Western Seaplane Pilots Association News

WSPA Spring 2026 Newsletter

Crista Worthy — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:00:20 GMT

Check out our brand-new issue announcing our new name, repeal of the aviation luxury tax, Tanglefoot registration info, destinations, gorgeous new photos, and more!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Spring_2026.pdf

WSPA Winter 2026 Newsletter

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:34:40 GMT

Our Winter issue is loaded with lots of seaplane action photos and stories!
https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Winter_2026.pdf

WSPA Fall 2025 Newsletter

Byron Dover — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:16:57 GMT

Our Fall issue is loaded with lots of seaplane action photos and stories!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Fall_2025.pdf

WSPA Summer 2025 Newsletter

Byron Dover — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:47:03 GMT

Our Summer issue is loaded with fantastic seaplane action photos and stories!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Summer2025.pdf

WSPA Spring 2025 Newsletter

Crista Worthy — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:22:52 GMT

Spring has arrived, and with it our schedule of upcoming events plus important news and fun photos!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Spring%202025.pdf

WSPA Winter 2025 Newsletter

Byron Dover — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 03:30:00 GMT

Happy New Year! Check out our Winter newsletter, with all the details about our Grounded Hogs Gala, plus travel stories from around the U.S., and lots of information, news, safety tips, and more!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/WSPA_Newsletter_Winter%202025.pdf

WSPA Fall 2024 Newsletter

Byron Dover — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Our WSPA Fall 2024 newsletter is packed with exciting updates including a recap of the Lake Whatcom Splash-In, an inspiring Angel Flight story, and an update on quagga mussel management in Idaho. The newsletter dives into general aviation news, introduces their new WSPA interns and administrative team members, an includes a captivating piece about the First World Flight and the aircraft built for it!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/WSPA_Newsletter_Fall2024.pdf

WSPA Summer 2024 Newsletter

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:20:50 GMT

Summer is "flying" by, but our newsletter has lots of suggestions for fun places to fly this summer and fall! We also have gorgeous photos and a full report from our big Tiki party at Tanglefoot Seaplane Base, upcoming events, an "adventure" in British Columbia, and a wonderful story about a special aviator's high school from our two new interns! This, GA news, new seaplane airparks, and much more!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Summer2024.pdf

WSPA Spring 2024 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 18:18:28 GMT

Spring is here and we are ready to knock the rust off! See our newsletter for news and dates about upcoming events, including our Rust Remover Seminar, Tanglefoot Splash-In, and more fun gatherings!

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Spring2024.pdf

This issue also features our President's Report, AIS update, an eclipse viewing trip, a recap of our record-breaking Grounded Hogs Gala, CFI and Maintenance reports, GA seaplane news, historic photos of the first around-the-world flight that began and ended in Seattle, and more!

You'll love the exciting photos from Addison Pemberton and his bevy of unique aircraft. We finish this issue with a spectacular Destinations story about flying in Canada. This fishing extravaganza will leave your head spinning! The photos are amazing, and your guide is a pilot who has made 47 flying trips to Canada, so you're in good hands! Don't miss it!

Winter 2024 Newsletter

Crista Worthy — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:13:36 GMT

Happy New Year! We are resuming our quarterly newsletters! We've got news from across the state and, country, and around the world--in this issue, as far away as New Zealand.

https://wspa.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/WSPA_Newsletter_Winter2024.pdf

This issue also features our President's Report, an AIS update on quagga mussels in the Snake River, opportunities for new seaplane bases, CFI and Maintenance reports from our partners at Kenmore Air, some history on the formation of the WSPA, and a wonderful Alaskan seaplane adventure by WSPA Secretary Don Goodman, who also contributed several articles regarding Lake Isabel.

We've also got recaps of several fun WSPA gatherings from last year, with dozens of beautiful photos of seaplanes, members, and friends. And we've got more events in store for 2024, so save those dates on your calendars!

Finally, we've added a fun History section with historic seaplane photos, a Safety section, and a Destinations section. This issue we feature Tacoma and Puyallup, since we're looking forward to seeing you at the NW Aviation Conference & Trade Show, right after our Grounded Hogs banquet. Speaking of Grounded Hogs, be sure to reserve your tickets now, since this event usually sells out!

