History

 

The International Seaplane Fly-In got its start in 1973, when Greenville was still a speck on the world map, and a few bush pilots made a living flying sportsmen in and out of this remote area. Very few roads existed here at the time, and it was during some downtime on a wintry day when a few Greenville pilots thought it might be a good time to invite like-minded pilots to the area for a weekend of fun and flying.

 

A tradition was born when David Quam (a past-president of the Seaplane Pilots Assn.), Duane Lander, Telford Allen, Chip Taylor, Dick Folsom and Charlie Coe – truly one of the last of the late, great bush pilots -- got the first Fly-In off the ground. It turned out to be a great success. Pilots from around the country started making it an annual run. By 1995, the International Seaplane Fly-In became a non-profit corporation. Its purpose is to promote fellowship, personal contact, and unification among seaplane pilots, and recreational and competitive events, including at least one annual Fly-In.

 

Today, besides the Cessnas, Cubs, and Beavers, some spectacular examples of rare planes make a showing. Those have included a traditional 1944 Grumman Goose. It is not unusual to see a Caravan or two, as well as many classic and experimental seaplanes. The design and diversity of these beautiful aircraft, combined with the knowledge of the pilots flying them, make a tremendous weekend for the flying enthusiast.