Government Advocacy
Seaplane access to lakes restored
The efforts of AOPA and numerous seaplane groups have paid off. Seaplane pilots will once again be allowed to access lakes managed by the Bureau of Reclamations.
The revised rule that was issued this week took effect Sept. 24 and reverses an earlier ruling. In 2006, the Bureau of Reclamations ruled that seaplanes could not use lakes managed by the agency unless it could be proven that seaplanes were using the lake prior to the rule.
AOPA sent a letter outlining its concerns to the bureau commissioner, opposing the ban and arguing that the rule was unreasonable.
The Seaplane Association, Washington Seaplane Association, and the Washington State Department of Aviation also actively opposed the rule. Members who wish to comment on the new rule have until Nov. 24 to do so.
September 26, 2008
