Story Since 1915, the sound of aircraft engines has been heard overhead at the Lazaretto grounds in Essington, PA. It starting as entirely Curtiss flying boats in 1915 to eventually being drowned out by the peculiar sound of big jet engines thrusting passengers from Philadelphia to all parts of the world. On October 22, 2022, […]
Splash-In 2021
Update September 5: Despite post hurricane Ida river conditions which made seaplane operations impossible, we had a nice picnic, toy seaplane launching, and group windsock raising. About 30 folks, including local pilots, friends and local residents participated in a picnic lunch. The day also included an unrelated morning flyby of a C130 over the Lazaretto […]
Splash-in 2019
June Splash-in at Essington, PA by Robert Dant The first little heat wave of the summer hit Philadelphia just prior to June 29, the date for the annual seaplane splash-in at Essington, Pennsylvania. Hot conditions and afternoon storms were forecast, but the morning start helped keep the worst of the heat in check. Six seaplanes, […]
Splash-in 2017
August 6, 2017 Friends of the Essington Seaplane Base gathered for a splash-in on the Delaware River. The weather was ideal for a picnic and for seaplane operations. The most dramatic change to the site is the major refurbishment of the Lazaretto house. The massive porch has been demolished and the trees have been taken down. But, the […]
Splash-In 2016
Invitation: June 18, 2016, 10AM – 2PM. High tide: 12:30PM. We are planning a Splash-In and cook out at the seaplane base on Saturday. Drop us a line if you are interested in this event. If you think you might fly in, we’d love to know. mailbox@phillyseaplanebase.com Pilots: The floating doc is in good shape and can […]
Fall Picnic, 2015
Fall Picnic & History Event: Invitation: October 3, 2015, 10:00AM – 5:00PM. Activities will move inside for this event on Saturday to the community room at the fire house at 77 Wannamaker Avenue. Activities will take place at the Essington Seaplane Base including a picnic and a history event celebrating 100 years of aviation at this location. […]
100th Anniversary Splash-In (9N2)
Invitation: June 13, 2015, 9AM – 2PM. High tide: 11:00AM. The Essington Seaplane Base near Philadelphia has been operating since 1915. Although activity at the base has been limited since Bob Mills retired, it is still a licensed seaplane base, owned by the township. We will be celebrating a century of seaplane flying with a […]