Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures celebrates accreditation program graduates

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures (HFSA), part of Journey Beyond Australia’s experiential tourism group, has announced three graduates from its inaugural Floatplane Pilot Accreditation Program.

The first of its kind program in Australia was highly competitive with hundreds of applicants vying for selection and participating in a rigorous application process.

“HFSA is the largest employer of Seaplane pilots in Australia, with 50 per cent of Australia’s floatplane pilots part of the Journey Beyond team,” Journey Beyond executive general manager, Simon McGrath, said. “We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of aviation talent, proudly committing to develop new seaplane pilots. The graduates are now qualified and equipped to provide unforgettable experiences whilst also ensuring the safety and welfare of our guests.”

“With support from HFSA parent company Journey Beyond, HFSA has created Australia’s first floatplane pilot accreditation program,” Journey Beyond Aviation CEO, Adam Holt, said. “We are excited to have employed three of our graduated floatplane pilots Andrew Conolly, Daniel Donnelly and Riley Dunshee. These already skilled pilots completed their float plane accreditation training in April and are now qualified to operate our fleet of Cessna C208 on floats and transport our guests to Talbot Bay.

“With the remote location inaccessible by land, HFSA is the only operator that offers guests the opportunity to experience the Horizontal Falls from both the air and water and stay on Talbot Bay overnight. The water landing is a spectacular component and highlight of the experience for all guests.”

“HFSA Floatplane Pilot Accreditation Program represents a significant milestone for the aviation industry,” Journey Beyond’s aviation industry advisor, Aaron Shaw, said. “It not only addresses the growing demand for qualified seaplane pilots but also highlights Journey Beyond’s commitment to fostering new talent in an increasingly competitive market. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and safety of seaplane operations across the country.”

“I was honoured to be selected for the floatplane pilot accreditation program,” graduate Daniel Donnelly said. “The views of the dramatic landscape from the air is unrivalled, the rich red ochres of the coastline and the approach as you land in Talbot Bay is breathtaking.”

HFSA currently operates six Cessna C208 Caravan seaplanes and fly’s 4500 hours per year, employing 50 per cent of all commercial seaplane pilots in Australia. The seasonal business operates from March to October every year flying more than 18,000 passengers annually to Horizontal Falls.

HFSA plans to continue to grow the floatplane accreditation program into 2026 with plans to collaborate with other commercial floatplane operations throughout Australasia. Applications for the next floatplane pilot accreditation program will open in October.