There wouldn't be another place on earth where a seaplane makes great sense but also would seem stupid to try it out! Well Peter Groves had a vision of how well they would work in Dubai, and proved the doubters wrong, creating one of the worlds most unique and successful seaplane companies, Seawings Dubai. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/c...
Dec 18, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 45
We are back with another bonus episode of seaplane scares. This is a collection of past guests, and some future guests coming up in the next few episodes, who have shared a quick story regarding a scare they have had in a seaplane, passing on a valuable lesson to us all. This episode’s scares include flying into IMC, docking scares, instructing on glassy water, a free drifting beech 18, and many more including a story of my own. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallard...
Dec 11, 2020•42 min
Matt Dearden, aka @indopilot, is back to share stories of the rescue of the Catalina flying boat Miss Pick Up, after her successful flight back home just days ago. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber Seaplane Pilots Association: On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Associa...
Dec 06, 2020•18 min
Abbie Kellett has aviation running through her blood. Growing up in the backseats of WW1 era aircraft, Abbie is now her own aviator as she teaches the ways of the seaplane world to all types of students, even astronauts! She is also the co-host of everyone’s other favourite seaplane podcast, water flying by the Seaplane Pilots Association. EPISODE NOTES TEMPLATE Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy...
Dec 04, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 44
In the early 1900’s, seaplanes ruled the aviation world. World air speed records were held by single seat seaplanes almost the size of model airplanes but with engines that were the most powerful of their day. In 1927, the Supermarine S5 seaplane took victory in the Schneider Trophy air race, and today, a team of people are building a replica of the famous seaplane, with the aim to fly it by the 100-year anniversary of the win. I spoke with project manager Will Hosie about their progress. https:...
Nov 27, 2020•43 min•Ep. 43
When us seaplane mad pilots and enthusiasts think about a flying boat we would all love to get our hands on, we all agree that the Martin Mars would be a dream come true. Peter has had an incredible career flying many bush planes including Beaver's, Norseman's, Beech 18's and the famous Martin Mars. Peter is also a licensed engineer specialising in fabric. He is a very humble man and shares some great stories from his career. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 42
Al Hymers is regarded by many as one of the most experienced pilots of the Canadair family of water scooping flying boats. From the 2,100 hp a side twin radial engined CL-215, to the newly modified Pratt and Whitney turboprop CL-415 EAF, Al has experienced it all. Not only that, he has experience on the Beech 18, flying that beauty at only 21 years of age, and also the PBY Canso water bomber, the Canadian version of the Catalina. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallar...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 41
Steve Stackhouse is one of those guys you could sit down and have a beer with, and just talk seaplanes for hours and hours... and that we nearly did! His story is full of adventure, blind corners and fun! Steve has amassed over 20,000 hours of flight time, an incredible feat. He has flown all around the world including his home country of Canada, the USA, the Maldives, American Samoa Saudi Arabia, Chad, Kenya, Sudan and most recently working with the Vietnamese military in Nha Trang. Thanks to S...
Nov 06, 2020•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 40
Best of both Aviation is an Instagram page created by best mates Kyler Nachtigall and Brendan Kochanski. These Canadian boys are each going down their own paths, one in the float world and one in the wheeled world, sharing it together in the one place. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber Sea...
Oct 30, 2020•58 min•Ep. 39
Matt has created a Go Fund Me page where you can help donate to the effort: https://gf.me/u/y5mf94 To hear more about Miss Pick Up, check out episode 9 of On the Step with Crew Chief David Legg. Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber Seaplane Pilots Association: On the Step is proudly sponsored...
Oct 27, 2020•16 min
Steve Pemberton is an Aussie seaplane pilot with years of seaplane experience. Mostly flying and instructing on the Twin Otters in the Maldives, Steve has just recently been stood down from his airline job, only to return to the float world, taking up the chief pilot position at the struggling Air Whitsunday. After the company was recently purchased by GSL Aviation owner Trent Brown, Steve’s goals include resurrecting the operation that was once the pinnacle of seaplane flying in Australia. Link...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 38
Building up tens of thousands of hours spraying fields in New South Wales Australia, Craig Patton has done most things as an agricultural pilot. After 20 years, Craig wanted to turn his skills into those of a fire bombing pilot, and now spends his days travelling between Australia and America to fight the worlds harshest fires on the Air Tractor FireBoss! Seaplane News: 3:06 Interview: 10:00 Support On the Step via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy Follow me on Instagram! https://ww...
Oct 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 37
Everyone loves seaplanes, but these aircraft that instagram user @cessnateur Jason McDowell has selected as his top 10 most unique seaplanes will blow you away! From nuclear bomb dropping jets, to 737 sized flying boats and single seat toys, the list has something for everyone. Jason has an incredible knowledge of aircraft and their history. He goes to incredible lengths to research and share these stories via his Instagram page and blog. https://www.instagram.com/cessnateur/ Support On the Step...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 36
Eder would sit in the cockpit with his father as a little boy, dreaming of following in his footsteps to become a firebombing pilot! After working very hard to achieve this goal, Eder is now the Chief Pilot at Saab Special Flight Operations in Sweden, sharing his wealth of firebombing knowledge to other parts of the world. His aircraft of choice, the AT-802F Fire Boss! Egress, emergency and survival - Fire Boss Operation Article: https://doxasticsafety.com/en/egress-emergency-and-survival-firebo...
