Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the aviation enthusiasts in your life? We’ve put together our favorites. From gift certificates and graphic Tees to scenic tours and flight instruction, there’s something for every avgeek in your life!

Flight Instruction

There is no better way to discover the unique freedom of flying a seaplane, than getting your hands around the yoke. And, that’s exactly what you get to experience as part of the .

We offer initial as well as advanced training in the world’s most popular and proven seaplanes such as the Piper SuperCub, Cessna 180, and legendary de Havilland Beaver. (Students must have their pilots license.)

Co-Pilot Ride Along

What’s it like to be a �鶹��Ƶ seaplane pilot? You can find out first hand. Our San Juan Islands Ride Along tour is approximately 2 hours. It includes two or more takeoffs and landings aboard a de Havilland Beaver or de Havilland Otter seaplane.

(The plane and route are determined by the daily schedule.)

Book Your San Juan Islands Ride Along

Gift Certificates

Not exactly sure what your loved one wants? A gift certificate can be applied to any future �鶹��Ƶ purchase!

Graphic T

Our popular ‘Fly Radial’ graphic t-shirt celebrates the classic radial engine seen on many of our de Havilland Beavers.

Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens Volcano Flight Tour

This once in a lifetime scenic flight tour flies your face-to-face with two world wonders – Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. You’ll get up close and personal with Rainier’s 25 glaciers – the largest collection of permanent ice on a single US mountain south of Alaska.

From your window seat aboard our 10-passenger Caravan wheel-plane, you’ll also have the perfect vantage of Mount St. Helens’ 2-mile wide crater. Make sure to look closely…. she’s often steaming.

Reserve Your Window Seat

Logo Sweatshirt

The stylish Logo Sweatshirt is your new favorite piece of clothing and a fantastic way to show off your love of aviation. Ideal for those chilly mornings on the dock, it’s cozy, comfortable, and super soft.

Wings

The ultimate stocking stuffer, our Wings pin can be added to bags, shirts, coats and more!

Seattle Scenic Flight Tour

From your thrilling Lake Union takeoff to your gentle landing by the Museum of History and Industry, you’ll be treated to a rare bird’s eye view of Seattle and the surrounding area.

Everyone gets a window seat on this narrated 20-minute sightseeing flight over the Seattle metropolitan area. You’ll see Lake Union’s famous houseboat communities, the beautiful University of Washington campus, Seattle’s professional sports stadiums and the dramatic downtown skyline on bustling Elliott Bay.

Book Your Seat

Come celebrate with us May 14, 2016!

Cuddle by the shore at Roche Harbor Resort.

Did you love our romantic San Juan Island getaway recommendations? We did too! And, so did our friends at Roche Harbor Resort. So, we teamed up to sweeten the pot with a 2015 Valentine’s Weekend Special!

Here’s the Deal:

Stay in a condo, cottage or village home for two nights anytime between February 11 – 15, 2016, and you’ll save 30%! (Plus, Roche Harbor will comp your first morning breakfast.)

Visit the Roche Harbor’s Afterglow Spa during your visit and save 20%.

Receive a 10% discount on all flights between Seattle and Roche from February 11 – 15, 2016, with the promo code: Valentine.

About Roche Harbor

In the late 1800s, Roche Harbor was better known for its lime quarry and manufacturing than its picturesque location. Today, the San Juan Island destination is a symbol of relaxation.

The resort’s iconic, 1886 Hotel de Haro overlooks the marina and a lush garden. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find a collection of condos, cottages and village homes. Over 25 of the lodging options feature rooms with of 100 feet of the Salish Sea!

Few places on San Juan Island can boast of such luxury. This is an opportunity for you to sleep beside the sea. Take your coffee in the morning next to the water.

Washington gets a bad wrap for its rainy and gray climate. The labels awarded our Evergreen State are not without justification. Take the Olympic Peninsula for example. It receives more rainfall than any other place in the continental US.

However, those who quickly assume rain and gray mean dreary and dull are missing out. Our fair state has some of the best scenery in the world. It is home to lush rain forests, epic mountains, quaint meadows, remote lakes, and a plethora of waterfalls.

We may be a tad biased, but we happen to think the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With this opinion in mind, we couldn’t be more excited about the quickly approaching .

January 17 and 18 will mark the second time this year will not require a when visiting state parks.

In celebration of this fantastic event, we’re sharing our three favorite state parks. If you’ve been to them, go again! If you haven’t, we hope this will inspire you to check them out.

Discovery Park

Known to some as “Seattle’s gem,” Discovery Park is our city’s largest green space. The 534-acre site was formerly an Army post. At its westernmost point, the West Point Light Station (also known as the Discovery Park Lighthouse) is still an active navigation beacon. It’s also a prime spot for seeing Mount Rainier on a clear day.

