On the Step with thatmallardguy

Last year in the month of April, I embarked on what would end up being one of the most exciting weeks of my aviation career, training 7 highly experienced pilots how to fly the floating hull aircraft on a 75-year-old Republic Seebee. I had always dreamt of flying the seebee, but never before had I even seen one until I was in formation with the one I was about to instruct on, sitting in a Gazelle helicopter with the great man and my guest today, Jim Whalley at the controls. 

Every seaplane pilot has dreamt of doing this at one stage, packing their suitcase, requesting an upgrade to business but getting shafted in economy for 14 hours, ok maybe not that part, but all seaplane pilots look at flying in Alaska as one of the pinnacles in the industry, and Aussie pilot Ollie O’Halloran is doing just that. 

Support On the Step via Patreon

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Follow me on Instagram! 

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Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

A self-confessed lucky bugger who answered a phone call back in the early 80’s that changed the direction of his career forever, John Ramsden took that opportunity and has flown seaplanes around the world including both the radial and turbine mallard, the twin otter and continues flying today in the Cessna caravan amphibian. A true Aussie seaplane legend who doesn’t mind a beer either.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy

• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways

• Water Flying Magazine

• The Water Landing Directory app

• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory

• Events and Splash-Ins

• Safety Seminars

• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training

• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs

• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Gary was halfway through his flight training for his commercial licence when his dream of becoming an airline pilot changed. He discontinued his training, became a real-estate agent and got into sales. An add for a sales job at Icon came to his attention and now Gary spends his days selling one of the worlds most popular new flying boats.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Jenna was once a helicopter pilot but is now the business manager of the Mallards I fly… yes yes yes, that makes her my boss, but she’s a great boss, well really a leader because she does a great job at what she does and I’m so proud and excited to have her on the podcast.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

When anyone talks about twin engine flying boats, they think of the Grumman aircraft, the Goose, Widgeon, Mallard and Albatross. Yes ok, there are others, the Catalina for example, but they are all very old. We only just heard of the rebirth of the Albatross a couple of episodes ago, but that’s a long way away and is a huge aircraft. The Gweduck could be one of the more popular private flying boats coming to the market!

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

She has chased jobs around the world, and is now in a small commuter airline, but has some great stories to tell from her experiences in the seaplane world. Katie is a very cheery girl who brings in great positivity to any conversation!

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

There’s been a lot of talk lately about this project, with news articles, videos and multiple interviews available online and with any ambitious project such as this, there is certainly anticipation and expectation, along with scrutiny, and as much as AAI have a cohort of people passionately getting on board in a show of support, they certainly have their doubters as well. Dan shares an update on the companies progress and plans for the future.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Ian discusses how insurance works and specifically insurance in the seaplane world. It’s a conversation a little bit different than the normal but I’m sure you will all learn something new just as I did!

EPISODE NOTES TEMPLATE

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

His company, South Coast Seaplanes operate Maule aircraft on the South Coast, of NSW Australia, and Tim talks about how he got to where he is today which certainly wasn’t the path I was thinking, as well as seaplane training and seaplane insurance!

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Kevin was also a sales manager at Progressive Aerodyne selling the Searey Aircraft and is also representing the Seabear Russian built twin engine flying boat made famous by Michael smith when he flew it from England to Australia retracing the 1919 great Air Race on its 100 year anniversary two years ago.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Blaine has written a book about his life called Old Pilot Bold Pilot and I have included links to his facebook page in the show notes, but before reading about his career, let’s hear about it first!

LINKS TO BUY BLAINE'S BOOK BELOW! 

(BLAINE PREFERS IF YOU BUY VIA HIS FACEBOOK PAGE THROUGH WHATSAPP TO AVOID COMMISSION)

https://www.facebook.com/TwinOtterFlying/

https://aviatorsbookshelf.ca/products/old-pilot-bold-pilot-by-blaine-bjarnarson

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

https://seaplanes.org.au/join-us

Working full time as an orthopaedic surgeon, Ben is the owner of 2 aircraft, it was three only a few months ago, and has a great passion for aviation and seaplanes. It is only right that Ben is the first guest back to the show after a break mainly because he is the one keeping me too busy to do interviews! So blame him folks!Working full time as an orthopaedic surgeon, Ben is the owner of 2 aircraft, it was three only a few months ago, and has a great passion for aviation and seaplanes. It is only right that Ben is the first guest back to the show after a break mainly because he is the one keeping me too busy to do interviews! So blame him folks!

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

Ok onto todays guest. For a while now, Instagram has been in awe of the content being produced by the account “Flying Boat Film”, but we didn’t know what it was all about! Scenes of Albatross touching down in beautiful locations were getting us very excited about a future movie coming to our screens on a topic we are all crazy in love with. 

Well at Oshkosh under the stars, with the eyes of aircraft enthusiasts locked onto the big screen, the Flying Boat Film was finally released. On with me to talk about the film is the Director and Producer, Dirk Braun.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

Oshkosh 2021 is upon us now and one of the coolest parts of the show is obviously the seaplane base! If you’ve never been before, like me, or you’re gearing up to go, Steve McCaughey shares what we will be expecting at this years event.

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

Mike Rutter is a young American who has restored a Grumman Widgeon left in a hangar for over 20 years waiting for its next owner. Taking over 3 years to complete, he now enjoys the nostalgia of owning a 75 year old Grumman Flying Boat!

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

On today's episode we’re talking Ag cats on floats, otter radials on floats, floatplane mountain flying, resume building, obscure medical conditions, hungry Tiger sharks below the floats, point of no return seaplane flying, beach bikini’s, starting seaplane companies, fishing from seaplanes, hammocks on seaplanes, New Zealand float flying… and no, we don’t have 20 people in to talk about all these incredible topics, we have just one!

http://www.stevennewland.com

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

Chris Palmer has created a great business called Angle of Attack, well known for incredible video content through YouTube and Instagram, but also running a great online ground school through his website.

WEBSITE:   https://www.angleofattack.com

INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/angleofattack/

YOUTUBE:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDe2nrsxVaoIsjFS2SpzzQ

PODCAST:   https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/aviatorcast-flight-training-aviation-podcast/id799239198

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

Arthur Campbell flew all of the Grumman Flying Boats at Chalk's Ocean Airways in his 18 year career with the company. His stories of his time flying off the water will take you back to the good old days of Flying Boat aviation in Miami and the Bahamas.

Chalk's Ocean Airways Orlando Sentinel Article:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1988-10-23-0070460178-story.html

Support On the Step via Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thatmallardguy

Follow me on Instagram! 

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Check out my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6O4NEHd-Q5StSNLLfbjuw?view\_as=subscriber

Seaplane Pilots Association:

On the Step is proudly sponsored by the Seaplane Pilots Association. Join today to support the association that is built to support their community. Membership benefits include:

• Nationwide Advocacy
• Protection of Seaplane access to waterways
• Water Flying Magazine
• The Water Landing Directory app
• The Seaplane Flight Training Directory
• Events and Splash-Ins
• Safety Seminars
• Scholarship programs for Seaplane Training
• Discounted Seaplane Insurance Programs
• Numerous other members only benefits

JOIN NOW!

https://seaplanepilotsassociation.wufoo.com/forms/z1nfgg7k09exqp0/

After gaining his commercial pilots licence at age 39, Australian Mark Muscat found a passion for seaplanes as he entered the sector late in his career. His aviation highlights include flying De Havilland Beavers and Cessna Caravans in the Whitsunday Island and taking command of a Single Turbine Otter in Fiji,