Best Seaplane Pilots Foundation Podcasts (2024)

1
Tanglefoot Seaplane Splash-In 2023 - Priest Lake, Idaho 1:06:51

10M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Jack Jacobson and Amy Fenwick from the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association join Steve McCaughey on this episode to provide a recap of the 2023 Tanglefoot Seaplane Splash-In on Priest Lake, Idaho. Perfectly calm, cool and clear weather welcomed over 30 seaplanes and their pilots. This amazing event which was hosted by the WSPA and Fenwick family …

1
Invasive Species Friendly Float Pump For Seaplanes 36:30

11M ago36:30

36:30

Whether we want to discuss it or not, having seaplane owners and operators being the best possible stewards of the environment is not an optional topic. The spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is not limited to the waters of the United States, aquatic ecosystems arounds the world are being infected by non-native aquatic invaders. Sid Pinney fr…

1
SPA's Alaska Seaplane Advocacy Tour Recap 2023 1:14:21

11M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

SPA Board Member Harry Shannon joins Steve McCaughey to review our recent SPA advocacy tour through Alaska. During the trip SPA conducted numerous safety workshops, visited Alaska Seaplanes' amazing operation in Juneau and attended the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering. The crew traveled over 2,500 miles during the three week trip that included stops…

1
Flying with Alaska Seaplanes in Juneau 1:02:09

12M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Toby Ortega from Alaska Seaplanes joins us to discuss what it is like to fly for this industry leading seaplane company. They operate primarily throughout the Southeast Alaska region. Alaska Seaplanes recently hosted SPA and provided us with a tour and introspection into their growing and amazingly well organized seaplane business while celebrating…

1
From Volunteer to Seaplane Service Owner : Melissa Grabiec 1:05:12

1y ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Melissa Grabiec has had quite a journey since joining the Seaplane Pilots Association. As a traveling volunteer doing events across the country in her early 20's, to earning her ATP, and flying for a major airline, she is now starting her own seaplane service. Melissa started her seaplane journey, like many others, at Jack Brown's Seaplane Base in …

1
Clamar Floats the Largest Manufacturer of Experimental Floats 1:02:14

1y ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Paul Richards CEO of Clamar Floats joins Steve McCaughey for an exploration of the largest float manufacturer of experimental floats. Clamar has long been associated as a leader in composite float manufacturing for aircraft such as the Aircam, GlasAir Sportsman and many others. Innovative design, constant improvement and high quality are all traits…

1
Seaplane Flying Game Warden, Innovator and So Much More - Dan Dufault 1:01:42

1y ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Dan Dufault sits down with Steve McCaughey for this episode of the Water Flying podcast. As a former Maine Game Warden, Alaska lodge pilot and floatplane adventurer, Dan has a wealth of experience and and engineering background that has lead him to design innovative products such as the T3 Tailwheel, Paddle Pump and numerous other products used by …

1
75 Years and Counting Kenmore Air Harbor: Guest Gregg Munro 1:01:50

1y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Gregg Munro Chairman of Kenmore Air Harbor was, quite literally, born into the Kenmore Air family. He grew up on the banks of Lake Washington, surrounded by mechanics, and seaplanes. In this episode, of the Water Flying podcast Gregg sits down with Steve McCaughey to discuss the amazing history, flights and services Kenmore has provided over the ye…

1
Flying The Turbo Beaver Seaplane in Canada: with Robert Grant 1:14:52

1y ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Robert Grant joins us on this episode of the Water Flying podcast. Robert is a regular feature writer with WaterFlying magazine, he has logged over 20,000 of flight time, 6,000 hours of seaplane time - 3,000+ of which he did in the Turbo Beaver flying for the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Natural Resources. Join us as Robert shares his experiences f…

1
Restoring and Flying a Turbine Grumman Goose : Doug DeVries 1:10:16

1y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Turbine Grumman Gooses are ultra rare, and Doug DeVries not only spent 10 years restoring one but also has taken this G21G on a series of incredible adventures. In this episode of SPA's WaterFlying podcast, I sit down with Doug to discuss restoring the Goose, learning to fly it, and embarking on a flying boat adventure to the outer most Aleutian is…

