POLK COUNTY, Fla. — There’s a hidden spot in Polk County the place pilots have been going to for 60 years to get a specialised kind of coaching.
It’s additionally a spot the place anybody can come and go for a sightseeing tour in a seaplane.
Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base is on Lake Jessie, about 3 miles northeast of the central enterprise district of Winter Haven.
Ben Shipps, president of the bottom, mentioned practically 30,000 pilots have acquired their certification to fly a seaplane prior to now six a long time.
“We have alumni scattered all over Alaska. And about 30% of our cliental come from overseas,” Shipps mentioned.
Noel Keyes, a pilot for Allegiant Airways who lives in Allentown, Pa., mentioned he has at all times wished to discover ways to take off and land on water only for enjoyable.
“I love aviation. I’m always trying to learn. And every little bit you pick up helps with your skills and safety,” Keyes mentioned.
For pilots, there may be each classroom and in-flight coaching to study to fly a seaplane.
Spectrum News 13 watched as Noel did his first seaplane flight, taking off on Lake Jessie in Winter Haven.
“I always wanted to do it. It looked like so much fun. I can tell you it’s a blast,” Keyes mentioned.
Noel mentioned the ability is well-known world wide.
“Jack Brown’s is famous in the aviation community. Everybody knows about Jack Brown’s,” he mentioned.
A couple of well-known faces have acquired coaching on the base, as pictures of singer-songwriters Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, and actor Harrison Ford dangle in its classroom.
Jack Brown’s additionally gives a number of sightseeing alternatives for guests who simply need to go for a trip.
“As little as a 30-minute flight, there is a lot you can see. We have a beautiful chain of lakes here,” Shipps said. “Winter Haven is the home of LEGOLAND. And there are some real neat historical places to fly over and really get a beautiful vantage point.”
A 30-minute seaplane sightseeing trip is $90 per individual. For reservations, you’ll be able to name 863-956-2243.
For extra data, go to Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base web site.
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