Introducing the Western Seaplane Pilots Association
WESTERN SEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
Washington • Oregon • Idaho • Montana
For immediate release.
Dear WSPA Members and Friends,
We are thrilled to share some big news: the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association is officially becoming the Western Seaplane Pilots Association!
Our board of directors voted unanimously to expand our name and our mission to better serve the floatplane operations and water access across the Western United States.
The Western Seaplane Pilots Association now formally represents four incredible states filled with some of the most breathtaking flying in the world. From Puget Sound to the mountain lakes of Montana, from the rugged Oregon coast to the pristine backcountry waters of Idaho — this is our territory, and these are our communities.
Washington · Oregon · Idaho · Montana
Why the Change?
The truth is, we've been a Western organization in everything but name for some time now. Our largest annual fly-in event, the WSPA Tanglefoot Splash-In, brings pilots together in Idaho. Our advocacy work through SeaplaneAISTraining.com spans multiple states. We've been showing up for seaplane communities across the region — and this change makes that commitment official.
As we like to say: airplanes don't see state boundaries — and neither does our advocacy.
Our Updated Mission
The mission of the Western Seaplane Pilots Association is to protect and grow seaplane access to Western Waters, promote safe and responsible operations, foster communications among owners, operators, service providers, and the community, and to facilitate events sharing the joy of seaplane flying in the Western states.
What's Not Changing
This expansion strengthens our commitment to Washington and everything we've built here. We're not going anywhere — we're just inviting more people to the party.
Your membership cost stays exactly the same.
Our dedication to Washington issues — Lake Isabel, Renton, aviation taxes, customs access to BC, and new seaplane-accessible airports — remains unwavering.
Our close partnership with the BC Floatplane Association continues.
The Tanglefoot Fly-In and all our beloved events carry on.
For more information, please feel free to read our Frequently Asked Questions.
What's Ahead for 2026
This new chapter brings exciting opportunities for all of us:
New board members from Montana, Oregon, and Idaho, bringing fresh regional perspectives and energy to our leadership.
Expanded advocacy on access and right-to-land issues affecting Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.
More coverage in our newsletters of seaplane activities, destinations, and bases across all four states.
Continued support for SeaplaneAISTraining.com, our multistate legislative and safety initiative.
The first official Western Seaplane Pilots Association event at WSPA Tanglefoot Splash-In 2026 — you won't want to miss it!
A Note on Community
We want to acknowledge the incredible seaplane organizations already doing great work across the region. We're not here to replace anyone. The California, Idaho, and Montana seaplane communities have their own proud traditions, and we respect and celebrate that. Our goal is to work alongside every existing organization, offer formalized support where it's needed, and make the Western seaplane community stronger together.
Many of you asked for this change, and we listened. Thank you for your passion, your vision, and your belief in what this organization can be. The Western skies have always been ours to share — now we have the name to match.
We'll hope to see you at the WSPA Tanglefoot Splash-In 2026. Until then — have fun and stay safe out there!
Clear skies and calm waters,
The Board of Directors
Western Seaplane Pilots Association
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Western Seaplane Pilots Association • westernseaplanes.com • @westernseaplanes