Overview
For one evening each year the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA) has the pleasure of welcoming you and your guests to an evening of fun at the Museum of Flight. This year's keynote presentation "Men on Mars" features the Martin Mars pilots that have fought fires for decades with these enormous water bombers. Peter Killin and Rick Matthews sit in the left and right seats on the Mars flight deck and have flown hundreds of hours with Coulson Aviation. They will tell you the history of these aircraft and numerous stories of their missions.
Our Annual Grounded Hogs Gala Dinner serves as our primary fundraiser to help fulfill the organization's mission to protect and grow seaplane access to Washington waters, promote safe and responsible seaplane operations, foster communications among owners, operators, service providers, and the community, and to facilitate events sharing the joy of seaplane flying in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Cost
Members, non-members, pilots, and non-pilots are welcome! This year, the cost per person is 125.00 for members and their guests, and 150.00 for non-members. The ticket price includes a beverage of your choice and we have a larger bar area this year with more bartenders.
REGISTER EARLY — On January 31, prices increase to $150 Members / $175 Non-Members.
Location
Our Grounded Hogs event will be held in the T. A. Wilson (former Boeing CEO and Chairman of the Board) Great Gallery at the Museum of Flight. This is a 3 million-cubic-foot, six-story, glass-and-steel exhibit hall currently containing 39 full-size historic aircraft. The tables will be on the main floor of the gallery around the SR-71. Dramatically lit at night, the Gallery is a stunning architectural achievement full of aircraft that trace the history of the first century of flight!
Museum Access Included
Early arrivals can attend the Museum of Flight for free as entrance is included all day for event attendees. Check in at the admission desk and state that you are attending the WSPA event that evening. You will be given a private event wristband that will allow you to tour that day. Admission is only good for you and your guests that are attending the event that day. The Museum of Flight opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm for event setup.
Program
The evening will begin with a social hour, followed by an overview of initiatives and accomplishments from the past year. Our guest speakers this year are Peter Killin and Rick Matthews of Coulson Aviation, who regularly occupy the flight deck of the Martin Mars aircraft. You can read more about them on the Grounded Hogs website. The evening will conclude with our world famous raffle - with items and experiences sure to excite any pilot or aviation enthusiast.
Schedule
6:00 pm - Doors Open for Grounded Hogs - COME AT 6:00 [1800 Pacific Time]
10:00 am
Museum of Flight Opens - FREE ADMISSION - Just tell the front desk your name and they can look up your Grounded Hogs registration.
5:00 pm
Museum of Flight Closes to the Public for Event Setup.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Grounded Hogs Reception, Silent Auction, & Social Hour with Cash Bar
7:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Introduction from WSPA Board Members
7:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Seated Dinner & Presentation
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Raffle - Led by Don Goodman and assisted by our volunteers.
10:00 pm
Conclude
Sponsors
Volunteers Needed
This event could not happen if it weren't for a thoughtful group of volunteers who selflessly donate their time to assist us with guest check-in, ticket sales, raffle setup, and other duties that make the event run smoothly. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Don Goodman via email (donaldjg56@gmail.com) or phone (360) 303-7076.
Raffle Donations
We are immeasurably grateful to receive a variety of generous donations to include in our raffle - from scenic flights and aviation gear, to flight lessons, avionics, books, photography, and aviation themed products and adventures! If you would like to contribute an item or experience, please contact Don Goodman via email (donaldjg56@gmail.com). Every contribution is very much appreciated!
Register Early
Save money and register early - Ticket prices go up January 31.
The Grounded Hogs Gala coincides with the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show. As such, we expect a large turnout of seaplane pilots, enthusiasts, and guests. Space is limited and we tend to sell out early, so be sure to reserve your tickets before we run out!
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend after registering, cancellations received before midnight on Wednesday, February 12 will be refunded, minus a $25 cancellation fee. If you find you are unable to attend after this date has passed, you are welcome to send a substitute in your place; however, we are committed to the space and will be unable to offer refunds. If you have any questions regarding this policy or to identify a substitute, please contact us.
More Information
For more information, photos, and to view our sponsors, visit our event website: www.groundedhogs.com. For questions, contact us at admin@washingtonseaplanepilots.org.
