EAA Seaplane Base shows
another side of aviation, AirVenture
By James Wynbrandt
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A Cessna 206 taxis in to the outer Sea Base dock.
Photo by Phil Weston |
Planes on floats bob at
anchor by a small cabin in a quiet lagoon. It could be a wilderness
retreat in the North Woods, but it’s the EAA Seaplane Base on the
shore of Lake Winnebago. If signs weren’t there, you would drive right
by the entrance off Highway 45. It seems a world away from the hubbub of
Wittman Field, but it’s easy to get to by shuttle buses that run all
day from the Amphibian parking area on the AirVenture flightline ($2
round trip).
About 100 seaplanes make this their home
during EAA AirVenture, from Grumman amphibs and Cessna Caravans to
ultralights, and occasional rarities like a Waco or Piper Aztec on
floats. A unique and close-knit fraternity of fliers camp here, but
visitors are always welcome. According to EAA Seaplane Base Chairman
Paul Seehafer, more people are discovering the joys of flying on floats,
and more of them are arriving at the seaplane base every year. During
the day planes fly in and out, while folks on the shore relax and
observe the activity, or cool off with a swim in the clear water.
Exhibitors display seaplane gear in tents by the water’s edge, while
demo aircraft are pulled up on the shore. In the evening a shoreline
campfire is lit, and campers gather to swap hangar flying—er, dock
flying—tales.
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Sea plane folks are taxied out to their plane moored in the
Sea Base lagoon. Photo by Phil Weston |
An amphibious Seabee is moored in a Wisconsin dairy themed backdrop.
Photo by Phil Weston |
