continued.

He noted that Steve Guetter, president of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association and general manager of Advanced Flight Training & Leasing, shared techniques used in Minnesota to prevent seaplanes from transporting invasive species.

Steve’s in-person visit from Minnesota and first-hand information was crucial in getting approval to operate on Lake De Smet, Grainger said.

Steve shared these recommendations to prevent transfer of invasive species:

• Use the Department of Natural Resources website or the Seaplane Pilots Association mobile app to identify bodies of infected water prior to flight
• Thoroughly inspect float surfaces prior to departing a body of water
• Wipe down float surfaces when aircraft have remained in water overnight
• Pump out water from float compartments prior to departing a body of water
• After departure, visually examine water rudders and landing gear for weeds
• Cycle rudders/landing gear over unpopulated land areas prior to landing in other bodies of water

For more information: SeaplanePilotsAssociation.org, SheridanPilots307.com