| Seaplane Pilots Association AustraliaThe
Peak Body on all Seaplane Activities in Australia |
From the point of view of the Seaplane Pilots Association of Australia, the 2025 Australian Internation Airshow at Avalon Vic was arguably the best display we have mounted. Although the airshow was more subdued following the shocking crash of one of the members of the Paul Bennet aerobatic team the crowds of public still came and more than ever passed through the SPAA stall.
Eight flying boats were on display at the show, more than could be fitted in the area around our stall. Two lovely Lake flying boats and a Searey were relegated to the GA parking area. In the SPAA display area we were blessed to have Geoff Hunt’s fabulous Grumman Goose, Michael Smith’s famous Seabear, Bret Thomson’s beautifully presented Searear, and David Geer’s lovely Searey. Also in the GA parking area was Geoff Hunt’s Seafury, Keith Clark’s Buccaneer and Hamish Kebbell Searey.
As a special extra we also had on display one of the most famous flying cars, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang along with a beautiful period dressed passenger. The SPAA stall was fortunately placed at the entrance of the GA marquee and consequently saw a continuous flow of public with many showing interest, asking questions and buying merchandise.
One of the most common questions we received is: Where can I get an endorsement to fly a seaplane?
To help, we've compiled a list of organizations that offer seaplane training. Visit our website and check out the Training Directory here: SPAA Training Directory.
Happy flying!
If you're reading this after the airshow and need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at 0418 10 35 35 or email David Geers at davidg@100asa.com.au.
The Seaplane Pilots Association Australia (SPAA) is a not for profit organisation staffed predominately by volunteers. As the peak body relating to Seaplane activities across Australia, our goals are to:
- Promote the safe and responsible operation of Seaplanes.
- Advocate for equal rights and access to waterways for Seaplanes.
- Engage with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Air Services Australia (ASA), industry stakeholders and other interested parties on Seaplane related matters and legislation.
- Foster high standards of Seaplane training and airmanship.
- Provide support and information to its members.
Mid Coast Flying
ROSS COSTANZO CFI. Senior Instructor. L2. 012603
Mid North Coast NSW. 800m Private Airstrip YPLS.
Next to the Macleay River. 1018 Old Station road Old Station NSW 2440 Mobile 0412484279
Accommodation available at local Airbnb or Camping on site.
Currently Operating Searey Elite LSA and Jabiru J230 LSA.
- · Recreational Pilot Certificate Training
- · Passenger Endorsement
- · Cross Country Endorsement
- · Nose Wheel Endorsement
- · Tail Wheel Endorsement
- · Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement
- · Adjustable Propellor Endorsement
- · Floating Hull Seaplane Endorsement
Sydney by SeaplaneChief Pilot, Steve Krug, offers high quality endorsement training in the Beaver Amphibian.Please discuss your requirements with Steve.PLEASE CALL YOUR PILOT, STEVE KRUG TO BOOK! |
Melbourne Seaplanes
Melbourne Seaplanes is operated by local husband and wife team, Brett and Barbara Audas. Rod Gunther, with over 30 years experience, takes care of flying and training while Barbara manages the terminal and bookings.
Over the years Melbourne Seaplanes has built up and improved the facilities for our customers and introduced different services to cater for all kinds of experiences.
The aircraft used are designed in the factory to have float landing gear fitted. They feature a powerful 520 cubic inch (8.5 litre) motor producing 300 horsepower (224 kw.) which allows exceptional performance. Four to five passengers, depending on weight, can be carried in comfort to view our magnificent bays and coastal waterway. Their good handling and excellent reliability have made these aircraft the bench mark for this type of operation.
Location
Melbourne Seaplanes is situated at 126c Nelson Place, Williamstown.
Services commence at 9.30am. Bookings are preferable. The seaplane flights depart from a purpose built floating marina situated on the water front off Commonwealth Reserve just a short walk from our office.
Swan River Seaplanes is an award-winning tourism operator offering scenic flights in Perth plus a range of other flights and tours to Rottnest Island and Margaret River.
