The CA has recently issues two press releases about Seaplane services which may be starting soon. Boat owners have expressed concern about the impact of these services. They are not a common site in the UK. See below for both press releases.
Seaplanes in Essex
A Scottish seaplane operator is planning to run daily trips between London and the Blackwater in Essex.
The Cruising Association was told that the new route will begin at a small land-based London airport, before heading east to the Blackwater to drop passengers off at the private island, Osea. Further trips, potentially heading to the south coast or even the south-west coast, are in the pipeline.
The CA spoke to David West, MD of Loch Lomond Seaplanes, who said about the progress; “we could start flying the route from London to Osea tomorrow, we need very few facilities in order to begin.
“The route will be from an airport in the London area, such as Biggin Hill, Farnborough or Elstree. From Biggin Hill it will be a 19 minutes flight to Osea Island, where as by car it could take a couple of hours.”
Seaplanes are not a common sight on UK waterways, so many boat owners are concerned at how aircraft and boats mix safely. David West explained how in Scotland they are allowed to land on the lakes, so are experienced in landing while there is lots of marine traffic, however their priority is to ensure that it is always safe. “There are lots of Personal Water Craft (PWC) on the lakes, so safety is our biggest concern. We operate 200 flights per month and can land away from all the other boats. In Canada seaplanes are used all the time, and operate in close proximity to other vessels without any problems.”
The plans started when the owner of the island, music producer Nigel Frieda, wanted to transport his guests from London to his resort in luxury. Nigel is currently in the process of building a pontoon to allow guests to transfer to and from the aircraft.
But with limited numbers, David plans to increase passengers by operating a service to other destinations such as Poole, Southampton or even Plymouth.
“We are in talks with the Maritime Authorities so that they are satisfied that we can land without affecting commercial or leisure traffic.”
While in the air, all aircraft are regulated by the CAA, and are not allowed to fly within 500ft of any land or structure unless approaching to land. Once landed, the aircraft is then a boat, and has to follow COLREGS (international regulations for preventing collisions at sea), giving way to wind-powered craft.
Loch Lomond Seaplanes operate a fleet of modern Cessna 208 Caravan Amphibian aircraft, which have nine passenger seats and a single pilot seat.
No official dates are set, however David hopes to start the service this summer.
Medway seaplane designated area update
Peel Ports has issued a proposal for the regulation of seaplane activity on the Medway and Swale rivers in Kent, says the Cruising Association.
Boat owners in the area have been concerned about what this could mean to them.
Aircraft wishing to land in either area have to notify Medway Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) of their intentions, who will then notify all yachts on VHF Ch74. Once Medway VTS is satisfied there’s no danger, permission will be granted to the aircraft to land. It is the pilot’s duty to remain out of the way of all vessels, as stated in the COLREGS.
All aircraft landing on the Medway are for training and leisure purposes, with no passenger loading, refueling or landing available.
The CA spoke to Clipper Seaplanes, which operates the only seaplane registered in England. Pilot Anna Walker told us, ‘to be able to fly a seaplane, pilots have to undertake further training, equivalent to the yacht master exam so we understand what to expect of other boats. It’s our responsibility to ensure the area is clear before landing. This includes checking Notes To Mariners before any flight. We also have an excellent view from above and can judge the situation before even attempting a landing. Planes have been landing on the Medway since 1908 and we’ve been operating here for the last 30 years.’
The restrictions brought in by Peel Ports show an area on the Medway and another area at Half Acre Creek where planes can operate. Anna Walker explained that they could land anywhere it was safe to do so. ‘We draw less than one foot and are badly affected by weather, so the edges of the river were ideal for us and out of the way of boats. The new area is right alongside the channel and makes it difficult to land.’
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the controlling body of all aircraft, which states that the seaplane, an Aviat Husky run by Clipper Seaplanes from Rochester aerodrome in Kent, has all the appropriate permissions to land on the Medway and take off again.
He went on, ‘All pilots flying a seaplane must have a sea plane rating on their licence, which takes in all marine-related guidance and procedures.’
As a plane approaches it is under the jurisdiction of the CAA, however when it lands it becomes a vessel and has to abide by the Port Authority’s legislation.