Since the very first day I received my seaplane rating back in June of 2007, I have often dreamed of visiting beautiful destinations and fun people far away from civilization. Just yesterday friends called to invite me to their remote Maine home. Problem? All usable airports are more than an hour away by land. By water, it is only a 15–20-minute drive from a nearby long lake to their home – with no landing or parking fees or ATC restrictions to boot. The Lawrence to Maine lake trip landing would shave about six hours of travel time each way from my would-be road trip.
Who wants to drive eight hours anyway? Not me. So why have I not taken advantage of this wonderful feature of my Super Seawind Amphibian more often?
I would say fear is at the forefront. Most people without a seaplane rating would tell me horror stories and were not shy of telling me of everything that could go wrong – including my family. Most of this fear had roots in ignorance of N71RJ capabilities and just how safe water flying is relative to land airport operations.
In water, for instance, I often have miles of lake ahead of me and no air traffic. None! Sure, I have to look out for occasional watercraft or submerged debris, but I do not have to worry about 50’ obstacles and airplanes ahead, above, or below me. The only air traffic I see are occasional birds scattering as I land.
Mr. J.J. Frey who wrote How to Fly (EDO) Floats, circa 1970’s, said it this way: “Float flying is generally regarded as the easiest…Smooth overwater air also makes fewer demands on the pilot while his energy is further conserved by the ease with which rivers and shorelines may be followed.” He adds: “For the licensed private pilot, only a few hours are needed to transition from a land rating to a seaplane rating.”
What has changed? Lots!
Airports have become more restrictive, expensive to land and park in, and congested. Now I realize; there has never been a better time for me to add water to much of my flying my SEAWIND AMPHIBIAN. Today, I can reserve the shorefront property I have dreamed of for so long with an isolated beach and a nearby dock. Easy arrival: I will secure my amphibian and unload the six-foot cargo bay for a luxurious vacation stay. Where else can you park an airplane within view of your bedroom?
Water flying is the most fun I can have today. I will no longer table my dreams. I have a ticket to Maine Wilderness and good friends, and I am flying it. That’s why I chose to do my BFR on floats and that’s also why I am sticking pushpins on Maine lakes for summer and fall visits starting with Greenville Maine seaplane splash in, 7-10 September. So, throw on that cheeseburger, and I will be on my way fast as a flying falcon. Why not add a little water to your life too? Will I see you there?
Also, Read: 8,000 HOURS! EXTENDED LIFE FOR PT6 ENGINES!