About the Evening
For one special evening each year, the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association welcomes you and your guests to an unforgettable celebration of seaplane flying at the Museum of Flight. This year's theme — Charting New Waters — reflects our growing community and the expanding horizons of seaplane aviation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Grounded Hogs Gala is our primary annual fundraiser, supporting WSPA's mission to protect and expand seaplane access to Washington waters, promote safe and responsible operations, and foster community among pilots, operators, and aviation enthusiasts throughout the region.
An Evening Made Possible by Our Major Sponsors
This year's event would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our Major Sponsors. Their support allows us to host this gala in one of the most breathtaking aviation venues in the world, with a dining experience worthy of the occasion.
We are deeply grateful to our 2026 sponsors:
Ace Aviation • Aerocet • Alaska Airlines • Cal Bamford • Cirrus Aircraft • Garmin • Hartzell Propeller • Jobe Real Estate Group • Kenmore Air • Seaplane Pilots Association • Southwest Aviation Insurance •The Museum of Flight • The Neiders Company • Wipaire
Please join us in thanking these partners whose commitment to our community makes Grounded Hogs possible. If you are interested in becoming a Major Sponsor please contact Alex Jobe, alex@joberealestate.com, 425-444-7696.
Keynote Speaker
We are honored to welcome Joe Sprague as our 2026 Grounded Hogs Keynote Speaker.
Joe recently retired after a distinguished three‑decade career in aviation, including leadership roles at Alaska Air Group, Horizon Air, and most recently as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. His career began in Alaska as a commercial pilot, including flying a Cessna 206 on floats, an experience that sparked his lifelong connection to seaplane operations. Joe now serves on the boards of Kenmore Air and Wings Airways and remains a respected voice in the aviation community. We’re thrilled to have him join us for this year’s celebration.
The Venue
The gala will be held in the Seattle Museum of Flight's T.A. Wilson Great Gallery — a stunning 3-million-cubic-foot, six-story glass-and-steel exhibit hall housing 39 historic aircraft. Dinner tables surround the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, and the dramatically lit gallery transforms into a breathtaking backdrop that traces the first century of flight. This world-class setting is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors.
Museum Access Included
Your registration includes free admission to the Museum of Flight all day on February 20th. Simply check in at the admissions desk and provide your name — they'll have your Grounded Hogs registration on file and provide you with an event wristband. The museum opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM for event setup.
Ticket Information
Members and their guests: $140 per person
Non-members: $165 per person
The Grounded Hogs Gala coincides with the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show, so we expect strong attendance. Space is limited — register early to secure your spot.
Evening Schedule
- 6:00 PM — Doors open, reception begins
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM — Social hour, silent auction, and cash bar
- 7:00 – 7:15 PM — Welcome from WSPA Board Members
- 7:15 – 8:00 PM — Dinner and keynote presentation
- 8:00 – 10:00 PM — Raffle
- 10:00 PM — Conclude
Raffle
Our world-famous raffle returns with items and experiences sure to excite any pilot or aviation enthusiast. Details on this year's prizes will be announced as we get closer to the event.
If you would like to contribute an item or experience to the raffle, please contact Don Goodman at donaldjg56@gmail.com or (360) 303-7076. Every contribution is greatly appreciated.
Silent Auction
The silent auction returns this year with exceptional items celebrating aviation and adventure. Online bidding will open a week ahead of the event, and in-person bidding will open when doors open at 6:00 PM and closes promptly at 8:00 PM.
Hartzell Propeller
This year’s auction will feature a standout aviation‑themed showcase propeller from Hartzell Propeller that captures the spirit, craftsmanship, and adventure of flight. It’s a striking piece from one of the most respected names in the industry, a represents a rare opportunity to take home an iconic piece of aviation history.
Alaska Airlines Round-Trip Tickets
Your next adventure awaits! Bid on a pair of round-trip main cabin Alaska or Hawaiian airline tickets to anywhere in North/Central America or Hawaii with no blackout dates. Each ticket is valued at up to $1,750.
Custom Handmade Seaplane Quilt
Commemorate your aircraft with a one-of-a-kind custom quilt, handmade by the talented artisans at Coffee Town Quilting. This stunning piece will feature a seaplane of your choosing — embroidered with precision and care. Learn more about their craftsmanship at www.coffeetownquilting.com.
All proceeds from the silent auction support WSPA's mission to protect and expand seaplane access in the Pacific Northwest.
Volunteers Needed
This event relies on thoughtful volunteers who donate their time to assist with guest check-in, ticket sales, raffle setup, and other duties that keep the evening running smoothly. If you're attending and interested in helping out, please contact Don Goodman at donaldjg56@gmail.com or (360) 303-7076.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received before midnight on Thursday, February 12, 2026 will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. After this date, we are committed to the space and unable to offer refunds — though you are welcome to send a substitute in your place. For questions or to arrange a substitute, please contact Madison Zepeda, events@washingtonseaplanepilots.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors whose generosity makes this evening possible: Ace Aviation, Aerocet, Alaska Airlines, Cal Bamford, Cirrus Aircraft, Garmin, Hartzell Propeller, Jobe Real Estate Group, Kenmore Air, Seaplane Pilots Association, Southwest Aviation Insurance,The Museum of Flight, The Neiders Company, Wipaire.
For more information, photos, and sponsor details, visit www.groundedhogs.com. Questions? Contact us at events@washingtonseaplanepilots.org.
We hope to see you there!
Best regards,
Washington Seaplane Pilots Association