So, pull up a chair to your computer, because you'll find our newsletter is more like a full-color magazine! The goal is to give you more interesting, more fun, and more relevant to you aviation stories than you can get anywhere else! Read some today--save some for tomorrow!

Feedback and suggestions are always welcome, as are your good photos of your seaplane adventures, so that we can feature them in upcoming issues as well as on our Facebook page!

Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,

Crista Worthy, Editor, Admin, and Social Media

and the WSPA Board of Directors

editor@washingtonseaplanepilots.org

208-906-4471

WSPA_Newsletter_Winter2024.pdf

January 2023 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:36:49 GMT

Happy New Year! To ring in the new year, we thought we would take the opportunity to recap our efforts from 2022 and introduce a few things to come in 2023. Also in this edition of the WSPA newsletter, you will find two fantastic works submitted by WSPA Member, Bryan Thompson, and WSPA Secretary, Don Goodman. Thank you, Bryan and Don, for your contributions!

We hope you will find in this new year new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and new inspirations. We look forward to being a part of your 2023 and you ours. Thank you for your continued support!

https://washingtonseaplanepilots.org/resources/WSPA%20Newsletter%20-%20January%202023.pdf

Spring 2022 Rust Remover Resources

Amy Fenwick — Sat, 28 May 2022 18:17:02 GMT

We wish to thank everyone who participated in our Spring Rust Remover last week, and particularly those who worked hard to prepare for it. And thank you to Shane Carlson from Northwest Seaplanes for hosting and providing his experience and advice. Below are links to the video recording, the slides and the Ross Lake procedures document:

2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Training

Amy Fenwick — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:23:44 GMT

Now available for 2022: Aquatic Invasive Species Training

Get ready for Spring flying by visiting Seaplane AIS Training to complete the training and earn your certificate!

WSPA Fall and Winter 2021 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:31:07 GMT

In this Fall/Winter combined issue of our WSPA Newsletter, you can read about the efforts made in 2021 by your WSPA board of directors and members to fulfill our mission as an organization and to support water flying in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

In addition, Addison Pemberton takes us on a flying boat adventure to Montana, Scott Cooper recounts his hydraulic failure on a water landing, and we learn more about the history of Kenmore Air and their journey to becoming the largest commercial seaplane airline in America.

Wishing you all the best as we begin a new year!

Warm regards,

WSPA Board of Directors

WSPANewsletter2021.Q3and4.pdf

WSPA Spring 2021 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Mon, 31 May 2021 14:51:30 GMT

This Memorial Day we honor and remember those who gave everything in service to their country. Our gratitude lies with these individuals and their families.

As you enjoy your day away from the office, we hope you will take some time to peruse the latest issue of the WSPA newsletter.

WSPANewsletter2021.Q2.pdf

In this issue, you will receive an update from our board president, Stephen Ratzlaff, on the ongoing efforts of our board and membership. Bruce Hinds and Scott Cooper supply us with the interesting history of D. B. Cooper as told by Bill Hoover, and Stephen Ratzlaff takes us on a well-referenced journey to the incredible Ross Lake in this month's Logbook Reveries.

In addition to these pieces, we announce the date and location of our Summer Splash-in, and provide a brief review of our recent Spring "Rust Remover" Virtual Safety Seminar, with links to the videos and presentation included!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and relaxing Memorial Day!

Winter 2021 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:35:32 GMT

Please enjoy the latest issue of the WSPA newsletter. In it, you can read about recent initiatives undertaken by our board and membership, take a tour via seaplane with Don Goodman and friends through the state of Washington in this issue's Logbook Reveries, and learn about our first ever virtual event: Grounded Hogs 2021.

WSPA Newsletter 2021.Q1.pdf

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you in 2021!

WSPA Fall 2020 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:14:12 GMT

Please enjoy the latest issue of the WSPA newsletter.

In this issue you will receive an update from our board president, Stephen Ratzlaff, on the ongoing efforts of our board and membership. You will also read some more interesting seaplane history provided by Kevin Franklin, review the importance of checklists in safe operations with Bruce Hinds, and travel to Stehekin, Washington with Amy Fenwick in a new column we're adding to promote visits to local seaplane destinations: Logbook Reveries.