Despite the park’s close proximity to an ever-growing metropolis more than 205 species of birds and large mammals call the park home. Coyotes, black bears, and cougars have even been spotted within its borders. Along its coast, seals and sea lions are frequent visitors. Additionally, its shores include more than two miles of tide pools.

The park features nearly 12 miles of walking trails, the highlight of which is the Discovery Park Loop Trail. A 2.8-mile path, it primarily follows the park’s coast, offering stunning views.

San Juan Islands National Monument

In 2013, the world learned that the San Juan Islands have some of the most diverse, untouched, and stunning habitats. To the folks here at �鶹��Ƶ, this wasn’t new news. We’ve been flying to the San Juans since 1946. But, we’re incredibly pleased this slice of paradise was recognized as a national monument.

There are over 400 islands in the San Juans. They vary greatly in size and terrain. Some are little more than barren rocks while others are blanketed with lush rainforests. Throughout the islands you’ll find a diverse population of wildlife ranging from black-tailed deer and mink to river otters and thousands of birds. Along the shores, you’ll see sea lions and seals. However, orcas are the star.

The majority of the orcas seen in the San Juans are known as resident orcas (aka Southern Resident Killer Whales). Comprised of three different pods (J, K, and L), you’ll primarily see these orcas from mid-April to early October. However, transient orcas have been spotted year round.

A variety of whale watching services, like , are offered throughout the islands. Or you can visit Lime Kiln Point state park, one of the world’s best land-based whale watching perches. Alternatively, you could head to Cattle Point Lighthouse. Located on the southeastern tip of San Juan Island, it overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Olympic National Park

It’s not just the tide pools and mossy rain forests that make Olympic National Park unique. There’s also the massive, glacier-capped mountains; numerous rivers; and extensive wildlife.

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this national park receives so much rain it makes Seattle seem like California. In the nearly 8,000-foot-high Olympic Mountains, much of this participation is seen as snow. It feeds more than 250 glaciers. (That’s second only to Alaska!)

At lower altitudes, this heavy rainfall results in a dense rain forest thick with moss and towering old growth forests. Favorite hikes include the Bogachiel river, which runs through La Push into the Pacific; the Hall of Mosses trail, where massive trees support a garden of mosses and lichens; and Marymere Falls, a 200-foot waterfall with a fern-laden base.

The holidays are here. But if you’re anything like us, you still have a few more gifts to pick up. To help you find that little something special, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorites gifts. They range from awesome toys to amazing experiences.

For the Pilot in Training

With turning propellers and floating pontoons, your pilot in training will love these toys seaplanes.

For the Whale Enthusiast

With the resident orca’s recent baby boom, next year’s whale watching season is sure to be an exciting one. Make sure you don’t miss the little ones grow up.

For the Travel Photo Geek

It’s been said a camera is practically mandatory during a �鶹��Ƶ flight. Who are we to disagree? With so close, it’s incredibly easy pick up all your travel photo needs.

For the Elegant Explorer

When that someone special loves a touch of elegance, look no further than high tea at the . Catch a 45-minute flight to Victoria in the morning, wander the Inner Harbour, and then drop in for a spot of tea.

For the Visitors (and Seattle Lovers)

Whether you have friends in town or your hubby just loves Seattle, a offers one of the most unique Emerald city views.

For the Avgeek

Let your avgeek show their pride with a .

For the Beer Lover

Locally owned and operated, the tasting room buds up against their active brewery. The hands crafting the beer are often the hands serving the beer. That makes it the perfect spot for the beer lovers in your life. Catch a wheeled place to Orcas Island’s Eastsound Airport. The brewery is just a 20-minute stroll up the road.

For the Rugged Explorer

Nothing says durable quite like a .

For the Angler

Take your angler to one of the best fishing destinations in the world – British Columbia’s rugged wilderness. Tucked throughout the BC islands, lodges like the and offer comfortable lodging, exceptional cuisine, and knowledgeable guides.

Kenmore, WA – will debut the first Chinese made seaplane in the US. Using innovative designed floats by , and with their co-operation to obtain US and Chinese airworthiness certification, the Y-12s will be fully transformed into amphibious aircraft. The transformed Y-12s certified under FAA and CAAC will increase their competitive edge in the international arena.

AVIC has ordered 100 sets of floats from EDO Floats. The revolutionary floats will be made of carbon fiber, which is more reliable, durable, lighter plus more resistant to corrosion.

AVIC’s aggressive expansion in the last two years has seen it extend its seaplane bases from Zhejiang, to Fuzhou and along the South Eastern costal areas. It intends to widen its seaplane bases to cover the Pearl River Delta Region and Yun Nan province. A strong fleet of seaplanes is therefore imperative for AVIC’s expansion plans.

