Once again…
Grounded HOGS
GALA DINNER
You are cordially invited to join us for:
WSPA Grounded Hogs 2026: Charting New Waters
When: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM PST
Where: The Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Grounded Hogs is a dinner hosted by the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association.
RESERVE YOUR TICKET NOW: Feb 20 2026 - 6:00PM — 10:00PM
Kickoff the Northwest Aviation Conference by Joining us at the Museum of Flight for an evening of dinner, presentations, and our legendary raffle. We thank our sponsors and guests for this amazing event.
This event is welcome to all Pilots, Co-Pilots, Not-Pilots, Members, and Non-Members - we look forward to your company.
Registration is OPEN NOW!
This year, we will again be in The Museum of Flight. Come see friends and enjoy the Grand Gallery of Aviation.
About the Evening
For one special evening each year, the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association welcomes you and your guests to an unforgettable celebration of flight at the Museum of Flight. This year's theme — Charting New Waters — reflects our growing community and the expanding horizons of seaplane aviation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Grounded Hogs Gala is our primary annual fundraiser, supporting WSPA's mission to protect and expand seaplane access to Washington waters, promote safe and responsible operations, and foster community among pilots, operators, and aviation enthusiasts throughout the region.
An Evening Made Possible by Our Major Sponsors
This year's event would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our Major Sponsors. Their support allows us to host this gala in one of the most breathtaking aviation venues in the world, with a dining experience worthy of the occasion.
We are deeply grateful to our 2026 sponsors:
Ace Aviation • Aerocet • Alaska Airlines • Cal Bamford • Cirrus Aircraft • Garmin • Hartzell Propeller • Jobe Real Estate Group • Kenmore Air • Seaplane Pilots Association • Southwest Aviation Insurance •The Museum of Flight • The Neiders Company • Wipaire
Please join us in thanking these partners whose commitment to our community makes Grounded Hogs possible. If you are interested in becoming a Major Sponsor please contact Alex Jobe, alex@joberealestate.com, 425-444-7696.
The Venue
The gala will be held in the Seattle Museum of Flight's T.A. Wilson Great Gallery — a stunning 3-million-cubic-foot, six-story glass-and-steel exhibit hall housing 39 historic aircraft. Dinner tables surround the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, and the dramatically lit gallery transforms into a breathtaking backdrop that traces the first century of flight. This world-class setting is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors.
Museum Access Included
Your registration includes free admission to the Museum of Flight all day on February 20th. Simply check in at the admissions desk and provide your name — they'll have your Grounded Hogs registration on file and provide you with an event wristband. The museum opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM for event setup.
Ticket Information
Members and their guests: $140 per person
Non-members: $165 per person
The Grounded Hogs Gala coincides with the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show, so we expect strong attendance. Space is limited — register early to secure your spot.
Evening Schedule
6:00 PM — Doors open, reception begins
6:00 – 7:00 PM — Social hour, silent auction, and cash bar
7:00 – 7:15 PM — Welcome from WSPA Board Members
7:15 – 8:00 PM — Dinner and keynote presentation
8:00 – 10:00 PM — Raffle
10:00 PM — Conclude
Raffle
Our world-famous raffle returns with items and experiences sure to excite any pilot or aviation enthusiast. Details on this year's prizes will be announced as we get closer to the event.
If you would like to contribute an item or experience to the raffle, please contact Don Goodman at donaldjg56@gmail.com or (360) 303-7076. Every contribution is greatly appreciated.
Silent Auction
The silent auction returns this year with exceptional items celebrating aviation and adventure. Online bidding will open a week ahead of the event, and in-person bidding will open when doors open at 6:00 PM and closes promptly at 8:00 PM.
Hartzell Propeller
This year’s auction will feature a standout aviation‑themed showcase propeller from Hartzell Propeller that captures the spirit, craftsmanship, and adventure of flight. It’s a striking piece from one of the most respected names in the industry, a represents a rare opportunity to take home an iconic piece of aviation history.
