While some beautiful looking LSA seaplanes have captured lots of attention — I am thinking of Icon’s vigorously promoted A5, the unusually capable MVP, the highly innovative Wave, and Finland’s ATOL … all of which have some fascinating features — all but one share one feature: You can’t get one yet. ATOL is preparing to deliver […]
seaplanes
Aero Adventure continuing upward
Does the Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) world seem somewhat obsessed with seaplanes? Certainly, it appears that’s where a good bit of the most innovative thinking is occurring. However, to observe that is to focus only on the newest designs, the most innovative of which have yet to hit the market and may be years away. For […]
The joy of seaplanes
By MIKE KINCAID Contrary to what some of the younger pilots I examine for the Single-Engine-Sea rating might think, I didn’t begin flying when seaplanes were first introduced. That honor goes to a Frenchman named Henri Fabre, who lifted off from the water in Southern France in 1908 (Glenn Curtiss began seaplane flights later that year […]
New seaplane book published
Mike Kincaid’s latest book, “Seaplaning,” has just been published. The book is the successor to “Seaplane Rating Basics,” which was published in December 2013. The new book is for “students, instructors, pilots, and seaplane lovers everywhere,” according to Kincaid. “It is the complete guide to earning your Single-Engine-Sea rating, and to keeping safe thereafter,” he adds. […]
Renters insurance for seaplanes introduced
Filling a void that has long been an issue, a partnership between Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) and Starr Aviation introduces new coverage for pilots who want to rent seaplanes. Available for both personal use and flight instructors, the insurance covers fixed wing single engine non-pressurized seaplanes. AIR has also partnered with Starr to offer personal non-owned […]
Last flight of a seaplane legend
Pulling up to his ramp in back of a Piper two summers ago, the front-seater asked if the energetic kid who had raced up to pull the floats onto the slippery wood could be trusted around the prop. That “kid” was 92-year-old Bill Brooks, looking and acting youthful as a seaplaner. I convinced the pilot […]
Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship established
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In celebration of 55 years of continuous float production, Wipaire has created the Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship, which will be awarded in July at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “As a longtime and active member of the seaplane community, we continually invest in people and products to better serve […]
Flying the Searey
I’m retired, so officially every day is a day off. But I do a lot of writing and lately, I’ve been looking for a little more fun in my new home state of Florida. Last week, I kicked around some boat clubs and breezed through the sailboat ads. Then, my EAA chapter emailed that Searey […]
Why you should be a seaplane pilot
By STEVEN McCAUGHEY Looking for a new flying adventure? Need a Flight Review? Trying to decide what is the best way to take your flying to the next skill level or what rating to pursue next? Well, I have the answer to all of these questions: It is time for you to get a seaplane […]