Yes, seaplanes are allowed on Waterbury Reservoir. While there have been past petitions to restrict their use, including a 1993 petition seeking to prohibit them, these requests have been denied.
What is a Seaplane
A seaplane is a specialized type of aircraft engineered to operate seamlessly on water, capable of taking off and landing on lakes, seas, or other bodies of water. These versatile aircraft come in two main configurations: floatplanes, which are supported by one or more slender floats or pontoons attached beneath the fuselage, and flying boats, which have a streamlined hull designed to function as a boat itself, providing buoyancy and stability on water surfaces. Additionally, some seaplanes are classified as amphibians, meaning they possess the ability to land and take off from both water and solid ground, thanks to retractable landing gear or other design features that enable operation on runways.
Landing and Taking Off
Pilots of seaplanes operating around the reservoir should be vigilant not only about overhead hazards like power lines but also about other potential dangers such as boats, swimmers, fishermen, and wildlife. These obstacles can unexpectedly enter the aircraft’s path, especially during takeoff and landing when maneuvering close to the water’s surface. Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness, practicing prudent navigation, and adhering to designated flight paths and safety guidelines are crucial to avoiding collisions or accidents.
Prevent The Spread Of Invasive Species
A critical part of protecting and preserving the Waterbury Reservoir, bodies of water across Vermont (and the world) is proper cleaning to prevent the spread of invasive species. Transporting such nuisances is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
Boats, trailers, seaplanes and other boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use. Although some invasive species such as water milfoil are readily visible to the human eye, many others are too small to be readily noticed. To avoid spreading invasive species please follow the guidelines in the following steps:
