Seaplanes and Eurasian Milfoil - A Response From The Seaplane Pilots Association


Boats aren't the only way Eurasian Milfoil can be transferred from lake to lake. In the interest of education, JLPOA Board Member and seaplane pilot Fred Weber suggested that we share an email discussion by the President of the Seaplane Pilots Association. The response from Dave Blumer, Wisconsin DNR, is also enlightening.

The Seaplane Pilots Association has published articles in past issues of Water Flying magazine about this issue, addressed this issue often of late during safety seminars (most recently in Brainerd, MN this month), and distributed copies of the U.S. Coast Guard's recommendations for preventing the spread of invasives by seaplane (and other types of vessels).
 
Generally, the primary recommendation is cycling the water rudders up and down prior to departing a lake. This clears the water rudder assembly of weeds (and, incidently, improves steering authority). The rest of a straight floatplane's hull lacks structures on which weeds will hang up.
 
For amphibious floatplanes, that recommendation is expanded to include a visual inspection of the landing gear prior to departing a lake or landing at an airport to inspect the gear prior to landing in the next lake.
 
Of note: the last few seconds that a seaplane is on the water, its floats are being powerwashed by water (typically open water where the weeds are less of an issue than near shore) travelling at upwards of 50 mph or more.
 
Also of note: considering both the frequency of seaplane operations relative the frequency of boat launches, and considering the limited probability of transporting weeds on a seaplane's structurally clean hull, seaplanes have not been regarded as a serious threat. However, seaplanes have been targeted by concerned boaters and homeowners not familiar with what has been outlined above and/or angry about inspection requirements imposed on them prior to launching their boat.
 
Hope this helps both of you understand this issue and how the Seaplane Pilots Association has been dealing with it. Suggestions/questions welcome.
 
-Mike Volk, President, SPA

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Mr. Volk,
 
Thank you so much for the email.  It is good to know that this organization has already taken steps to address the issue of transporting exotic/invasive species.  You are correct, transportation by seaplanes has not been considered a major vector for the introduction of invasive species.  As long as those using float planes are aware of the potential to spread exotic species, however slight, and take the necessary steps outlined in your email to prevent this from happening, they are doing their part.  Every user of our precious lakes, boaters & seaplanes alike should be doing their part.  Not all are.  With your permission I will keep this email on file and use it to address lake owners concerns when seaplanes are brought up.  If there are any local seaplane organizations that would like to know more about the potential to spread invasive species please feel free to refer them to me or another WI-DNR staff person.  Thank You
 
Dave Blumer WI-DNR
Self Help Lake Monitoring Coordinator/
Purple Loosestrife Assistant
810 W. Maple Street
Spooner, WI 54801
715-635-4078
blumed@dnr.state.wi.us

Posted: Mon - June 7, 2004 at 08:50 PM      

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