1. When was the Seaplane Pilots Association founded, and why?

The Seaplane Pilots Association was founded by David Quam, Robert Murray, Al Lisch and William Hooper in 1972. The founding purpose was to protect seaplane access to public waters, promote seaplane flying and publish a member newsletter and seaplane base directory.

2. Who owns the Seaplane Pilots Association?

The Seaplane Pilots Association is a not-for-profit corporation, and thus although it is managed by its members, its assets, revenue and the profit do not belong to anybody. In the event the organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization must be donated to a public charity.

3. How do I obtain copies of the bylaws, membership meeting minutes and financial reports?

The current bylaws, annual member meeting minutes and financial reports are available upon request by emailing SPA at spa@seaplanes.org or contact us via phone at 863-701-7979.

4. Who runs the Seaplane Pilots Association?

Ultimately, through annual elections, the members run the organization by electing the members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors in turn manages the organization and elects the officers, who in turn hire staff to manage the day to day business operations and carry out the objectives set by the Board.

5. How are officers and Directors appointed?

Directors are elected to one year terms in the office by the membership at the Annual Member  Meeting. When a vacancy  opens up between the Annual Meetings, the Board of Directors is responsible for appointing an interim Director, who must be elected at the next Annual Member Meeting to remain on the Board.

Officers are appointed by the Board of Directors to one year terms in office.

6. How do I vote without attending the Annual Member Meeting?

As a voting member of the Seaplane Pilots Association, you are entitled to vote in proxy.

See more information on what proxies are, and how do they work in the next listing below.

7. What are proxies, and how do they work?

A proxy is a person (or a group of people) authorized to vote on your behalf at an annual member meeting. The term "proxy" also refers to the document that grants another person or group the authority to vote on your behalf.

The standard proxy form, is printed on the back of SPA renewal notices, and can be selected by clicking on a box during online transactions for joining and renewing. Such proxies grant authority to any two or more directors to vote on behalf of the authorizing member. Gathering enough proxies is key to ensuring that there are enough voting members present at annual meetings, either in person or in proxy, to reach the quorum necessary to hold an annual member meeting.

When executing a proxy (the document), you need not give your proxy (the person) freedom to choose how a vote is cast, or on which issues a vote may be cast. For example, you may wish to vote for a specific director, in which case the proxy (document) can specify which director will receive your vote.

Finally, under New York law, proxies are valid by default for 11 months from the date the proxy was signed, or for the period of time specified on the proxy. Proxies may be revoked or superseded at any time.

8. Are officers or directors compensated?

Directors are not compensated for their work as Directors, but may be compensated for work performed at the direction of the Board that is beyond the customary role of a Director.

Officers, including the Chairman of the Board, President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, may be compensated at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Currently, no Board Members are compensated.

9. What is the role of a SPA Field Director?

Field Directors are volunteers who provide eyes, ears, and boots on the ground to address local waterway access conflicts, help members plan flights, and assist in the overall SPA mission.

10. How are Field Directors and other volunteers appointed?

Volunteers including Field Directors are appointed by the Executive Director.

11. Are Field Directors compensated?

Field Directors are reimbursed for reasonable and customary expenses associated with the discharge of their duties, such as telephone expenses, travel and postage - provided such expenditures have been authorized by the Executive Director in advance. Field Directors are also provided with complimentary membership in the association, and may from time to time receive insignia apparel and other items to assist them in promoting the association.      

12. When and where is the Annual Members Meeting held?

The Annual Members Meeting is held at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The time and location is typically the Seaplane Pilots Association Headquarters in Lakeland, Florida in the month of November. Notice of the meeting site, date and time is typically published in Water Flying magazine and emailed to members at least 60 days in advance of the meeting.

13. How many members belong to the Seaplane Pilots Association?

The membership number is in constant flux due to numerous variables. However the number is currently approximately 6,000 and growing.

14. Why doesn't the the Seaplane Pilots Association publish a membership list?

SPA highly values its membership and their privacy. Publishing our member list would compromise information that our members may or may not want shared with the general public and other commercial interests.