The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) plans to proceed with rulemaking to allow seaplane landings in the coming months on Buckeye Lake, Indian Lake, Long Lake, and Salt Fork Reservoir (see map), and even more in the future. In December 2015, officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Seaplane Pilots Association held […]
seaplane
First Colorado Splash-In set for May 14
The first Colorado Splash-In will be held Saturday, May 14, on Lake Meredith near Sugar City in southeastern Colorado. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is expected to draw some 500 spectators. The Seaplane Pilots Association has been working for years to gain access to Colorado waters. Colorado historically has been off-limits to seaplanes, so the splash-in […]
Picture of the day: Maule on floats
Ace aviation photographer Brian Neidhardt sent in this photo of a Maule 7 in Greenville, Maine. See more of Brian’s photos in the April 21 print issue of General Aviation News.
World’s largest flying water bomber to be at Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — The gigantic Martin Mars aircraft, the world’s largest flying water bomber and the last of its kind, will make its first trip to Wisconsin to participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, the 64th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, will be July 25-31 at Wittman […]
Picture of the day: Floatplane Heaven
George Weaver sent in this photo of “an anxious J3 on Lake Hood in Anchorage, Alaska — Floatplane Heaven. Nearly everything ever adapted to floats can be found there.” “Some work every day, some wait for better weather,” he notes. “Time was you could just walk along the shore and breathe it all in. Harder now, but worth it […]
Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship returns
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Wipaire will once again offer the Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2015 in celebration of Wipaire’s 55th anniversary and Ben Wiplinger’s contributions to aviation. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2016. “The response to the scholarship last year was beyond our expectations,” said […]
Big dreams for the Seaplane Pilots Association
By JONI M. FISHER “Dream big or go home,” said Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) Executive Director Steve McCaughey on plans to build a permanent home for the association. He was talking to about 100 SPA members at the association’s annual meeting held Nov. 6 at Gilbert Field (KGIF) in Winter Haven, Florida. The big news is that the […]
Burt Rutan’s latest project: The SkiGull
Legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan’s latest project is the SkiGull, a seaplane that’s currently undergoing initial hydro testing. Mike Kincaid, a seaplane expert who has written often for General Aviation News and happens to live near Burt’s retirement home in Couer d’Alene, Idaho, reports that the SkiGull “will land very slowly, takeoff quickly, cruise fast, […]
A niche of a niche
Do you hold an Israeli pilot certificate? If so, are you looking to add a seaplane rating? Well, I’ve found the guy. Probably, the only guy – in the world – who can help you. How’s that for a niche market? Rich Hensch, owner of Florida Seaplanes, is that guy. From his time working with United […]