Seaplane enthusiasts Keith Clark and John Daley visited Yarrawonga last week to practise landing their seaplanes on Lake Mulwala.
Lake Mulwala comes to life in the warmer months with the roar of engines across the water in a series of events, and aviation experts believe there could be room for a seaplane spectacle.
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Seaplanes are a unique type of aircraft, which can be used as boats designed to take off and land on water, as well as the tarmac with life jackets, flares, and a marine license required by pilots.
Although a proposed event for this year didn’t eventuate, Seaplane Pilots Association Australia editor Keith Clark was joined by six of the original 19 entrants to successfully land on the lake, increasing pilot confidence that Lake Mulwala was suitable for a future event.
Aviation expert Tony Self said pilots were concerned about landing with the number of trees in the lake.
“A lot of the time, pilots would be afraid of hitting them,” Tony said.
“So, having a few people land on the lake, and knowing a bit about it, spreads confidence through the rest of the pilots for a future occasion, and to advocate for having an event here next year.”
A view from the cockpit during a flight around Yarrawonga, last Friday.
Former commercial pilot John Daley has enjoyed flying his seaplane around the north coast of Australia and was able to make three touch and go landings on the lake, last Friday.
John said there was adequate room for seaplane operations on Lake Mulwala relatively close to the southern shoreline.
“It was fun to land on the water out there, its super safe and its enjoyable,” he said.
“There would be excitement around a seaplane event, as many people would be interested in seeing a plane land on water.”
Keith Clark said a seaplane event on the lake would be well-received by the people of Yarrawonga and surrounds.
“(These events) are all over the place, have a fantastic legacy and should appeal to everyone, especially those who like boats,” he said.
Seaplanes are a unique type of aircraft which can be used as boats designed to take off and land on water, as well as the tarmac with life jackets, flares, and a marine license required by pilots.
