We’re looking forward to seeing you at our July 11 splash-in at Essington, Penna. (9N2) on July 11, 9:00AM-1:00PM. [Rain date: July 12, 10AM-2:00PM]. Contact: mailbox@phillyseaplanebase.com
Our goal is simple: enjoy great seaplane camaraderie and share these remarkable aircraft with the local community at one of the oldest seaplane bases in the world.
Tinicum Township, owner of the seaplane base, has been a great partner in preparing for the event. We’ll provide updates soon on ramp condition and ATC procedures.
Mr. Softee will be on hand with cool treats. We’ll also unveil scale models being donated to the township’s seaplane museum. Among them is a 1914 Curtiss Model F—the type that would have operated here when the base was established in 1915. We’ll also recognize Bob Mills’ 1946 Cub on straight floats, N88151, a mainstay at Essington for decades.
Because the ramp is only usable around high tide, our event window is relatively short. That can be challenging for distant pilots, but overnight parking could be arranged.
We hope you’ll join us in bringing seaplanes back to Essington and celebrating its unique, 111-year history.
Open to public
Pilot update (July 7):
- Ramp: High tide is 10:30AM. The concrete at the top is in excellent condition at high tide ±1 hour and we will try to prep some gravel for a comfortable operating window from about 9:00 a.m. to 12:30. Tailwheel seaplanes can usually stretch that longer. I’ll try to post more pics of the ramp on Friday. If the weather cooperates, I might keep my floatplane on display overnight.
- ATC: Breaking 50 years of precedent, Philadelphia ATC has asked arriving seaplanes to establish radio contact before using the water lane. If we have east winds, it will be prudent anyway. They’ll be aware of our event. I typically call West Tower on 135.1 when arriving from the west (or approach). I sometimes request a low pass over the water lane, for the crowd and to check conditions, then circle to land. We’ll monitor 122.9 for ramp assistance. As always… gear up for water landing! Gear down for the ramp.
- Docks: Our floating docks couldn’t be installed this year due to Army Corps restrictions, but in a pinch, the adjacent township docks are available and work OK with care avoiding pilings.
- – See info on flight patterns under “Base Info” and watch Rob Robertson’s excellent arrival video.