1
Santa Catalina Island's Flying Boat History: Guest David Johnston 1:03:27

1y ago1:03:27

1:03:27

David L. Johnston joins Steve McCaughey in this WaterFlying podcast to discuss his experiences as a dock boy for Avalon Air Transport (Catalina Air Lines), which at the time operated a fleet of Grumman Gooses as well as the incredible Sikorsky VS-44 four-engine flying boat. In addition to working the seaplane dock between 1962 and 1968, David has b…

1
Jon Brown - 19,000 Seaplane Ratings and Counting 1:00:03

1y ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Having conducted over 19,000 seaplane checkrides; more than anyone else in history - Jon Brown is a true seaplane legend. In this episode of Water Flying, Jon joins Steve McCaughey for a reflection on his 48 years as a seaplane examiner. Jon's father opened Jack Brown's Seaplane Base, the world's most active seaplane school in 1963. Now, 60 years l…

1
Seaplane Photos - Capturing the Magic 54:28

1y ago54:28

54:28

Photos of seaplanes have a magical allure that attracts people to them like a magnet, and this is a well known secret among marketing agencies, movie & tv producers and aviation magazines like AOPA Pilot, EAA Sport Pilot and Flying among others. Mark Twombly, editor of "WaterFlying" magazine joins Steve McCaughey for an exploration of how to captur…

1
Seaplane Flying in Louisiana with a Legend - Charlie Hammonds 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

Charlie Hammonds joins Steve to discuss the little known history of the massive floatplane community that used to exist in Louisiana. Over 300 seaplanes worked the oil fields with extremely demanding conditions including weather, night operations, and risky dockings. Charlie was one of the pioneers of the floatplane community starting a commercial …

1
Underwater Seaplane Escape Training with Kaylab Verdin 50:53

1+ y ago50:53

50:53

Kaylab Verdin from Fire and Medical Training Centre in Houma, Louisiana joins Steve McCaughey to talk about the AUET (Aircraft Underwater Escape Training) for seaplanes that they provide in their Triton training system. Leading by example SPA's Board member's recently joined SPA staff members Steve McCaughey and Carter Clay for this invaluable trai…

1
Can You Fly A Straight Floatplane Across the United States? (Part 2) 1:01:26

1+ y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

SPA Lifetime Member Dave Wellman returns for a fascinating account of his attempt to fly a straight float Cessna 172 across the United States. In part 1 of Dave's journey, we discussed the inception of the idea, the planning and preparation and the training that took place before he started this epic journey east bound from Washington state to Main…

1
Can You Fly A Straight Floatplane Across the United States? (Part 1) 42:15

1+ y ago42:15

42:15

SPA Lifetime Member Dave Wellman joins us on this episode of Water Flying to explore whether or not it is possible to fly a straight float seaplane across the United States. This is the first of a two part episode exploring Dave's attempt to fly a straight float Cessna 172 from Washington state to Maine. This is the kind of adventure many seaplane …

1
Seaplane Volunteer Opportunities in 2023 35:23

1+ y ago35:23

35:23

SPA's event and volunteer coordinator Carter Clay, joins Steve to discuss the opportunities, and many of the needs the Seaplane Pilots Association has for volunteers in 2023. Volunteers are the real horsepower of non-profits like the Seaplane Pilots Association, and we have numerous ways you can put your passion into action helping the Water Flying…

1
Seaplane Pilots Association - 2022 Year in Review 1:10:23

1+ y ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Seaplane Pilots Association Chairman Steve Williams joins Steve McCaughey for a 2022 "Year in Review." As the last episode of the year we always like to take time to provide a very condensed and shortened version of our activities during the year. As always, 2022 was a busy year dividing our time, energy and resources between in person events, safe…

1
5,000 Mile Seaplane Adventure 1:16:12

1+ y ago1:16:12

1:16:12

Steve McCaughey is joined by Peter Christie, Slade Rosamond, and Carter Clay to discuss their lessons and experiences learned flying with Steve on a 5,000 mile seaplane cross country. The Super Cub's first stretch was flown by Slade from home base in Winter Haven, FL to 19-Mile Bay, NH in support of keeping the Lake Winnipesaukee bay open. After th…

