Lake Whatcom 2023 Splash In

The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association and Lake Whatcom Seaplanes is hosting a splash-in at the Floathaven Seaplane Base, 0W7, on Lake Whatcom on Sunday, 11 June from 11:00AM - 3:00PM.

• Lake Whatcom Seaplanes and WSPA will be hosting lunch starting at 1230 at the Floathaven hangar
• Coffee, water, and sodas will be provided
• Feel free to drive-in if you are unable to fly in (2890 Older Lane, Bellingham, WA 98229)
  
• Use 122.90 on approach and departure from Lake Whatcom.
• See attached aerial Image for docking/ramping locations.
• The Floathaven ramp is suitable for high wing amphibs only. Low wing aircraft will need to anchor. A skiff will be available to shuttle from anchored aircraft to the Floathaven dock.
• Observe Invasive Species Guidelines below. Inspect plane before arrival.
• • WSPA will handle the requested AIS reporting for you.
• Fly Quiet. Dial That Prop Back unless you really need all those RPMs.
• Be Safe and Have Fun.
• Note: the Floathaven grass strip (WA90) will be CLOSED during this event
• Please RSVP so we can plan food quantities

There will likely be a few impromptu talks and “hangar flying.” There will certainly be lots of good seaplane chatter. Come & Enjoy. We have invited Megan Bugaj, Aquatics Invasive Species Coordinator for the City of Bellingham, to give WSPA an update on the AIS program for Lakes Whatcom and Samish.

There are lots of other seaplane accessible destinations in the area that you might consider working into your plan for the day. Take a look at our Destinations Map by clicking this link.

Questions? Contact Don Goodman, 360-303-7076, donaldjg56@gmail.com

See you Sunday, 11 June!

LAKE WHATCOM AND LAKE SAMISH, WASHINGTON - AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES OPERATING AGREEMENT

In January 2015, WSPA and the Lake Whatcom Management Team (administratively led by the City of Bellingham) concluded negotiations on a cooperative agreement relative to aquatic invasive species (AIS) and seaplane operations on Lakes Whatcom and Samish. A synopsis of the agreement is as follows: 

• All pilots operating on either lake will:
• • View the seaplane AIS training video at:  https://www.seaplaneaistraining.com/ 
  • Complete the video quiz and receive a certificate of completion
  • Carry a copy of the Cooperative Agreement and pilot completion certificate onboard the aircraft
• In addition to the above, pilots operating Resident Seaplanes (a seaplane based at either lake), will have the aircraft inspected by City inspection staff and purchase an annual AIS permit ($50) which shall be affixed to the aircraft or carried onboard the aircraft.
• The City is requesting pilots voluntarily submit a periodic report of operational activity on either lake including landings on water bodies other than Whatcom and Samish. 
• Additional requirements exist if the aircraft has operated from a water body known to be infested with Quagga or Zebra mussels.

Again this year the City of Bellingham is requesting that any pilots/owners with seaplanes based at Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish make an appointment with inspection staff to get their planes inspected and permitted for 2023 by calling (360) 778-7975. 

WSPA is encouraging local pilots to make visiting pilots aware of this cooperative agreement. The risk of AIS introduction into our local lakes is real and we all want to enjoy and benefit from continued floatplane operations on Lakes Whatcom and Samish. 

Don Goodman
WSPA - Secretary