Cecil Sampert, chief pilot, Harbour Air Seaplanes

We caught up with Cecil Sampert, veteran floatplane pilot of 39 years, before his afternoon flight from Vancouver's Coal Harbour to Nanaimo, B.C. The 20-minute flight takes locals, tourists, pets, supplies and anything else soaring over mountains, ocean, islands and lakes to the seaside hub on Vancouver Island. The Vancouver-Nanaimo route is just one of between eight and 12 flights that Cec (as he's known by just about everyone) stick-handles each day as chief pilot for Harbour Air Seaplanes - the largest seaplane company in the world, and the only airline in North America to be completely carbon neutral. Cec treats us to a simulation of the Harbour Air experience and describes why flying in a floatplane is a quintessential B.C. experience that you just can't miss!

Who is your average passenger and where are they going?
I don't think there is one. Seaplanes are a regular means of transportation in B.C. so we get everyone: commuters, business people, tourists, heads of government, even the occasional movie star. We have scheduled flights to Victoria, Pender Island, Saltspring Island, Duncan and a few more destinations. But we also do charter flights all over British Columbia which could mean we're delivering guests to a remote fishing lodge, a private island, or a luxury yacht.

What do you love about flying a seaplane?
Seaplane flying is some of the most interesting and fun flying I've done in my life. And frankly, what's not to like? Big planes are very procedural, but flying a floatplane it's done much more by feel. And because our runway is liquid and constantly moving, we have to take into account the tides, wind, waves, cruise ships, boats, kayakers... You're also very independent - no one is out there to sweep your runway for you!

What are Harbour Air's most popular tours for tourists?
The Alpine Lakes and Glaciers tour is one of our most spectacular. It includes a one-hour flight over the glaciers of Mount Mamquam and a landing on our "secret" alpine lake. You can also add a picnic lunch for $50 per person (full tour is $269 per person). The Mail Run tour is also quite unique. Passengers ride along with locals on our regular flights from Vancouver harbour to the tiny villages and anchorages of the Gulf Island ($169 per person). It shows them a slice of BC life that they wouldn't see otherwise.

What kinds of reactions do you get from first-time flyers?
We seem to bring out the kid in a lot of adults! Because we fly small planes, one of our passengers gets to occupy the co-pilot seat and experience exactly what the pilot sees. That's a very unique experience for people today who are only used to flying on 747s where passengers are totally separate from the pilot. First time flyers are usually very excited and a little nervous. But folks come back beaming. Our goal is to make the experience memorable and safe.

What do you do when you're not flying? When I'm not flying I like to be on the water (Cec is also boat owner) or on the golf course. And in winter you'll find me skiing. People often ask me when I plan to retire, but retirement is not even on my radar. I'll be doing this for a few years yet…

Harbour Air operates 34 aircraft and is one of three seaplane companies that service Vancouver, along with one helicopter company. For information on floatplane or helicopter travel from Vancouver visit www.harbourair.com, www.pacificcoastal.com, www.westcoastair.com or www.helijet.com.

September 2008