Water Flying Aviation Podcast

Join Steve and Abbie for a discussion with Ciara O Toole on the wonders that await seaplane pilots in Lake Como, Italy. Learn about the amazing history of the world's oldest seaplane base and Ciara's journey accidentally discovering the joys of seaplane flying.

Jim Hartwell discusses information that they are recommending to seaplane pilots in British Columbia. North Star Practices is a voluntary program to help reduce seaplane fatalities which started as a protocol for commercial seaplane operators, but is extending to Canada's private seaplane operators as well.

In this episode Steve and Abbie have a revealing discussion with Warren Curry from Icon Aircraft. If you have any interest in aviation or are a pilot, especially a seaplane pilot, you have heard of the Icon A5. The company has been promoting the heck out of this fascinating little flying boat for many years, but they have had more than their share of challenges bringing it to fruition. This episode provides a new perspective on the training mindset at Icon, which sets a new standard for LSAs, as well as the long evolution of the aircraft itself. After listening to the episode you can decide for yourself if Icon is finally meeting the challenges of the seaplane marketplace and will achieve success.

East Hampton, New York is prosing a ban that would prevent seaplanes from using water within their city limits. The Seaplane Pilots Association is committed to working with seaplane operators, city officials, and local residents to create a solution that insures fair and equal access to seaplane operators while satisfying the concerns expressed by the city and local residents.This podcast was recorded shortly after a city commission hearing on Thursday January 7, 2021 that Steve McCaughey and Eric Weaver who operates a Cessna Caravan into East Hampton participated in.

We have some New Years resolutions for seaplane pilots. Join Steve & Abbie to learn what you can do to be a safer seaplane pilot in 2021, how you can help the community and enjoy the process along the way.Get Proficient; especially before carrying passengers and a plane load of gearTry something new - a new rating, fly a new aircraft, get mountain training or fly in a different geographic area with an instructorMentor a new Seaplane Pilot in 2021Use Checklists & AcronymsWear PFD's & know how to use themVolunteer with SPA to help us further our promotion and protection of the water flying communityContact us via [email protected] SPA at seaplanes.org

As much of the country came to a halt due to Covid lockdowns and aviation events were canceled around the world - the Seaplane Pilots Association put their heads down and got to work on high value activities such as building a new website, working with US Fish & Wildlife on invasive species and assembling a seaplane and floats manufactures committee to address gaps in seaplane safety. Learn more about SPA's activities in 2020 with this insightful "Year in Review."

Steve & Abbie are joined by the only seaplane CFI in the world that is a factory authorized instructor in the Progressive Aerodyne Searey, the Icon A5 and Super Petrel LSA's.Mike Pearson has over 5,000 hours flight time, over 1,000 of which has been in LSA seaplanes. With a wide range of experience he has a unique level and knowledge to answer the question of this episode; "Are LSA's Real Seaplanes?"

The world's largest float manufacture Wipaire celebrated it's 60th anniversary in 2020, so we invited Chuck Wiplinger the companies CEO and Seaplane Pilots Association Board member on the show to discuss the colorful history of the Wipaire, their products and what we can expect to see from them in the future.wipaire.comseaplanes.org

Seaplane Pilots like all pilots usually have a significant wish list. Join Steve & Abbie as they discuss some of the things on their seaplane pilot's Christmas wish list.

Legendary seaplane mechanic Harry Shannon joins Steve & Abbie to discuss seaplane corrosion, prevention and the most effective approach to combating corrosion in this highly informative episode.Learn how to avoid costly mistakes in your approach to maintaining seaplanes.Contact Harry Shannon via AmphibiansPlus.com or 863-534-8025

Steve and Abbie sit down with our resident seaplane photographer Brad Fuller to discuss how we get the amazing seaplane photos that appear in Water Flying magazine. Brad has spent the majority of his life shooting film, video and still photos; much of that from boats and airplanes. He is respected as one of the best in the industry and we are so very fortunate to have him on our team.

Join Steve and Abbie as they battle it out over one of the fundamental debates in the water flying world: which seaplane float reigns supreme--straight or amphibious? As the owner of a PA-18 Super Cub on amphibious floats, Steve argues on the side of pontoons with wheels while Abbie, as a flight instructor teaching on straight floats, champions the simple life. Whether you are buying a seaplane and weighing your float options or just in the mood for a good-natured and revealing debate, tune in.The gloves are coming off, so pick a side and lay down your bets!

Steve and Abbie sit down with NASA astronaut Story Musgrave immediately after he successfully completed his check ride for the Single-Engine Sea rating.SPA Lifetime Member and Seaplane Pilot Foundation donor Story Musgrave is the first astronaut to appear on the “Water Flying” podcast. You will enjoy our discussion with a truly remarkable aviator. Story has flown more than 170 different types of aircraft, he is the only astronaut to fly all five space shuttle aircraft, he fixed the Hubble telescope, and he has flown more than 25 million miles in orbit around our planet.We are honored to have Story Musgrave, the newest member of the seaplane pilot fraternity, as our guest on the “Water Flying” podcast.

Learn first hand from Levi Guimond about what goes on behind the scenes manufacturing PK floats and the challenges of flying seaplanes in Maine.The first episode of a continuing series with seaplane and float manufacturers.

SPA Colorado Field Director, Ray Hawkins, joins Steve & Abbie to discuss the challenges of gaining seaplane access in Colorado. Despite significant opposition, progress is being made. Learn why seaplane access in Colorado could set an important precedent for waterway access for all seaplane pilots.

SPA Field Director Mark Wrasse explores where seaplanes can and cannot land with Steve & Abbie. There are tools to help determine this such as SPA's Water Landing Directory app, but to the surprise of many the answer is not an easy one.

Join Steve & Abbie as they speak with Daniel Bolton (AKA ThatMallardGuy) about his experiences as a commercial turbine Mallard pilot in Australia, and the seaplane journey's that have influenced the creation of his wildly successful seaplane podcast "On The Step."

Steve & Abbie sit down with Mark Twombly the editor of Water Flying magazine to discuss his recent experience earning his multi-engine seaplane rating in an Aircam on amphibious floats.

Steve & Abbie discuss the process of getting your single engine seaplane rating.

Join Steve & Abbie as they discuss the "Why" you should get your seaplane rating. Learn from the experiences of this owner operator and an active seaplane CFI as they discuss one of the most frequently asked questions fielded by the SPA staff.