Oct 02, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 35
After being told he was "not keen enough" for a career in the Air Force, Chad Banfield has enjoyed a 30 plus year career in aviation including a long time enjoying the seaplane lifestyle. He has waited patiently for over 3 years for his dream start at Air Whitsunday flying Beaver's and Caravan's to finding himself in the open air Ag Cat floatplane. Chad is now a Grumman Mallard Captain along side me at Paspaley Aviation. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3b...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 34
As a ten year old boy, Ron went on a short joy flight in a C185 amphibian floatplane. As they came into land on the water, Ron had no idea he was moments away from taking his last breath in the baggage compartment of an upturned, sinking aircraft. Flying as a young commercial pilot, Pat was flying the company C206 on a busy, blue skied day at the Geelong Waterfront enjoying his new career flying floats. Landing on the pristine Corio Bay water, Pat went from pilot to rescuer as he had seconds to ...
Sep 18, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 33
Tropic Ocean Airways is becoming the worlds fastest growing seaplane airline, and after talking to Rob Ceravolo on episode 12, it's understandable. Joshua Maddox always thought he was going to go down the normal airline route but joining Tropic has changed his idea about the "career" flying job, and can't see him ever leaving the company that see's him flying to the Bahamas on a daily basis. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Ins...
Sep 11, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 32
Ben Shipps has one of the most inspiring stories out there. Born with a growth anomaly with his arms, Ben has broke through barrier after barrier to follow his aviation and seaplane dreams, becoming the President of one of the worlds busiest floatplane schools! Everyone knows about Jack Brown's and finally I have a guest on to talk cubs and floatplane training. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.c...
Sep 04, 2020•56 min•Ep. 31
Just recently, photos circulated the internet about a DC-3 being reinstalled on its amphibious EDO floats after 14 years without them. I tracked down Jakob McKenney, who is writing a book all about the history of the DC-3 and C-47 amphibian floatplanes. He shares some incredible stories about the aircraft and the unique floats they sit on. https://www.aviationnarration.com Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www...
Aug 28, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 30
You won't find anyone more passionate about seaplane safety and enjoyment than Steve McCaughey, in fact the guy was married in the back of a Grumman Albatross mid air! He shares his journey into the wonderful world of floats and into his current role as SPA President. http://www.seaplanes.org Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.c...
Aug 25, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 29
I've been flying seaplanes for over 10 years now (nothing compared to some of my amazing guests) but now I share with you my own story with a good mate of mine in the hosting seat. Hear about my entry into seaplanes, progressing into one of Australia's most iconic seaplane operation, living in Hanoi Vietnam flying Cessna Caravans on floats, and finally where I am today, flying the Turbine Grumman Mallard for Paspaley Aviation. For more information about Safari flights on the Mallard: http://www....
Aug 21, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 28
Connor shares stories about his career getting into seaplanes, leading up to his dream job as a Goose pilot for Wilderness Seaplanes. He talks all about his family ties to the Goose including the incredible story about his grandfather flying the same aircraft Connor flies today. Connor also shares the day to day life of a Goose pilot flying up the coast of Vancouver in both Summer and Winter seasons. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow ...
Aug 18, 2020•44 min•Ep. 27
Ever had a seaplane scare? This episode is full of stories from past guests sharing the time they had a seaplane scare and the lesson learnt from the experience. The range of topics include gear down water landings, drifting into a pier, smoke and visibility, smoke in the cabin, near mid air collision and many more. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channe...
Aug 14, 2020•47 min
Rian Potter was one of my instructors in flight school and is also a great mate. He is now in his dream job, flying King Airs for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Although not a working seaplane pilot, Rian received a FREE floatplane endorsement some years ago and talks about how it was one of his most exciting aviation adventures. He also shares the personal experience of being involved in an aviation accident and how he recovered mentally to be where he is today. Complete a survey about...
Jul 28, 2020•1 hr 9 min
At last years (2019) Seaplane Pilots Association of Australia conference, I did a presentation on gear down water landings. I am happy to share with you all the presentation, slightly modified for the podcast format. It is such a simple mistake that can be deadly, so why is it still happening today and how can we go about preparing ourselves more thoroughly to avoid this disaster. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! htt...
Jul 17, 2020•32 min•Ep. 26
For many years I have followed Toby Dorn @aeroplanetoby on Instagram without actually knowing what he did (I just loved his cool photos!) But now, thanks to a great chat, I know all about his company Blue Sky Airways and what they do. With the help of their always eye catching floatplane, and their “flying tinny” flying boat, plus a host of other tail wheel aircraft, Toby and his crew conduct some unique flying just off the New South Wales northern beaches. Complete a survey about On the Step to...
Jul 14, 2020•51 min•Ep. 25
Building a seaplane float is tough work. But with years of experience and passionate engineers, PK floats makes some of the worlds toughest seaplane floats. Levi Guimond talks all about the history of PK, what the process of building a float is and how they are transitioning into the experimental market. Not only is Levi an engineer, he is also a seaplane pilot. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram....
Jul 10, 2020•43 min•Ep. 24
Amy Gesch works for the biggest float building operation in the world. She talks all about how they are built, how they are sold and what it is like to work for Wipaire. Amy has a wealth of experience in the seaplane industry and is very good at explaining the technical areas of floatplanes. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.co...
Jul 07, 2020•58 min•Ep. 23
Sarah Tamar watched seaplanes fly over her head and began dreaming of becoming a seaplane pilot. After a stint as operations and as a dock hand for Tailwind based in New York, Sarah realised this was something she had to pursue! Now flying a Cessna Caravan Amphib for the same company, Sarah's day job involves flying Wall Street workers to their Hamptons homes! Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.co...
Jul 03, 2020•53 min•Ep. 22
From airline pilot to seaplane company owner, Henry Ellis went and did what some of us only dream of by going out on a limb to start his own seaplane company, Above and Beyond Tasmania. With an amphibian Beaver by his side, Henry and his team take tourists on adventures around the southern state of Tasmania. Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow! https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8 Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/ Check out my YouTube Channel! https...
Jun 30, 2020•56 min•Ep. 21
