Retailer John Nils Nordstrom worked as a stock boy in his grandfather's shoe stores in Seattle, watching the seaplanes takeoff and land in the sapphire blue waters of the Pacific Northwest. Always too busy with what eventually became a retail empire, Nordstrom realized his dream of learning to fly when he retired at age 54 in 1991.
Dreams... Kenmore Air flew daily near my home on Lake Washington. Since I was an active boater, I saw them regularly. I decided when my work schedule slowed down I would buy a floatplane and learn how to fly it. I bought a Beaver (DHC-2) amphib and began instruction in early 1991. Nine months later I was rated land and sea in the Beav.
early challenges... Floatplane pilots must fly VFR under very low ceilings, sometimes with marginal visibility. You are essentially a fast boat a couple of hundred feet above the water surface. Also, you are landing in narrow coves and harbors filled with boats. Everyone else has the right of way. Also docking and beaching in bigger wave conditions when the dock is not friendly. And finally, learning to fly the Beav as a taildragger was a challenge—but I love flying the taildragger!
Hardest Lessons... Getting comfortable flying IFR and staying current and as sharp as possible when I don't have many chances to fly IFR. Also, I need to remember to never be in a hurry or feel like I have to get somewhere. It's also a challenge to negotiate with your passengers who are your friends that you need to delay until conditions are more favorable and safer.
having Fun... Joining other float or taildragger pilots for trips.
Favorite aircraft... No question the de Havilland Beaver is my favorite. There's something romantic about how that big round engine sings to me. My wife, Sally, my son and son-in-law, we all fly the Beav.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS... Don't give up early or worry about starting late—you will miss an incredible part of your life!