Alaska Airlines Round-Trip Tickets
Your next adventure awaits! Bid on a pair of round-trip main cabin Alaska or Hawaiian airline tickets to anywhere in North/Central America or Hawaii with no blackout dates. Each ticket is valued at up to $1,750.
Custom Handmade Seaplane Quilt
Commemorate your aircraft with a one-of-a-kind custom quilt, handmade by the talented artisans at Coffee Town Quilting. This stunning piece will feature a seaplane of your choosing — embroidered with precision and care. Learn more about their craftsmanship at www.coffeetownquilting.com.
All proceeds from the silent auction support WSPA's mission to protect and expand seaplane access in the Pacific Northwest.
Volunteers Needed
This event relies on thoughtful volunteers who donate their time to assist with guest check-in, ticket sales, raffle setup, and other duties that keep the evening running smoothly. If you're interested in helping out, please contact Don Goodman at donaldjg56@gmail.com or (360) 303-7076.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received before midnight on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. After this date, we are committed to the space and unable to offer refunds — though you are welcome to send a substitute in your place. For questions or to arrange a substitute, please contact Madison Zepeda, events@washingtonseaplanepilots.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors whose generosity makes this evening possible: Ace Aviation, Aerocet, Alaska Airlines, Cal Bamford, Cirrus Aircraft, Garmin, Hartzell Propeller, Jobe Real Estate Group, Kenmore Air, Seaplane Pilots Association, Southwest Aviation Insurance,The Museum of Flight, The Neiders Company, Wipaire.
We hope to see you there!
Best regards,
Washington Seaplane Pilots Association
Video Credit: Museum of Flight 2017
THIS YEAR’S Donations and Amazing Sponsors
ACE AVIATION
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Ace Aviation provides comprehensive aviation services to pilots, OEMs, and corporate fleets nationwide. With extensive aviation experience and a passion for our customers and their aircraft, we are taking the aviation maintenance industry to new heights.
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER
Ace Aviation is proudly a Cirrus, Cessna and Beechcraft Service Center. Our professional mechanics at Ace Aviation have extensive factory training, use factory approved troubleshooting and repair methods and aircraft specific tooling to ensure you receive the highest quality maintenance and repairs for your aircraft.
AEROCET
Our team is passionate about the Seaplane Industry and the product we provide. From support, to the manufacturing process, we are dedicated to providing amazing service, quality and perfection. Every component is hand crafted in our shop, from the oil bath wheels, to the electric hydraulic pump, we make it all. As each float is being built, each step is monitored closely by our floor manager of almost 20 years. Most of our staff have been with Aerocet for over 10 years, and several nearing 20. We are a close knit group and we work together to ensure only an excellent product leaves our doors.
ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fly to more than 140 destinations throughout North
America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, as well as Europe starting in 2026.
• Their 30,000 employees are known for remarkable care and hospitality, with major hubs
in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
• As a member of the oneworld alliance and with additional global partners, guests can earn and
redeem points for travel to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide on more than 30 partner
airlines.
THE BAMFORD FOUNDATION
The purpose of the Bamford Foundation is to improve the quality of life of individuals and to strengthen their communities, primarily in Tacoma, Washington and the South Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest.
The Bamford Foundation was established in 1990 by Calvin D. Bamford, Jr. and Joanne Bamford with the intent of supporting their home community of Tacoma, Washington. As long-time President of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company, founded in 1917 and located on Tacoma’s tide-flats, Calvin has demonstrated his commitment to give back to the Tacoma community through this foundation and through his membership on boards and in a variety of community organizations. Likewise, Joanne, having moved to the area in 1967 when she married Cal, has led a number of boards and has worked with many charitable organizations in the areas of education, human services and the arts, in order to improve the quality of life of families in Tacoma. The Bamford Foundation embodies the values that Joanne and Calvin instilled in their children and hope to instill in future generations. These values include the importance of family, life-long education, involvement in one's community, and generosity.
Thank you very much for your generous donation!
CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, the world's first single-engine Personal Jet. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Cirrus has redefined performance, comfort, and safety in aviation with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) — the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft.
With over 10,000 SR Series aircraft delivered and more than 18 million flight hours logged worldwide, the SR Series has been the best-selling single-engine piston aircraft for 22 consecutive years. Cirrus is also a recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy, aviation's highest honor for achievement.
GARMIN
Garmin is a global leader in GPS technology and avionics, delivering innovative navigation, communication, and flight information systems that pilots around the world depend on every day. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, Garmin has transformed the cockpit with groundbreaking products like the G1000 integrated flight deck, GTN touchscreen navigators, and the revolutionary Autoland emergency system.
From portable GPS units to fully integrated glass cockpit solutions, Garmin offers the most comprehensive lineup of avionics upgrades in the industry for virtually any aircraft and budget. The company's co-founders, Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao, were inducted into the U.S. National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2024 — a testament to Garmin's enduring impact on flight safety and navigation.
HARTZELL PROPELLER
With a history dating back to the Wright Brothers, Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing. Founded in 1917 when Orville Wright encouraged his neighbor Robert Hartzell to use his walnut trees to manufacture airplane propellers, the company has been built on a founding principle of "Built on Honor" for over a century.
Headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, Hartzell produces composite and aluminum propellers for virtually every type of propeller-driven aircraft — from light sport and general aviation to turboprops — with engine ratings ranging from 80 to 2,180 hp. As the supplier of choice for nearly every major aircraft manufacturer, Hartzell also offers governors, spinners, and de-ice systems. After the war, Hartzell produced the first composite propellers for the Republic RC-3 Seabee — a fitting connection to our seaplane community.
JOBE REAL ESTATE GROUP
Founded in 2012 and based in Kirkland, Washington, Jobe Real Estate Group is a team of local real estate experts serving the Puget Sound region — including Sammamish, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Issaquah. Led by Alex Jobe, a third-generation lifestyle expert who grew up enjoying lakeside living, the team specializes in luxury properties, waterfront homes, and aviation real estate.
Through their Aviation Division, Jobe Real Estate Group helps pilots buy and sell hangars and aviation properties at locations like Paine Field. Whether you're looking for your dream waterfront retreat or the perfect hangar for your aircraft, the Jobe team combines deep local market knowledge with a passion for the lifestyle that brings our aviation community together.
KENMORE AIR
Founded in 1946 by three high school friends reunited after World War II, Kenmore Air has grown from a single Aeronca seaplane and a hangar at the edge of a swamp on Lake Washington into the largest and most respected seaplane operation in the world. Bob Munro, Reg Collins, and Jack Mines built their company on a simple philosophy: "Do the right thing."
Today, Kenmore Air flies 25 aircraft — including iconic de Havilland Beavers, turbine Otters, and Cessna Caravans — to more than 45 destinations throughout the San Juan Islands, Victoria, and the BC Inside Passage. Still headquartered at Kenmore Air Harbor on the northern tip of Lake Washington, the company remains family-owned and operated, with founder Bob Munro's children and grandchildren continuing his legacy. Kenmore is also world-renowned for its aircraft maintenance and restoration — their modified de Havilland Beavers are so highly regarded they're known industry-wide simply as "Kenmore Beavers."
SEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
Since 1972, the Seaplane Pilots Association has been the primary voice for protecting and promoting water flying. Headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida with Field Directors across the country, SPA advocates for seaplane access to public waters at the federal, state, and local levels while championing safety, education, and environmental stewardship.
SPA publishes Water Flying Magazine — the only nationally-published seaplane magazine in the world — along with the Water Landing Directory, an essential resource for waterway regulations and trip planning. Through the SPA Foundation, the organization provides scholarships helping aspiring pilots earn their commercial seaplane ratings. Only three percent of pilots have a seaplane rating — join the community that's keeping the spirit of water flying alive.
