Virginia becomes the first state to establish its own seaplane pilots association according to the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA). The Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association (VSPA) takes wing during the Lake Anna Splash-In (May 23 & 24, 2013). Those attending the seaplane splash-in at Lake Anna voted unanimously to establish the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association and elected Bill Fosdick as its first President. Edgar "ET" Tello, the regional representative from the SPA was in attendance and provided valuable guidance to the group. The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) Director, Randy Burdette and the DOAV Director of Flight Operations and Safety, Steve Harris were there in support of creating the association. The new President of the VSPA, Bill Fosdick said, “Virginia is considered a seaplane friendly state and with a concerted effort by the 209 seaplane pilots already in Virginia we can make the business and sport of flying seaplanes in Virginia much safer for the pilots and citizens of this great commonwealth through education and preservation and cooperation.”
The goal of the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association is to educate, promote and preserve seaplane operations throughout the commonwealth. 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.