1
Rust's Flying Service - The Largest Seaplane Service in Alaska 47:52

1+ y ago47:52

47:52

Todd Rust the owner and operator of Rust's Flying Service the largest seaplane operator in Alaska joins Steve for a fascinating discussion of the history of Rust's and the unique experiences that you can have when flying with them. From glaciers to beluga whales, moose and bears when you fly with the largest off-airport operator in the United State…

1
Seaplane Training at Kenmore Air with Brian Flegel 36:31

1+ y ago36:31

36:31

Brian Flegel, Chief Flight Instructor at Kenmore Air, joins Steve for an exploration of seaplane training at their facility in Kenmore, Washington. Brian's journey to becoming the Chief Flight Instructor at Kenmore is a true success story not only for him, but also for the effectiveness of the Seaplane Pilots Association's seminar and workshop prog…

1
Preparing Seaplanes for Winter Operations - Curt Sneddeker 36:36

1+ y ago36:36

36:36

Winter seaplane operations are the focus of this episode of Water Flying. Curt Sneddeker, the Maintenance Department Manager at Wipaire in South Saint Paul, Minnesota joins me to discuss useful tips for seaplane owners to conduct for protecting their aircraft during winter operations. With over 40 years of aviation maintenance experience and over 2…

1
Seaplane Safety Study Results - Richard McSpadden AOPA Aviation Safety Institute 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

Richard McSpadden, the Executive Director of the AOPA Aviation Safety Institute, joins us on this episode of Water Flying to discuss the results of the recent Seaplane Study the Seaplane Pilots Association partnered with ASI to conduct. In this episode, Richard and Steve McCaughey review some of the most important results of this study. These resul…

1
Seaplane Sirens - Women Who Charm The Winds 30:13

1+ y ago30:13

30:13

Kelli O Donnell is a passionate Seaplane Pilots Association volunteer, marine biologist with NOAA fisheries and is dedicated to helping more women enter the wonderful world of seaplane flying. In this episode of Water Flying, we will discuss the Seaplane Sirens (Women who charm the winds) Facebook group and how it is serving women who want to join …

1
Flying Seaplane History At Currier's Flying Service 45:22

1+ y ago45:22

45:22

Roger Paradise from Currier's Flying Service sits down with Steve in Currier’s hangar lakeside Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine, for this episode of Water Flying. Currier's is currently operating two ultra-rare Cessna 195s on floats as well as a De Havilland Beaver and couple of Cessna 180s on floats. Learn what kind of challenges Roger faces op…

1
The Alaska Floats & Skis Experience with Missy Lee 39:15

1+ y ago39:15

39:15

Missy Lee from Alaska Floats & Skis @AK8 joins Water Flying on this episode to discuss the unique experience pilots will have flying with them in Talkeetna, Alaska. Whether it be remote river bar landings, landing on roads, ski operations, or seaplane training, pilots flying with Alaska Floats & Skis will expand their flying horizons! https://www.a…

1
How Wind Affects Seaplane Operations and How to Read It 31:36

1+ y ago31:36

31:36

John Gowey, Director of Flight Operations at Kenmore Air Harbor, joins me for an in-depth discussion on how the wind affects seaplane operations. How to properly read wind direction on the water and align correctly for a safe landing into the wind. Additionally, what you need to know about wind sheer which occurs when wind flows over and around ter…

1
The Birches - A must visit seaplane friendly resort 38:03

1+ y ago38:03

38:03

The Birches is a must visit seaplane friendly resort in northern Maine and a frequent destination for the Seaplane Pilots Association. John Willard who owns this amazing resort joins us on this episode of Water Flying. John is a passionate seaplane pilot and owner operator and has worked tirelessly to create a resort that offers a seaplane destinat…

1
Seaplane Instruction at Acme Cub on Lake Hood 30:44

1+ y ago30:44

30:44

Steve Williams from Acme Cub joins Steve at Lake Hood to discuss the in-depth seaplane instruction that they provide in Alaska. The sheer number of seaplanes and seaplane operations at Lake Hood is unlike any other seaplane base in the world, but it share the strong sense of community that seaplane pilots are known for. With well over 17,000 hours …