SOUTHWEST AVIATION INSURANCE
Founded in 1993 by Mark Nichols and Dave Monaco, Southwest Aviation Insurance Group brings over 85 combined years of aviation insurance expertise to aircraft owners across the country. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, both founders are licensed commercial, multi-engine, and instrument-rated pilots with degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — meaning they understand aviation from the cockpit, not just the policy.
Southwest Aviation provides comprehensive coverage for private and commercial aircraft, business jets, helicopters, gliders, fixed-base operators, airports, and aviation manufacturers. When it comes to protecting your aircraft, work with a team that speaks your language.
THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
Established in 1965, The Museum of Flight is the largest private, non-profit air and space museum in the world. Located at historic Boeing Field in Seattle, this 15-acre campus features over 160 aircraft and spacecraft — from the world's oldest fighter plane to the supersonic Concorde, the first presidential jet Air Force One, and the only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer on the West Coast.
The Museum's stunning T.A. Wilson Great Gallery — a 3-million-cubic-foot, six-story glass-and-steel exhibit hall with 39 historic aircraft suspended in flight — is where WSPA is proud to host our annual Grounded Hogs gala. It's a fitting venue to celebrate the history, adventure, and community of flight.
THE NEIDERS COMPANY
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Seattle, The Neiders Company is a fully integrated real estate investment firm that owns and operates affordable apartment communities across the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern United States. With a commitment to transforming lives while transforming communities, the company has grown to manage over 85 apartment communities and has been recognized multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.
The Neiders Company believes that all residents deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, guided by core values of integrity, consistency, and quality. We're grateful for their support of the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association.
WIPAIRE
For over 65 years, Wipaire has been the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft floats, engineering and building Wipline floats for everything from Piper Cubs to Twin Otters. Founded by WWII veteran Ben Wiplinger in Minnesota, the company remains family-owned and operated — now led by third-generation president Chuck Wiplinger from their headquarters at Fleming Field in South St. Paul.
Ben's original mission was simple: "Build the toughest float anybody ever stuck under an airplane." That commitment to innovation continues today with over 100 Supplemental Type Certificates, a full-service aircraft modification facility, and the Fire Boss aerial firefighting system — now protecting forests worldwide. From manufacturing and maintenance to avionics, interiors, paint, and seaplane flight training, Wipaire is truly a one-stop shop for the floatplane community.
FORMER DONORS & Sponsors
Forensic Detectors
Keep your Cabin Safe with Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors from Forensic Detectors.
Forensics Detectors is a Californian tech company offering environmental sustainability and air quality monitoring solutions. Our mission revolves around enhancing the well-being of our planet by offering state-of-the-art air quality measurement solutions. Our products are used for renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, food production, green construction, electronic innovations, and occupational safety.
Clipper Marina
The Worlds most Seaplane Friendly Marina. Lodging and Boat Rentals on Beautiful Priest Lake Idaho.
IVars SeaFood
Ivar’s calls the Pacific Northwest home. Fly your Seaplane to Ivars lake Union. The Ivar’s dining experience offers 18 fast casual Seafood Bars and three full-service waterfront-view restaurants: Ivar's Acres of Clams, Ivar's Salmon House, and Ivar's Mukilteo Landing. Ivar's also operates stadium concessions in T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, Cheney Stadium, and Husky Stadium. No matter which restaurant you choose, you’ll find the award-winning Ivar’s seafood you love.
ICOM Radio
We value communication between people. We will provide a wide variety of communication equipment to cater for the expanding market and the future.
Make communication smooth among people around the world
Open a bright future and lead people into higher prosperity
Pursue enjoyable technology that can contribute to society and bring excitement to people
WILDERNESS RIM RESORT
Wilderness Rim Resort is located on the eastern shore of Nimpo Lake in some of the most spectacular country in north central BC. Nimpo Lake, 185 miles west of Williams Lake, sits on the Chilcotin Plateau surrounded by the Coastal, Itcha, and Ilgatchuz mountains and is within driving distance of nearby Tweedsmuir Park.
“An experience like nothing else”