2026 Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Safety Seminar: Program at a Glance

Noon–4:00 p.m. — Wipaire Poker Run!

• 11:00 a.m. — Poker Run Registration
• 11:30 a.m. — Pilot Brief 
• 4:00 p.m. — Return 
• 4:30 p.m. — Winner Announced (Must be present to win)
  

Noon–4:00 p.m. — Seaplane Ground School (free to attend): Mark Cook, FAA (Location: Town Hall)

• Designed as ground training for pilots transitioning to flying floats or refreshing their knowledge, this seminar covers critical seaplane topics and checkride expectations while satisfying the required ground training for a basic phase of the FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS).

• About the instructor: Mark Cook is a contract pilot, mentor pilot, active CFI, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and NAFI Master Flight Instructor. He has extensive flight experience and owns and operates Barnstormers Flight Training with his wife in Bemidji, Minnesota.

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Event Registration (Location: Town Hall)

4:30–6:00 p.m. — Social Hour; Exhibit Area Open (Location: Town Hall)

6:00–7:30 p.m. — Buffet Meal; Entertainment: Michael Pink (Location: The Pavilion)

7:45–8:30 p.m. — FAA Seminar, “The Relationship Between Pilots and Mechanics”: Troy Siekas  (Location: Town Hall)

8:30 p.m. start — Seaplane Sundown (Location: O’Madden Pub)

8:30 p.m. start — Night Golf (Location: Madden Inn Pro Shop)

7:00–9:00 a.m. — Breakfast (on your own, not provided by event) (Location: Madden Inn)

8:00 a.m.–Noon — Event Registration (Location: Town Hall)

9:00–9:10 a.m. — Welcome and Introductions: Joe Birkemeyer, MSPA

9:10–9:50 a.m. — Minnesota Aviation Update: Jim McCanney, MnDOT Aeronautics

9:50–10:25 a.m. — My Seaplane Adventures: John Mohr

10:25–10:45 a.m. — Break

10:45–11:25 a.m. — RAF Introduction: Amy Gesch, Wipaire

11:25 –12:10 p.m. — Be Paranoid... Silent Killers are out there — Power Lines: Steve McCaughey, Seaplane Pilots Association

12:10–1:00 p.m. — Lunch: included and sponsored by Hartzell Propeller; Seats reserved at Wilson Bay

1:00–1:40 p.m. — Floatplane Maintenance: Martin Holte, Wipaire

1:40–2:00 p.m. — Invasive Species: Charles Scott, DNR.

• All members must attend
  

2:00–2:20 p.m. — Break

2:20–3:00 p.m. — State Legislative Panel: Rep. Ron Kresha, Minnesota State Representative

3:00–3:40 p.m — AOPA Town Hall: Kyle Lewis, AOPA Air Safety Institute

3:40–3:50 p.m. — Drawing for a two-night stay at Madden’s Resort

• Must be registered and present to win!
  

3:50–4:00 p.m. — Break

4:00–4:15 p.m. — Accuracy Landing Contest Brief

4:30–5:45 p.m. — Accuracy Landing Contest: Seaplanes (Location: Steamboat Bay)

• Sign up early
• MUST attend Accuracy Landing Contest Brief immediately following last speaker
  

5:30–7:00 p.m. — Social Hour in Exhibit Area (Location: Town Hall)

7:00–9:00 p.m. — Banquet Dinner and Guest Speaker: Bruno Brasileiro Ferreira; Grand Prize Drawing donated by Wipaire — Must be present and current with MSPA dues (Location: Town Hall)

9:00 p.m. start — Seaplane Sundown (Location: O’Madden Pub)

9:00 p.m. start — Night Golf (Location: Madden Inn Pro Shop)