1
Seaplanes Flying Opportunities in the Pacific Northwest 39:04

1+ y ago39:04

39:04

SPA Field Director, Don Goodman, joins Steve to discuss seaplane flying opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. A mountain climbing expedition ignited Don's interest in pursuing his pilots license, and lead to Don owning a Cessna 182 on straight floats. From boarder crossings to island destinations and even inland alpine lakes the Pacific Northwest…

1
Proposed Seaplane Ban Defeated in New Hampshire 1:05:47

1+ y ago1:05:47

1:05:47

TR Wood from Epic Seaplane Adventures joins Steve to discuss the recent attempt to ban seaplanes from 19 Mile Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. The Seaplane Pilots Association with support from AOPA, RAF, the New Hampshire Pilots Association and Maine Aeronautics Association prevailed against a group of well intended but…

1
Seaplanes & Aquatic Invasive Species in Alaska 35:31

1+ y ago35:31

35:31

It's great to be back again for another week of Water Flying! This week Aaron Martin from U.S. Fish & Wildlife joins Steve on location on the shores of Lake Hood to discuss seaplanes and invasive species in Alaska. Listen in and get an understanding of invasive species, and the impact they have on the ecosystems and the seaplane community. Aaron Ma…

1
2022 Greenville International Seaplane Fly-In 31:09

1+ y ago31:09

31:09

Gary Norris president of the Greenville International Seaplane Fly-In joins Steve this episode to discuss the 2022 seaplane event at Moosehead Lake in Maine. Listen in and get a feel for the small town, large mountain lake, numerous events and variety of aircraft that will be attending this event. This is the "World's Largest Seaplane Event" and on…

1
Surprising Seaplane Opportunities in Texas 26:25

2+ y ago26:25

26:25

This episode of Water Flying reveals the surprising amount of seaplane flying opportunities in the state of Texas. SPA Texas & Regional Field Director Mike Eiras elaborates on the laws, water access and possibilities that abound for seaplanes in Texas. Honestly, it sure sounds like more seaplane pilots need to take advantage of these and we are sur…

1
Seaplane Community : Thank You for an Amazing 2021 23:26

2+ y ago23:26

23:26

This episode is dedicated to all that contributed to creating the amazingly successful year the seaplane community has experienced in 2021. Thank you and we send our warmest wishes for a Merry Seaplane Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.By Seaplane Pilots Foundation

1
Seaplane Flying in California with Terry Hayes 43:10

2+ y ago43:10

43:10

Join us for a discussion on flying seaplanes in California with severe drought conditions, glassy water landings and insights into the Seaplane Foundation scholarship programs. Water Flying welcomes Terry Hayes a legendary seaplane pilot, seaplane instructor, aviation advocate, SPA volunteer, Seaplane Foundation Scholarship Committee Chairwoman, ac…

1
Amphib Seaplane Wheel Maintenance Tips & Tricks 31:27

2+ y ago31:27

31:27

Amphib seaplane owners, operators and those wishing to purchase an amphibious seaplane will not want to miss this episode discussing amphibious seaplane wheel maintenance tips and tricks. Chris Shannon from Amphibians Plus, shares numerous antidotes for amphib owners to extend their bearing life and reduce maintenance expenses along the way. https:…

1
ICON AIrcraft's Numerous Seaplane Training Programs 35:20

2+ y ago35:20

35:20

Andy Jackson the Flight Training Network Manager at Icon Aircraft joins us on this episode of the Water Flying podcast to discuss the numerous flight training programs currently offered by ICON Aircraft. From ICON Authorized Flight Instructors programs to Single Engine Sea Ratings and owner transition programs ICON Aircraft has developed a much mor…

1
Why is the Cessna 185 Seaplane So Popular? 58:25

2+ y ago58:25

58:25

Why is the Cessna 185 Skywagon such a legendary seaplane and bush plane? In this episode of Water Flying, we discuss this topic with Stephen Williams who has been an owner and operator of his Cessna 185 for over 26 years. This is part of an on going series within the Water Flying podcast where we explore different specific types of seaplanes provid…

