Florida Airways, seaplane bases and small fields
Florida Airways served Florida in 1947-1948 with a perfect amphibian mix: water, coastal towns, small airfields and very short stages.
The Sikorsky S-43B sets the tone. The journey is about quick departures, water landings, lakes and crossings toward the coast.
A regional Florida tour.
Ideal for alternating water and runway.
Arrival variety is the main interest.
Rhythm matters more than leg length.
Understanding the flight
Florida is perfect for this kind of plan: water is everywhere, towns are close and stages flow naturally.
The flight should remain agile. Approach, land, depart again: almost a regional mail run.
Before departure
- Choose an amphibian or seaplane comfortable with short operations.
- Prepare manual seaplane bases and small fields before departure.
- Keep weather gentle but alive: showers and wind add texture.
- Do not overload the aircraft; the short stages do not need it.
Suggested route
Experience tips
The pleasure comes from water-runway transitions: vary your arrivals.
Stay low, watch the water and keep the flight alive.
Copyright Michel Lagneau