EDO Floats is a subsidiary of , the largest seaplane operator in the US. It has over 50 years of experience in constructing, repairing and rebuilding floats, as well as strategic partners worldwide and expertise in airworthiness certification. The floats will be manufactured in the Pacific Northwest. This cooperation with EDO will bolster AVIC’s position in the seaplane industry.

The transformed Y-12s are scheduled for completion in 2017. It will be the first testament of its kind – Chinese manufactured amphibious twin engine aircraft to meet international standards for both technology and certification. It will also be the first medium to large seaplane to use carbon fiber floats.

In 1985, Ruth Offen said goodbye to San Francisco’s fast paced city life. Leaving her big city gallery job, she moved to a place where people lived a bit slower. She came to San Juan Island – a droplet of island heaven where the roads were lined with fences (when they were lined at all) and the views from the shoreline were filled with Mother Nature’s beauty.

On a leap of faith, she opened in Friday Harbor. Thirty years later, her island gallery still showcases some of the best local and regional talent.

In an industry with a turnover rate that rivals restaurants, we wanted to find out what makes Ruth’s gallery so unique. So I stopped by for a visit and a chat on a lovely April afternoon. Here is a bit of what Ruth had to say.

Why San Juan Island? Why did you come here and open a gallery?
In a city, the art world’s different. The clientele is particular about art being art. I’d been in that world. I’d seen that. I got that. I still do. But there’s something special about seeing a piece and just loving it for the sake of loving it.

That’s what you get around here. The people who come in are down to earth. To them, the latest trend isn’t as important as whether or not they like the piece. It’s one of the things I love most about having an island gallery.

Why in the world did you name your gallery WaterWorks?
If I’d opened in a big city, I’d have picked something a bit more professional/city like Offen Gallery. Being on the island, I needed something a bit different. When I opened, I was really into Monopoly.

That first year, the gallery was located next to a tavern called The Electric Company. If you ask anyone who’s been around Friday Harbor since the old days, they’ll know The Electric Company. It was an awesome spot that had great dancing.

Anyway, the two utilities have always been an important move in Monopoly. So, I named the gallery after the other utility.

What makes WaterWorks Gallery so unique?
I showcase regional artists, but it’s more than that. I’ve worked really hard to ensure the gallery remains a place where art is approachable. Not just in how the piece looks – which is incredibly important because if you don’t like something you’re not going to put it in your home – but in how I talk about the art.

When you come in here, I’m not going to throw around a bunch of art terms and expect you to know what I’m talking about. I spend as much time as necessary with everyone who comes through the door, explaining the artists’ techniques, sharing the artists’ stories and showing the different mediums we feature.

You have a big event coming up. The gallery’s turning 30. How do you feel about it?
The island is home. There are few places in the world that are this beautiful and this in touch with nature. Art and artists thrive here. It’s been an incredible place to put down roots. I just feel so lucky to be a part of the community. And for the gallery to still be thriving 30 years later, that’s a testament to all the wonderful people here.

May 16, we’re holding a huge celebration right here in the gallery. I hope everyone joins us.

WaterWorks Gallery
315 Argyle St.,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

We teamed up with Wild Orca, a Washington state non-profit organization, to spread awareness about the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of Southern Resident Killer Whales.

How? In a lot of ways, the biggest of which is a flying wild orca ambassador. That’s right – we transformed one of our iconic 10 passenger seaplanes (N606KA to be exact) into a flying replica of an orca whale.

And goodness, does she look beautiful.

N606KA will fly between Seattle and �鶹��Ƶ’s extensive network of destinations across Washington and British Columbia. Additionally, we’ll be working with Wild Orca to equip our entire fleet with educational materials about the struggling population of orcas and a guide to practical changes needed for recovery.

Today, Saturday, May 2, we’re joined at �鶹��Ƶ Harbor by several of Seattle’s media personnel; Wild Orca’s founders, �鶹��Ƶ seaplane pilots, Michael Hays and Anna Gullickson; Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research; Dr. Deborah Giles, a biologist specializing in Southern Resident Killer Whales; and several children from Friends of Youth, a local non-profit empowering children in need.

Tomorrow, Sunday, May 3, we’ll be offering exclusive 30-minute scenic flights aboard N606KA. Flights will depart from Lake Union between Noon and 4:00 PM. If you’d like to share your experience, please use the hashtag #WildOrcaSeaplane!

More About Wild Orca
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in Washington State, dedicated to supporting organizations and individuals that research, protect, and provide public education for the well-being of wild orca populations. Wild Orca carries out it mission by holding fundraising events, awareness campaigns and distributing educational materials to individuals about the factors affecting our endangered orcas.

In 2014, Wild Orca was founded by two �鶹��Ƶ seaplane pilots, Michael Hays and Anna Gullickson. Through their work transporting people and goods throughout the Pacific Northwest, they gained an appreciation and affinity for the beauty and significance of wild orcas. They recognized the value and importance of caring for these unique, iconic creatures.

