Rising Stars: Meet Steve Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Harris. 

Hi Steve, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My background has given me the opportunity to explore all facets of Aviation. I began flying in 1974 and have earned the following certificates and ratings: ATP Multiengine land, Commercial SEL/SES, Flight Instructor single and multiengine; instrument airplane. A pilot for over 37 years with over 10,000 hours, my 20 years as a Naval Aviator gave me the foundation to build my aviation career. The importance of members to an organization was realized during my 8 years as Special Assistant to the President with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). My year as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA, AFS-820 Headquarters DC, helped me gain a perspective on the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome in protecting our freedom to fly. Most recently my position as Director of Flight Operations and Safety for the Virginia Department of Aviation has enabled me to build the seaplane community throughout the Commonwealth. 

As Virginia’s SPA Field Director my main goal is to educate, promote and preserve seaplane operations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Education of public officials, decision-makers, other waterway users, and the general public about seaplanes and their operations is key to continued acceptance on commonwealth waterways. Promotion of seaplanes in a public safety and service role provides value to the local community. Education and promotion will result in the preservation of seaplane operators’ rights to share the Commonwealth’s natural resources with other groups. 

If you have plans to visit Virginia and would like information on a particular landing site, give me a call. We will be updating the SPA Water Landing Directory as we continue to explore landing sites throughout the state. 

As Owner/Operator of Sand Dollar Seaplanes, a Part 91.147 Air Tour Operator flying a Maule M7-235 on Bauman amphibs, I have had the pleasure of introducing many people, young and old to the thrill of seaplane flight. Sand Dollar Seaplanes is dedicated to bringing the allure and romance of seaplane flight by providing a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost sightseeing experience. He is the President of the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association and the Virginia Field Director for the Seaplane Pilots Association, actively involved in bringing the mid-Atlantic seaplane pilots together as an active group and addressing any issues that may affect their ability to fly seaplanes throughout the region. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Virginia is considered a seaplane-friendly state with over 1530 lakes and 10,000 miles of shoreline. Virginia provides seaplane operators a convenient stop for fuel or a great vacation opportunity. There are 7 seaplane bases listed on the Virginia’s aeronautical charts but currently, none provide avgas. Many of the marinas located throughout the state are seaplane friendly and do offer ethanol-free avgas. With a concerted effort by the 209 seaplane pilots already in Virginia, we can make the business and sport of flying seaplanes in Virginia much safer for the pilots and citizens of this great commonwealth through education and preservation, and cooperation. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My military and civilian careers have provided me with many opportunities; exceptional flight training, a strong background in customer and member relations, and first-hand experience in the areas of flight operations/training, risk management, accident/incident investigation, and training. As Special Assistant to The President for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, I functioned as liaison between the President and AOPA’s senior staff in the development of long-range organization communication goals. Worked with the communications department, developing and implementing long-range communications plans. I traveled exclusively with the President ensuring all logistic and communication support needs were met. Interacted directly with AOPA members on behalf of the president at all public events; Pilot Town Meetings, Sun n Fun, and Oshkosh. 

My position as a Federal Aviation Administration (AFS-820), Aviation Safety Inspector Commercial/General Aviation Operations at Headquarters Washington, DC, provided me with first-hand experience in the area of flight operations, and an in-depth knowledge of the regulatory hurdles facing aviation. 

As VP of Operations for Tropic Ocean Airways, I was accountable for the leadership and strategic operational direction of the aviation business. Provided overall direction and guidance to the operational activities of the organization with the objective of maximizing growth and profitability as well as day-to-day leadership and management of all company operations functions. 

In my current position as Director of Flight Operations and Safety for the Virginia Department of Aviation, I am responsible for the development and implementation of the Safety Management System throughout the Commonwealth. I administer, maintain, and schedule state-owned aircraft providing safe and cost-effective transportation to the Executive Leadership of the Commonwealth in the conduct of their business. I am responsible for the overall flight operations and safety of the aircraft and crew as well as oversight of the Safety Management System. aircraft maintenance, scheduling, and budgeting. 

As the Owner/Operator of Sand Dollar Seaplanes, Virginia’s premier seaplane tour operator I offer exciting seaplane tours from locations throughout the state. Sand Dollar Seaplanes is dedicated to bringing the allure and romance of seaplane flight by providing a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost sightseeing experience. As a Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) authorized Air Tour Operator, all flight is conducted IAW FAR 91-147. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Aviation Professional Safety is first and foremost 

Honest and caring 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: sandollarseaplanes.com
• Instagram: sand_dollar_seaplanes
• Facebook: Sand Dollar Seaplanes