A proposal to establish commercial seaplane operations on Maryland’s Miles River is drawing opposition from some residents and boaters in the waterfront town of St. Michaels, according to local reports.
Virginia-based Coastal Seaplanes is seeking to expand charter service into the popular Chesapeake Bay destination, where concerns over safety, congestion and noise have surfaced during public meetings.
The company reportedly plans to use a designated “sealane” stretching more than a mile along the Miles River to accommodate amphibious aircraft arrivals and departures. Founder and CEO Sam Riggs told local news WBOC, the company began pursuing the location after customer demand for direct seaplane access to St. Michaels increased.
Residents speaking before the town’s Waterway Management Advisory Board questioned whether seaplane operations could coexist safely with the river’s heavy recreational boating traffic, particularly during the busy summer season. The Miles River is widely used by sailboats, tour operators and yacht clubs.
Local marina and yacht operators also expressed concern that aircraft activity could complicate navigation in already congested waterways. Additionally, some community members worried the added traffic could disrupt boating access and alter the character of the historic waterfront town.
Still, not all reaction has been negative. Commenters on local Facebook discussions surrounding the proposal voiced support for the operation, with some describing seaplanes as a natural fit for the Chesapeake Bay region and arguing the service could provide a unique tourism option for the town.
Riggs defended the proposal, saying the company intends to integrate into the community rather than disrupt it. He noted Coastal Seaplanes has received FAA authorization to operate on the Miles River, though the company is still awaiting approval from the Maryland Aviation Administration.
So funny that people tend to be against things they don’t understand, but for something they do. Airplane pilots tend to be much more professional and safety minded than recreational boaters. So, if indeed the waterway is too congested with boats, then why aren’t they advocating for boat restrictions?
I’m a commercial seaplane pilot. I’ve witnessed some scary interactions between seaplanes and recreational boaters who don’t have a clue that a seaplane is landing or taking off. The wake produced by a deep-hulled power boat can flip a seaplane (e.g., Jimmy Buffett) even if there is no direct conflict between the two. Then there was the crash that occurred in busy Vancouver harbor where boat and seaplane traffic are mixed and congested. On the water a seaplane is far less maneuverable than a boat. The two don’t mix well in my opinion and adding frequent seaplane service to an already congested boating waterway is looking for trouble.