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Seaplane Airline

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author, an airline pilot, visited Kenmore Air to obtain his seaplane rating and assess its claim as a "fun airline," successfully completing the training with instructor Jamie Anderson and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
  • Kenmore Air, established in 1946, operates as a professional FAR Part 135 seaplane carrier from Lake Washington, offering flight training, maintenance expertise (especially for de Havilland floatplanes), and scheduled/charter flights to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia, all within a unique, low-key operational environment.
  • The company fosters a distinct pilot culture where diverse individuals are driven by their passion for seaplane flying and job enjoyment, prioritizing this over higher salaries or traditional airline career paths, with Kenmore Air embracing flexibility and high professional standards.
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I had no preconceived notions or expectations as I rolled into the parking lot at the northern end of Lake Washington. The Seattle sky was a typical mixture of grey confusion, the clouds in various meteorological forms. A small swath of orange glowed in the distant northwest, a feeble reminder that the earth still revolved around the sun.

I glanced toward the docks. The scattered froth of white streaks on the choppy, dark blue water was an indication of the wind’s intentions.

FLYING Staff

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