Would you like to contribute to a future newsletter?

We love hearing from our members and appreciate when members share safety and maintenance tips, photos, and of course, anecdotes highlighting their memorable experiences and favorite places to fly. If you have something to share, please send an email to Scott Cooper, Board Member and Newsletter Editor, pilotcooper@gmail.com.

WSPA Newsletter 2020.Q4.pdf

Foss Waterway Development Authority Seaplane Float

Amy Fenwick — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 22:09:03 GMT

In 2013, the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA) worked with the Foss Waterway Development Authority to enable the use of the seaplane float at the north end of the docks located at 535 Dock Street in Tacoma.

This message is to inform you that the float has been removed from service for the duration of the winter months. You can look forward to a notification from us in the spring when it is returned to service.

Keeping waterways open to seaplanes is one part of an ongoing effort made by the WSPA on behalf of our members and fellow seaplane pilots. We provide member updates on seasonal access, and offer support in determining appropriate use and procedures for entry into known waterways.

If you have questions about a specific waterway or destination, please send us an email and we will be happy to assist.

Best regards,

Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA)

Summer 2020 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 02:48:33 GMT

Please enjoy the latest issue of the WSPA newsletter.

In it, you can read about the training adventures of three new commercial MES pilots, a Super Petrel LS named Daisy, and various tips to prevent mishaps known to occur when operating amphibious aircraft.

We would like to thank Addison Pemberton, Tonya Rutan, and Burke Mees for contributing their work and many great photos. Also, thanks to editor, Scott Cooper for putting it all together.

As always, we appreciate your continued support. Enjoy what remains of Summer 2020 and we hope to see you at a future splash-in!

2020Q3 WSPA Newsletter_Final.pdf

Landing Gear and the Amphib Pilot's Survival Instinct by Burke Mees

Amy Fenwick — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 14:47:12 GMT

Attached is an article Burke wrote on amphib safety in 2016. It is well written and as pertinent today as ever. We reference it in our upcoming newsletter, and want to thank Burke for sharing his work as we continue to promote safety in everything we do.

Mees_Landing Gear _ The Amphib Pilot's Survival Instinct 2016.pdf

Lake Whatcom – Floathaven Seaplane Base Splash In

Amy Fenwick — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:45:56 GMT

The WSPA is hosting a Pop-Up Splash In at the Floathaven Seaplane Base this coming Sunday, August, 16, 2020 from 11:00AM - 3:00PM. See the attached flyer and visit our Events Page for more information.

Lake Whatcom _ Floathaven Seaplane Base Splash In-2.pdf

WSPA Spring 2020 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:41:30 GMT

Please enjoy the latest issue of the WSPA newsletter.

Among others you will find articles and updates pertaining to: WSPA events, membership, and our ongoing efforts to support seaplane flying in Washington; Kenmore Air's plans for resuming flight operations; and our first high school scholarship recipient!

We would like to thank Scott Cooper for editing this issue and supplying us with some neat history on Dornier and the Seastar, as well as a review of Birds of the Island, by Sir Gordon Taylor.

As always, we appreciate your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at a future splash-in!

Sincerely,

WSPA Board of Directors

WSPA Newsletter Spring 2020.pdf

WSPA Member Update

Amy Fenwick — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:39:03 GMT

Member Update

We're glad to inform you that the float has been returned to service for the duration of the summer months.

If you have questions about a specific waterway or destination, please send us an email and we will be happy to assist.

Best regards,

Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA)

November 2019 Newsletter

Amy Fenwick — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 23:58:44 GMT

The latest edition of the WSPA newsletter is out and may be accessed for download here. WSPA Fall Newsletter 2019.pdf

WSPA Member Update

Amy Fenwick — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:19:17 GMT

Member Update

If you have questions about a specific waterway or destination, please send us an email and we will be happy to assist.

