South Saint Paul, Minnesota – Wipaire is pleased to announce you can now get your Single Engine Seaplane (SES) Rating in Wyoming.

Through the efforts of J.T. Grainger, Seaplane Pilots Association Wyoming Field Director, and Steve Guetter, President of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association, SES ratings can now be achieved on Lake De Smet, Wyoming.

“Representatives from the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) met with the Johnson County Lake De Smet operating board to discuss pre-flight and post-flight inspections for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Specifically, Steve Guetter, President of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association and General Manager of Advanced Flight Training & Leasing, who shared successful techniques used in Minnesota to prevent seaplanes from transporting invasive species. Steve’s in person visit from Minnesota and first hand accurate information was crucial in getting approval to continue to operate on Lake De Smet,” said J.T. Grainger, Seaplane Pilots Association Wyoming Field Director, and owner of Sheridan Pilots 307 Flight School, “Local aircraft now have indefinite permission to access the lake and non-local aircraft can obtain access through the point of contact listed in SPA’s mobile app. We hope this will lead to expanded state-wide access.”

What does the SPA recommend to prevent the transfer of invasive species?
• Use the DNR website or the SPA mobile app to identify bodies of infected water prior to flight
• Thoroughly inspect float surfaces prior to departing a body of water
• Wipe down float surfaces when aircraft have remained in water overnight
• Pump out water from float compartments prior to departing a body of water
• After departure, visually examine water rudders and landing gear for weeds
• Cycle rudders/landing gear over unpopulated land areas prior to landing in other bodies of water
Quick Facts About Wyoming Access
• Approval to access Lake De Smet is unique due to being owned and operated by Johnson County.
• April 2024 – Lake De Smet Operating Board unanimously voted to continue seaplane access
• August 2024 – SES certification can be completed in Sheridan Pilots 307’s C172 on Wipline 2350s
• The school is also an official PSI testing center for all FAA exams and has access to multiple Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs)

About Seaplane Pilots Association
The Seaplane Pilots Association is the only organization in the world solely focused on representing the interests of seaplane pilots, owners, and operators. SPA is dedicated to promoting safe seaplane operations and to protecting the sharing of our nation’s waterways with other user groups.

About Sheridan Pilots 307 Flight School
Made up of two companies, Sheridan Pilots 307 LLC, and Sheridan Rotor Training LLC, is an FAA certified Part 61 Flight School located at Sheridan County Airport (KSHR). With numerous Certified Flight Instructors, they provide both fixed and rotor wing instruction. The school is also an official PSI testing center for all FAA exams and has a Designated Pilot Examiner.

About Wipaire
For over six decades, Wipaire has been a leading provider of innovative solutions for aircraft owners and operators. They manufacture floats for multiple aircraft, from the Piper Cub to the De Havilland Twin Otter, including most single-engine Cessna aircraft. Additionally, Wipaire has engineered over one hundred Supplemental Type Certificated modifications. As a leading aircraft service provider, Wipaire offers maintenance, avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing. All these services, along with Advanced Flight Training & Leasing are in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. Wipaire is recognized for its quality products and engineering expertise.