Annual Event Slated For Early October

The Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association (VSPA) will host a Seaplane Splash-In on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Gaston Resort. This is an opportunity to watch seaplanes taking off and landing using water “runways”. The Virginia Department of Aviation, the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association, Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport and the National Seaplane Pilots Association are joining together to enjoy refreshments, share information displays, listen to music and network with other seaplane pilots and their guests. This event is free and open to the public.

This will be the second gathering of the Virginia chapter of the Seaplane Pilots Association, which is the first state to establish its own association. The first Splash-In was held at Lake Anna in May, where Bill Fosdick was elected president.

The goal of the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association is to educate, promote and preserve seaplane operations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Education of public officials, decision makers, other waterway users and the general public about seaplanes and their operations is key to continued acceptance on commonwealth waterways. Promotion of seaplanes in a public safety and service role provides value to the local community. Education and promotion will result in the preservation of seaplane operators’ rights to share the commonwealth’s natural resources with other groups. One objective of the VSPA is to document in the Virginia Airport Directory and SPA Directory information on landing waterways in the commonwealth and contact information for those who have oversight responsibilities for those waterways. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association contact Bill Fosdick at 540-872-6744.

The Virginia Department of Aviation’s (DOAV) vision is to become the standard of excellence among state aviation agencies and make the Virginia aviation system the model air transportation system providing Virginia communities economic development opportunities and convenient access to the National air transportation system. DOAV’s mission is to cultivate an advanced aviation system that is safe, secure and provides for economic development; promote aviation education and awareness; and provide the safest and most efficient flight services for the Commonwealth leadership and state agencies.

To make reservations to attend this event call 434-577-2193 or send an email. For pilot related questions contact Steve Harris at 301-606-0723. For accommodations and amenities visit www.lakegastonresort.com.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.doav.virginia.gov