Taking off from the Swan River in our state-of-the-art seaplane, you’ll get an uninterrupted aerial view of the Perth cityscape, Kings Park and Botanic Garden and of course, the spectacular coastline. At your destination, choose from our range of irresistible hand-picked Margaret River tours or Rottnest Island tours for a day you’ll never forget – or plan your own itinerary.
Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or in a group, our range of flights and day tours can take you to Western Australia’s most incredible places in a quick, convenient and thrilling way! Exclusive and interactive, you will enjoy a captivating, once-in-a-lifetime experience from the moment you step out of your home or your hotel!
The company was founded in 2017 by tourism industry professionals, Kristy Bailey, Troy Thomas and Dean Kingi and it quickly established a reputation for professionalism and service excellence. Troy previously owned two other highly successful and multi award-winning seaplane operations in Broome and Darwin, Kristy, through her company One Eighty Marketing, brought more than 20 years experience in tourism and marketing while Dean bought customer service excellence, in-depth logistical skills plus operational background and experience.
Location
Swan River Seaplanes is located at the Queen Street Jetty, Mobile departure lounge + office, South Perth Esplanade, WA 6151. Contact at 08 9417 8005 or bookings@swanriverseaplanes.com.au.
Paradise Seaplanes
Come and share a true memory-of-a-lifetime experience with us today!
Paradise Seaplanes is proud to offer adventure flights in our historic Wilga warbird. If beauty is a machine perfect for the job, she’s the most beautiful aircraft in the world! She was designed for observation, and there is no better observation platform anywhere. Stable, smooth and comfortable with a cockpit wrapped in glass, you are immersed in the experience of floating over some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.
Paradise Seaplanes has been recognised as a 2020, 2021 & 2022 Travellers’ Choice award-winner for Attractions and Activities Worldwide. Based on the last three years of Tripadvisor reviews, award winners are known for consistently receiving great traveller feedback, placing them in the top 10% of tourism activity businesses around the globe
A Total Adventure: The fabulous thing about a Seaplane is that it opens up a world where no-one else can go. There is no need for airports or runways, just water. No other type of aircraft lets you look down, pick a likely spot on the river and touch down as gracefully as a seabird. (Well, ‘graceful’ like a black swan, not like a pelican!)
Offering flights in a range of amazing locations from Maroochy River, the Sunshine Coast, Noosa River, Double Island and the Glasshouse Mountains, there's sure to be a bucket list trip for everyone.
Location
Paradise Seaplanes are located at Riverside, 142 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore, QLD 4558 and can be contacted on 0437 719 088 or by email at help@paradiseseaplanes.com.au
Air Whitsunday Seaplanes The ultimate adventure with Air Whitsunday! The 74 Islands of The Whitsundays are world-reknown for their natural beauty. Consisting mostly of National Parks, the islands feature amazing landscapes of rainforests, beaches, and unique eco-systems, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Beyond the Whitsunday Islands, is the Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 80km offshore, the closest sections of Reef to Airlie Beach are Hardy Reef, Hook Reef, and Bait Reef. Our Panorama Tour is the only way to visit Whitehaven Beach & The Great Barrier Reef on the same day. It's absolutely a bucket list item, landing inside the amazing coral structures of Hardy Reef, and snorkelling in our private lagoon. Air Whitsunday only operate with small group numbers, and our large private snorkelling area ensures that we have minimal impact on our local environment. From Airlie Beach, it is absolutely the best way to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Tours depart most days from Airlie Beach, with a range of experiences in the Whitsundays including Whitehaven Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef. Come and explore our amazing backyard! Air Whitsunday was established in 1973, enabling visitors to easily travel to the Great Barrier Reef in just 30 minutes. Air Whitsunday is the longest-running tour operator in the Whitsundays, and has shared this beautiful region with visitors from all over the world for nearly 50 years. There's nothing quite like landing on the water, inside one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Click Here to download the Air Whitsunday brochure! |