Best regards,

Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA)

August/September Newsletter

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:47:16 GMT

https://washingtonseaplanepilots.org/resources/Newsletters/2019.8.9%20WSPA%20Newsletter.pdf

June 2019 Newsletter

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:13:50 GMT

2019.6 WSPA Newsletter (1).pdf

Spring Newsletter - May 2019

Tue, 14 May 2019 01:08:16 GMT

https://washingtonseaplanepilots.org/resources/Documents/2019.5%20WSPA%20Newsletter.pdf

December 2018 WSPA Newsletter

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 02:01:55 GMT

December 2018 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V7.4 Final.pdf

September 2018 WSPA Newsletter

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 19:07:00 GMT

September 2018 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V7.3.pdf

Economic Benefits of Seaplanes

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:50:52 GMT

In the Pacific Northwest, the cost of a seaplane Ride per-passenger is between $59 and $500. The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association reminds communities that private and commercial seaplane have a high average per-person spend and economic benefits to local communities through:

Food & Beverage
Merchandise
Excursions and Activities
Lodging
Ground Transportation, including to-and-from transfers to land-based airports
Fuel

To learn more see:

Seaplane Passenger Economic Spend - Second Draft.pdf

WSPA Summer 2018 Newsletter

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:56:32 GMT

June 2018 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V7.2.pdf

WSPA Spring 2018 Newsletter

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:14:32 GMT

Mar 2018 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V7.1.pdf

PICTURE OF THE MONTH    3

EVENTS   4

GROUNDED HOGS 2018 RECAP    4

EMERGENCY EVACUATION TRAINING EVENT    5

POULSBO SPLASH    6

AOPA MISSOULA SEELEY LAKE FLY-OUT, MONTANA    7

CLEAR LAKE SPLASH IN    8

WSPA/BCFA PHANTOM LAKE (CANADA) SPLASH    9

WA SEAPLANE AIS PERMITS REQUIRED APRIL 1^ST (No Fooling) 10

PORT OF TACOMA DOCK OPEN FOR 2018 SEASON    10

CHARTING SEAPLANE BASES   11

SEAPLANE BOATER REGULATION CARDS   12

ADVERTISING    14

WSPA Fall 2017 Newsletter

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 23:15:33 GMT

Fall 2017 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V6.4.pdf

WSPA Summer 2017 Newsletter

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:13:10 GMT

This is probably our biggest issue to date. A lot is going on. Read about upcoming events like Priest Lake and The Eclipse Splash along with several things we are doing to enhance Lake Isabel. Some good Training and Maintenance tips are included in this issue. Don't miss the article on Rough Glassy Water. What's That?

Click Here to find out -->

Summer 2017 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V6.3.pdf

WSPA Newsletter Winter 2017

Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:30:55 GMT

Lotsa news and info in this newsletter

Help us protect Seaplane access in Kirkland. Jan 30

See you at Grounded Hogs. Feb 24

Join WSPA & SPA in Puyallup at NWAC Feb 25/26

Read the newsletter:

Winter 2017 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V6.1.pdf

Lake Chelan Seaplane Base is Closing.

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 00:15:50 GMT

YIKES !!! Lake Chelan Seaplane Base is closing. The current historical location no longer seems to be a choice and we need to help find a new location, perhaps an even better one. WSPA will be monitoring and advocating for the right answer.

In addition to being a valuable commercial operation and source of lake transportation, Chelan SPB is also a place GA pilots can put down in times of need while crossing the mountains. It is an important part of the only northern US seaplane cross country trail we have left.

Read here for news:

http://lakechelanmirror.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=9332

Go here and sign the Save Chelan SPB Petition please:

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/save-seaplane-service-on-lake-chelan

- WSPA

Fall 2016 WSPA Newsletter

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:46:43 GMT

Enjoy and Share.

Fall 2016 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V5.3.pdf

June 2016 Newsletter

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 16:00:00 GMT

June 2016 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V5.2.pdf

April 2016 Newsletter

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 17:32:10 GMT

April 2016 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V5.1.pdf

Foss Waterway Seaplane Dock In Service for 2016

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:54:17 GMT

Hello All,

I just wanted you all to know that the seaplane float is back in service on the north end of the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma! We look forward to seeing your planes coming and going and we hope you have a very busy and exciting season.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call us.