More About Friends of Youth
In 1951, was officially incorporated. It was a place where young people could find a sympathetic ear, grow personally and contribute positively to their communities. Friends of Youth has grown into a leader in developing, providing and advocating for services for children, youth and their families. Its founding principles have endured: an unwavering dedication to providing quality services; the flexibility to meet new and emerging needs; and most important, a commitment to securing the futures of the most vulnerable members of the community.

This winter, whale watching enthusiasts rejoiced as the San Juan Islands resident killer whale (aka orca) population welcomed it’s fourth baby to the family.

Want to meet one (or all) of the babies? You can! We partner with San Juan Safaris to offer a one-day whale watching trip in the San Juan Islands.

A Friday Harbor based whale watching outfit, San Juan Safaris has a 95 percent success rate. Meaning, 95 percent of the time their boats go out, passengers see whales. No operated tour sees whales more often!

The adventure begins with a thrilling Lake Union takeoff. Forty-five minutes later you’ll be in Friday Harbor, a quaint town on San Juan Island. From there, it’s just a short stroll to the San Juan Safaris’ MV Sea Lion, a 55-foot long whale watching boat.

Why are the babies so important?
Tales of killer whales in the San Juan Islands date back to the early days of the Salish people, the local Native Americans. In those days the fish were plentiful. The waters were clean. And, the resident pods thrived.

Flash forward a few centuries. The San Juan Islands’ resident orca population faces a serious threat of extinction. From both a lack of its major food source, Chinook salmon, and toxic contamination in the water, the declining population has had scientists worried for several years.

The addition of the four new calves brought the population up to 81. There is hope that this is the upward swing the resident population needs to recover.

Who are the babies?
The resident population is made up of three pods, the L-pod, J-pod and K-pod. The youngest orca appears to be a member of JPod. Some naturalists .

The second youngest orca is a member of L-pod. Christened L121, . The two previous babies are member of J-Pod, christened J50 and J51. All three calves are . This is particularly important for a species that contends with a 50 percent infant mortality rate.

What else will you see?
It’s not just whales. There are over 250 species of birds that either live or migrate to the San Juans throughout the year. The majority of these magnificent creatures frequent the shoreline throughout the islands. Bald eagles can often be seen perched in trees. Great blue herons can be spotted close to shore and double-crested cormorants can be seen sitting on rocks. There are also harbor seals and sea lions. There are porpoises and otters. Along the shore you might even see a starfish or two.

Tips for Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands
If you’re in Seattle and you want to maximize your time – Kenmore’s your best bet. Why? Because there are just two ways to get to the San Juan Islands: by boat or by plane. That’s it.

Whale Watching with San Juan Safaris
Just outside of Friday Harbor – where the salt water begins to twist and turn around the San Juan Islands; where the Olympic Mountains line the horizon; and where the glaciers are vast, the old-growth forests green, and the salmon plentiful – whales swim in pods.

Photo by

“Kenmore wouldn’t be Kenmore without �鶹��Ƶ,” said Mayor Dave Baker as the door opened to �鶹��Ƶ’s new hangar.

Thursday, March 12, 2015, the current and past �鶹��Ƶ family was joined by several of the community’s top elected officials.

The new hangar is large enough to house the biggest of �鶹��Ƶ’s fleet, a de Havilland Otter. These 11-seaters have a massive 58-foot wingspan and are nearly 13-feet tall. They require a lot of space.

Previously, Otter maintenance had to be performed outdoors. During the winter this often meant postponing projects and grounding planes for untold amounts of time.

Thankfully, things have now changed.

The new hangar, fondly dubbed the “Otter Hangar,” offers 14,400 square feet of indoor space for maintenance and annual inspections.

The idea of an indoor maintenance space large enough for Otters was originally considered in the fall of 2010. But the initial concept of an all-concrete structure was simply not affordable.

However, in the spring of 2013, �鶹��Ƶ President Todd Banks, �鶹��Ƶ Director of Maintenance Rob Richey and �鶹��Ƶ Chief Inspector Eric Ellison began exploring alternative options.

At the Alaska Airmen’s trade show in Anchorage, Banks and Ellison spoke with . R & M’s steel hangars offered an incredibly functional option at a much more attractive price point.

To build the hangar R & M recommended . By the summer of 2013, the old barn occupying the western corner of �鶹��Ƶ’s campus was torn down. The idea was about to become a reality.

�鶹��Ƶ officials worked closely with Dick Talboy and Dante Johnson from Talboy Construction. Richey said:

Dick and Dante have to be two of the most patient people in the world for what we put them through. This was not an easy location to build due to the proximity of the lake and how close we wanted to be to the property lines. But Dick worked with the City of Kenmore and got permits to start work this last summer.

Additionally, “The City of Kenmore bent over backwards to help with the process. They were great to work with,” said Richey.