After Delays Over Airspace, Caravan Operation Opts for Time-Tested GA Solution: Avoid the Bravo

After a delay in its planned October 11th launch, Tailwind Air has received approval to launch its float-equipped Cessna Grand Caravans from Dulles International Airport. 

The route will see their seaplanes taking off from Washington D.C.’s land-based airport and flying north before landing in New York’s East River about 90 minutes later. 

Tailwinds plans to offer 8 flights per week going each way. The route builds on their network around Boston and the greater New England region, adding an interesting and uncommon travel method to those in the area tired of the hassles of regular travel. The 8-passenger Caravans will operate from Jet Aviation’s FBO at Dulles, adding further convenience for passengers likely accustomed to adding significant TSA buffers to their arrival times when traveling on larger carriers.

Tailwind had intended to launch operations earlier this month, but considerations regarding D.C. airspace added delays as the company tried to receive approval to operate out of College Park Airport. After consideration, the company took a page from every experienced Cessna pilot’s handbook and selected the less-restrictive area around Dulles International for the origin of their flights. After all, what better way to cut the gordian knot of Washington D.C. airspace than to avoid it altogether? 

The service brings back an aviation tradition, even going so far as to offer passengers “heavily discounted” Commuter Books with prepaid bundles of 10-50 tickets to be granted to friends, associates, and customers as needed. Their fleet of Caravans are recent-manufacture from the previous 5 years of production, with seating for 8 in their air-conditioned cabin. Whether or not the plan works will be interesting to see - seaplanes seem to be on everyone’s mind in recent years, as companies begin eyeing the flexibility of AAM aircraft with the unlimited landing space along the coasts of major metro areas. 

FMI: www.flytailwind.com