Louise Dreyer

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Foss Waterway Development Authority

253-597-8122

Theafoss.com

December 2015 Newsletter V4.4

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 19:00:00 GMT

Dec 2015 Washington Seaplane Pilots Association Newsletter V4.4.pdf

Seaplane Runway Coming to Lake Union in 2016

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 20:32:58 GMT

Please read about upcoming seaplane runway on lake Union and thoughtfully answer the poll if you have something constructive to add.

http://threesheetsnw.com/blog/2015/12/seaplane-runway-coming-to-lake-union-in-2016/

Seaplane Float in the Thea Foss Waterway removed from service this afternoon

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:49:36 GMT

Hello All,

It is that time of year again – time for Turkey and high winds – so we are having the Seaplane Float in the Thea Foss Waterway removed from service this afternoon. We will notify you when it is returned to service after the storm season has ended.

In the meantime, enjoy your other fall/winter activities – we look forward to seeing you (or at least your planes) in the Spring!

Louise Dreyer

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Foss Waterway Development Authority

535 Dock Street, #204

Tacoma, WA 98402

253-597-8122

Theafoss.com

All e-mail communications with the Foss Waterway Development Authority are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act and should be presumed to be public.

Rutan SkiGull Taxi Test

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:04:12 GMT

http://cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_439a845a-82b6-11e5-a3c0-f7e0829b21b6.html?mode=jqm_gal#&ui-state=dialog

WSPA Website Announcement

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 21:56:59 GMT

Hello Everyone,

WELCOME

The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association announces a new Website and Social Media Presence for 2015. If you are a past, current or future member, please read on as all of our communication and membership management will be performed via the new website.

NEW WEBSITE

Our new website is washingtonseaplanepilots.org The old address www.wa-spa.org can still be used as it has been redirected to the new site.

FACEBOOK

We also have a new Facebook page. You can find it by searching for “Washington Seaplane Pilots” on Facebook, or by clicking on the link at the bottom of the website homepage.

HISTORY

The WSPA Board spent the past two years looking at our overall system needs and then the past three months implementing and testing our new website, membership and event management systems and accounting system. We hope you like it. We moved most of the data from our old site to the new one. The old site still be accessed if you go to the “About” page at washingtonseaplanepilots.org.

REASONS

At the new website we made it easier to:

· Pay your annual dues and make donations to the open waters fund.
· View our event calendar and sign up and pay for events
· Communicate and ask questions of your fellow WA Seaplane pilots
· Find useful links for flight planning and destinations
· Read our latest newsletters and blogs
· Find Seaplane training materials

NEWSLETTERS

Newsletters will be delivered online henceforth with news posted as it occurs, not several months later. The new system provides a convenient and flexible mechanism for us to communicate news to the entire Washington seaplane community and membership.

RENEWAL

The new system automates the membership renewal process. Each member has their renewal date set to the month/day they signed up. Previously membership had been by Calendar Year. Most existing or recent members have their renewal date set to January 1^st, 2016. Some more recent members have their renewal date set later in the year coinciding with the month/day they paid. Annually, you will receive three renewal notices and (hopefully not) two past due reminders. These emails include a link to our online payment system where you can pay securely with Credit Card or by using Pay-Pal.

We imported 381 member names and contact information from our old spreadsheet based system. If you do not want to be a member or receive communications from WSPA you can opt-out. Anyone is able to join or renew online.

No personal information is available on the website. When you log in you can edit your profile, enter information about your seaplane, and opt-in to enable your visibility for other members to see.

SUMMARY

Please take a look at washingtonseaplanepilots.org, and stay in touch. You can communicate directly with WSPA board members via email links on the website. We look forward to hearing from you. We encourage you all to visit the new site and will appreciate your feedback. If there is missing information, or things you’d like to see added, changed, or removed, please let us know by sending email to admin@washingtonseaplanepilots.org

Most of all I would like to thank Austin Watson, WSPA Board Member, for driving this to conclusion. His leadership has been instrumental in making this happen. And thank you to our board of directors for providing much of the content.

Regards

Stephen Ratzlaff

washingtonseaplanepilots.org

Lake Woahink (1O0) Seaplane Base – Oregon

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:40:51 GMT

My wife and I visited this seaplane base on return from the Clear Lake, CA splash-in this summer. Lake Woahink is the only charted seaplane base on the Oregon coast. The lake is 2nm long and oriented north/south. The seaplane base is on the south end of the lake adjacent to Highway 101 and opposite an RV campground. The current owners, Greg and Jan Murphy have created a vacation rental on the property. 100LL is available 5 nm to the north at Florence (6S2). Greg and Jan are happy to provide transport to Florence if they are available. The Columbia Seaplane Pilots Association have recently held a splash-in there. Note – watch the coastal wind, lake orientation helps but it can get pretty stiff.

