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Mendo Lake Family Life

See Planes Make a Splash

The first seaplanes were built in the early 1900s; by the 1920s, they were the speediest and biggest aircraft in the world. After the start of World War II, however, their use diminished as the number of airports grew, making sea landings less necessary. Today flying boats can be seen on remote travel and rescue missions—and at the Clear Lake Seaplane Splash-In. At the annual event, pilots will gather to share the thrill of touch-down and also to introduce young people to aviation. To this latter aim, there will be several seminars for youth, including talks on the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association’s high school curriculum, and on aviation-training scholarships. The Splash-In will be held on September 23, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., at Clear Lake in Lakeport. For details, go to seaplanefestival.com; for a schedule of talks, go to tinyurl.com/2j8achmz