1
The Seaplane Volunteer Experience: Peter Christie 24:54

2+ y ago24:54

24:54

Peter Christie is one of the most active Seaplane Pilots Association volunteers, and for nine years and running he has traveled from Alaska to Florida working events with our staff and volunteers. In this episode of Water Flying, Peter shares his experiences, motivations and thoughts on why volunteering has been so rewarding to him.…

1
What Does It Take To Produce Water Flying Magazine? 1:04:36

2+ y ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Water Flying magazine's editor Mark Twombly joins Steve McCaughey for an in depth discussion on the small but effective team that puts together the seaplane community's flagship magazine. Just as importantly, we discuss how much member input goes into the publication and we provide guidelines for aspiring writers within our community to submit cont…

1
Water Flying visits the Largest Lake Amphibian Fly-In 43:29

2+ y ago43:29

43:29

Join us as we visit Lake Fest 2021 the largest event for the Lake Amphibian community. Myron Mitchell, Adrian Wood and Bill Greenwald from the Lake Amphibian Club's board join Steve for a review of this year's event which was held in Pineville, Louisiana. No less than 18 Lake aircraft and approximately 60 people attended this 4 day event dedicated …

1
The Visionary of America's Seaplane City - John Drury 39:40

2+ y ago39:40

39:40

Tavares, Florida has become a "Mecca" for seaplanes, one where the city, businesses and residents have fully embraced seaplanes as and integral part of their community. John Drury the City Manager and Seaplane Pilots Association Board Member is the visionary behind this unique redevelopment of the town's economy around seaplanes and the results are…

1
Madden's Resort - An Amazing Minnesota Seaplane Destination 27:55

2+ y ago27:55

27:55

In this episode, Water Flying visits one of our favorite seaplane resorts. Join us as we sit down with Ben Thuringer SPA Lifetime Member and COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Madden's Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota. Madden's Resort is owned and operated by a family deeply invested in the seaplane community, and operates numerous aircraft including th…

1
Seaplane Pilots Association Founder David Quam 36:35

2+ y ago36:35

36:35

On this very special episode of Water Flying Seaplane Pilots Association Founder David Quam joins Steve McCaughey to discuss the history of SPA. Dave is still actively attending events and telling his colorful stories of seaplane adventures 49 years after founding this association.By Seaplane Pilots Foundation

1
Monster Seaplane Splash-In A Halloween Tradition 25:47

2+ y ago25:47

25:47

While haunted houses are common place in cities around the world, Tavares, Florida hosts an annual Monster Seaplane Splash-In, complete with a pumpkin smashing bomb drop competition. Kendall Clutts Tavares' Aviaiton manager joins this episode's hosts Mark Twombly and Steve Mccaughey to discuss this unique seaplane splash-in (fly-In) which features …

1
Wipaire Expands Seaplane Services in Europe 19:24

2+ y ago19:24

19:24

Laurent Gauthier owner & CEO of Porta Air Service joins Steve and Abbie along with Clint Clouatre Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Wipaire. Porta Air who is based in Friedrichshafen, Germany recently signed a new partnership with Wipaire as an international authorized installation and service center for Wipline 8750 floats, single point re…

1
Minnesota Seaplane Safety Seminar 2021 Recap 22:25

2+ y ago22:25

22:25

The Water Flying podcast goes on location as we sit down with Steve Guetter and his fellow board members of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association for a recap of the 2021 Seaplane Safety Seminar at Maddens on Gull Lake in Brainerd, MN. Over 40 seaplanes and 150 pilots attended this year's MSPA three day seaplane safety seminar - find out more in…

1
Ben Shipps from Brown's Seaplane Base 48:30

2+ y ago48:30

48:30

Ben Shipps from Brown's Seaplane Base joins Steve & Abbie to discuss the things that challenge new seaplane pilots in their training and check rides. Additionally, we discuss the transition of ownership of Brown's Seaplane base to the next generation and the addition of an Icon A5 to the training fleet of Piper J-3 Cubs and Super Cubs.…

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