Contact Greg Murphy – 818-512-0256 for current dock status and accommodation details.

Also visit http://www.lake4you.com/home.html.

Don Goodman

lake woahink spb.jpg

Kenmore to build floats for Chinese Airplanes

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:31:58 GMT

Kenmore President Todd Banks said, "...state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) signed an agreement with Kenmore to design, certify and manufacture the floats that will convert 100 Chinese Harbin Y-12 twin-engine turboprops into seaplanes.

See Seattle Times article dated Oct 2, 2015

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/kenmore-air-to-help-turn-100-chinese-turboprops-into-seaplanes/

AOPA names Bremerton 2016 Fly-In location

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 17:01:06 GMT

AOPA will host a fly-in at Bremerton Airport on August 20th, 2016. WSPA will concurrently host a Seaplane Splash-In at nearby Long Lake. Look for further information at the AOPA link below and in the coming months here on the WSPA website.

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/October/01/AOPA-names-2016-fly-in-locations

Wrap Up - Fall 2015 Splash In - Priest Lake Idaho

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:37:58 GMT

The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA) Fall 2015 Splash In was held September 11^th through the 13^th at Tanglefoot Seaplane Base (D28) in Cavanaugh Bay in the town of Coolin on Priest Lake, Idaho. Dr. Loel Fenwick and his wife Olson kindly shared their dock, ramp, and hangar facilities for the weekend. We had over thirty seaplanes arrive between Wednesday and Saturday and managed to dock, beach and ramp all of them without bumping any wings or tails.

Planes and Pilots from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Arizona flew in. WSPA volunteers provided and prepared meals Friday night through Sunday morning. Notable makes and models included, from small to large, Scout, Super Cub, Lake(s), Glasair Sportsman (very popular), Cessna 18Xs, Seawind, Beavers, Mallards, and The Turbine Supergoose.

The Washington Pilots Association (WPA) was holding an annual fly-in at Cavanaugh Bay (66S) nearby. Pilots from both groups visited and shared over the weekend. Both WSPA and WPA have common charters to protect, maintain and grow access to the areas we want to fly.

During the day Saturday, a fly-out was organized to several local destinations on Priest Lake, Sullivan Lake and in other Northern Washington and Idaho lakes. Two WSPA members familiar with the local lakes, terrain and procedures volunteered to organize and marshal the fly-out and hold a pre-launch pilots meeting. Late in the morning after making picnic lunches about twenty planes were off the water to the north. Through all the launching and retrieving of seaplanes all went well again.

Being at 2,439 feet and with the day warming into the 80s, it took some heavier planes up to 40 seconds to get off the water. A few CFIs remaining on the shoreline scoring takeoffs and landings noted that the common (but rare) observed mistake was departing directly into a steep Vx climb instead of accelerating level in surface (water) effect post liftoff. With a 19 mile long lake there was a lot of time to reach the proverbial 50 foot tree so why not get some speed before the climb? Level acceleration puts the pilot and plane in a better position to manage an engine out at takeoff than does a slower nose high orientation. Remember the lesson, “Accelerate in Ground Effect then transition to Vx or Vy”.

The weekend weather was perfect (cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons) and a welcome respite for all of us after a very hot and smoky summer. Arriving and departing planes did have to plan flights around nearly the dozen remaining fire fighting TFRs. Most pilots noted smelling smoke during some portion of the inbound journey. The fires are expected to burn until the snow comes this year.

On Saturday evening after all the planes go back and tucked in for the night, the Fenwicks hosted a social hour and then WSPA hosted a sit down dinner for everyone in the hangar. After dinner we had two speakers. Kevin Strait spoke on history, geography, flora, and fauna of the area, and Burt Rutan spoke on his almost-complete Ski Gull motor glider seaplane. First Flight is very soon. Both were exceptional speakers, appreciated and well received by the attendees.

