REGULAR seaplane trips from Perth to Mandurah are once again on cards after a trail flight took place last Friday.
The Perth Seaplanes Catalina Adventures aircraft was in the area so that City of Mandurah staff could get an initial sound reading from the closest residential area.
The sound level recorded was not of a concern but the plane was unable to land due to rough seas after several attempts.
Mack McCormack, chief executive of Perth Seaplanes Catalina Adventures, said the company would now look at the estuary as a possible landing site.
“We will now seek approval from the Department of Transport to land [in the estuary]; you don’t need approval to land on the ocean,” he said.
Asked whether it would be secure, Mr McCormack said it was very safe in other areas where the activity happens.
“If you look at Sydney Harbour they have 75 take-offs and landings in amongst boats and yachts and there has never been an accident,” he said.
Mr McCormack said the venture would be good for local tourism and, as well as bringing people down for the day, the plane would stay and run scenic flights if there was enough interest.
The expected cost of the trip from Perth would be approximately $200 and would target high-end customers who are looking for something different when it comes to transport.
Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organistation [MAPTO] chief Steven Hollë said he expected customers would be keen to look at options such as dining, tours and recreational pursuits in Mandurah.
“Mandurah’s calm waters and protected seaway, combined with the region’s strong tourism focus, really make us an ideal option within their itinerary,” he said.
“The service would provide a unique opportunity to travel down to the Peel region quickly and in comfort, experiencing a flight on a seaplane that few people get the chance to undertake.
“The city is a water-based destination; what better way to travel here than via seaplane?”
However, this is not the first time seaplanes have been proposed for Mandurah with a company awarded a six-month trial period from City councillors to provide a joy ride service from a jetty on the eastern foreshore in October 2012.
On this occasion the business elected not to conduct the flights.
The time frame on flights actually taking place could also be a lengthy one.
In December 2013 Catalina Adventures and Mr McCormack received a 12-month approval to land on the Swan River with the option to extend from the Swan River Trust but still required approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Department of Transport prior to the commencement of the operation.
Currently Perth Seaplanes Catalina Adventures hopes to run tours from Perth to Rottnest Island and sightseeing flights in the upcoming months.