Seaplane Adventure

In the early years of aviation, airplane technology advanced in leaps and bounds-yet airport development lagged behind.  Into this void came the seaplane, an aircraft able to fly without need of runways to any destination near an ocean or lake.
By the 1930s seaplanes held absolute speed records and inaugurated air travel between the continents.  Just a decade later, however, a boom in airport construction during World War II had rendered most obsolete.  Today, seaplanes fly primarily for recreation-a unique intersection of the romance of boating and excitement of general aviation.
On Saturday, May 4th, a taste of that romance alights at the Hiller Aviation Museum for a Seaplane Adventure event.  Seaplane Adventure features a fly-in of "amphibious" aircraft from around the western United States.  These planes can operate from land as well as water, and will arrive in the morning for display at the Museum.  Inside the Museum, we will celebrate the grand opening of our new centerpiece exhibit, a Grumman HU-16 Albatross-last and largest of the famed Grumman amphibians.  The Museum's aircraft, N44RD, participated in an around-the-world flight following the path originally flown by Amelia Earhart in 1937.  The Museum's Albatross was graciously donated by local businessman and philanthropist Mr. Reid Dennis.
The Museum's Flight Sim Zone will be available throughout the event, providing the opportunity to fly Cessna Caravan and Grumman Goose amphibians from virtual waters (additional ticket required).  At the end of the day, the Museum will bid farewell to many of the Grumman, Republic and Lake amphibians as they depart for their home airports.

Two Guest Speakers:

Flying Clipper Ships and the Dawn of Ocean Air Transport John H. Hill Assistant Director, Aviation SFO Museum 11:00 AM

Seaplane Flight Around the World! Reid Dennis 11:45 AM