NSW Seaplanes

[weloveseaplanes]

Gidday Gidday,

Here on a seaplane honeymoon (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=325266) we're loving Australia, each other and the adventure of new places, new people and new planes. As much fun as we've had in Victoria though it's time to head the camper on up into New South Wales.

Training with the two operators down here my eyes were really opened. I realized again how specialized the world of the professional seaplane pilots is, and a little of how much there is to take on board. It really requires a different mindset. A quote from the Melbourne Seaplanes Training Syllabus keeps running through the old noggin; "Further training on the more advanced aspects and flying with experienced pilots is encouraged and recommended so that with care and responsibility you can enjoy floatplane flying as one of the most rewarding forms of flying."

That's great advice that we intend to head. So we’re on the hunt for any seaplanes, any seaplane pilots, and any seaplane instructors in the land of the Blues.

Anyone care to let any cats out any bags?

Splish-splash,
We love seaplanes

[RadioSaigon]

Hey bro. As others have mentioned, Bill Lane is the 'guru' in these parts. He used to be based in Port Nelson (about 40 mins away from here) until last year. I had heard that he was then operating out of Port MacQuarrie with Akuna Seaplanes -at least until their recently rumoured demise. I heard he was working on a restoration of his own at the time too... either a floatie or an amphib, not sure which. Haven't heard much of late, will keep an ear to the ground.

[Valdiviano]

I am sure you have looked at www.seaplanes.org.au
Bill Lane is nearly finished rebuilding a 182 on floats at Camden Haven River, just south of Kew, NSW. He still does endorsements, etc. sometimes using the Port Macquarie, Akuna 172XP. His mobile is 0432328813.

[weloveseaplanes]

Thanks guys. Having set sail North we've given Mr. Lane a call, couldn't reach him but will keep at it. Thanks for the phone number and encouragement, :) Camden Haven river was one of the places we'd love to drop into, so with a bit of luck, and who can't do with a bit of luck, we'll be able to catch up there.

I'm getting slightly ahead of myself though. We've spent 1079km playing with seaplanes and honeymooning so far and we haven't even left Victoria and all NSW and Queensland is still out there calling us on.

We'll drop through Albury tomorrow and see if we can see the amphib Birdog there. Next, she deserves some quality honeymoon time before I contact the SPAA (thanks Valdiviano, have sent our little seaplane website link by PM) and the three other NSW companies we've found, Sydney Seaplanes, Sydney by Seaplane and Searey Australia - its looking like their lots of Ss in New South Wales . . . Ss for seaplanes of course :)