On Sunday as we all were departing the weather west of the Cascade Mountains was changing with a cold front and on shore flow building up quite a cloud deck in the Puget Sound Basin. In addition strong winds a loft were forecast. Pilots were seen pacing and tapping smartphone screens to get weather updates all through the morning hours and phone calls west for observed conditions were being made. This is a common pattern in fall in the PNW and often by later in the day the low layers burn off and crossing the mountains is made possible. Our two last resort contingencies were park east of mountains and wait or cross south following the Columbia River through The Gorge (expect hellish wind) and then proceed north under the layer, a 5+ hour option with no great fueling options for those on straight floats. Off we all went, and the typical pattern held, and we were able to cross Stampede Pass to the south late in the afternoon and easily descend under what were by then 3,000 foot ceilings. The northern mountain crossings were all covered by the black wall of doom and we were glad to be home.

By 7:00 PM Social Media was lighting up with pictures and likes and comments about the event. For you Facebook-ers, go snoop Flights Above The Pacific Northwest (FATPNW), Washington Seaplane Pilots Association, and SPA Facebook pages for lots of pictures.

Thank you goes to Fenwicks for the spectacular facility, Kenmore Air for kickoff funding, and the WSPA board members who organized and managed the event; in particular Jack Jacobson whose idea it was and then took the yeoman leadership position to make it happen, and also Stephen Ratzlaff (President), Greg (and Mary Jo) Corrado (VP) who did the food, and Kevin Wyman, and Austin Watson who filled in the gaps. Recognition also goes to all the attendees who offered to help and did help with the myriad of things needing doing to make a successful event from marshaling planes to hauling trash.

Next year anyone?

Priest Lake Splash In is still on!

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 02:29:49 GMT

Next weeks Priest Lake splash in is still a go. We will meet again next Wednesday the 9th of September to review the weather and fire situation again and make a final go no-go decision. We expect upwards of 50 people and more than 25 seaplanes. [See info under events].

WA blog settings and setting up restrictions

(Past member) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:36:13 GMT

You can create as many different blogs as you wish. You can limit access to a blog by placing it on a restricted page. If you make the page public, you can still use the blog gadget settings to control functionality for visitors and members.

You can read more about setting up blogs on our Blog help page.

If you are looking on more information on how to use blog, you can find it here.

Western Seaplane Pilots Association News

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Spring is here and we are ready to knock the rust off! See our newsletter for news and dates about upcoming events, including our Rust Remover Seminar, Tanglefoot Splash-In, and more fun gatherings!

Winter 2024 Newsletter

January 2023 Newsletter

Spring 2022 Rust Remover Resources

2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Training

WSPA Fall and Winter 2021 Newsletter

WSPA Spring 2021 Newsletter

Winter 2021 Newsletter

WSPA Fall 2020 Newsletter

Foss Waterway Development Authority Seaplane Float

Summer 2020 Newsletter

Landing Gear and the Amphib Pilot's Survival Instinct by Burke Mees

Lake Whatcom – Floathaven Seaplane Base Splash In

WSPA Spring 2020 Newsletter

WSPA Member Update

Member Update

November 2019 Newsletter

WSPA Member Update

Member Update

August/September Newsletter

June 2019 Newsletter

Spring Newsletter - May 2019

December 2018 WSPA Newsletter

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Economic Benefits of Seaplanes

WSPA Summer 2018 Newsletter

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CONTENTS

WSPA Fall 2017 Newsletter

WSPA Summer 2017 Newsletter

WSPA Newsletter Winter 2017

Lake Chelan Seaplane Base is Closing.

Fall 2016 WSPA Newsletter

June 2016 Newsletter

April 2016 Newsletter

Foss Waterway Seaplane Dock In Service for 2016

December 2015 Newsletter V4.4

Seaplane Runway Coming to Lake Union in 2016

Seaplane Float in the Thea Foss Waterway removed from service this afternoon

Rutan SkiGull Taxi Test

WSPA Website Announcement

Lake Woahink (1O0) Seaplane Base – Oregon

Kenmore to build floats for Chinese Airplanes

AOPA names Bremerton 2016 Fly-In location

Wrap Up - Fall 2015 Splash In - Priest Lake Idaho

Priest Lake Splash In is still on!

WA blog settings and setting up restrictions