Mon, Feb 15, 2010
One of the more serene locales close to the annual insanity of
the Oshkosh EAA Fly-In is the nearby Seaplane base... where all
manner of water-borne aircraft get to play in the waters of lake
Winnebago. Hidden between Reinke and McClarin Creeks, in an
inviting cove off the shores of Lake Winnebago, exists the EAA
AirVenture Seaplane Base.
Established as the center for all water-based aviation attendees
in 1973, the base continues to be one of the most popular havens
from the bustle of Wittman Field.
Among the most idyllic of the birds alighting on the lake is
none other than THE stereotypical GA aircraft... the legendary
Piper Cub... on floats, of course. ANN caught up with the owner of
such a vision, Lake Crystal, MN, Mayor Pat McKinzie who also
teaches aviation at the Minnesota State University-Mankato.
His 1945 Piper Cub sits on a pair of EDO 1320 floats built in
1946. McKinzie has been coming to Oshkosh to give rides since 1998
and he admits that he never sees more seaplanes (at one time) than
he does at Oshkosh each year.
The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) provides the leading voice
for seaplane enthusiasts since its beginnings in 1971. With over
8,000 members, SPA serves to represent the interests, technical
support, and advocacy for seaplane pilots and aficionados around
the world.
The Seaplane Pilots Association’s primary dedication is to
support the preservation and heritage of water flying. Since
9/11, the access to public waterways has been dramatically impacted
due to the increasing security measures enacted across the United
States.
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