Peter Bell feels that some of the most beautiful flying in the world is to be found around Anacortes. He’s probably in as good a position as most to come to that conclusion. His flying career as a British Royal Air Force pilot, a USCG exchange pilot and a commercial pilot has taken him to areas as diverse as the Scottish Highlands, several African countries, most of the US Pacific coast and SE Asia.
However, he says he is happiest and most inspired flying around the San Juan Islands. “There really is nowhere else in the world with such a mix of different scenery in a compact area—farmland, rolling wooded hills, craggy coastlines, sheltered beaches and mercury-colored water, all set against the backdrop of the Olympics and the Cascades.”
Peter started Coast Aviation in 2008 and meet your board for the last year has been passing along his enthusiasm as he instructs fellow pilots. This summer he obtained authority from the FAA to carry passengers on scenic flights from Anacortes Airport. He is especially excited about this as he is a firm believer that Anacortes should be a center for tourist activities in the area, not just a gateway to the Islands.
At present he offers scenic tours in an antique Cessna and an ultra-modern four- seat aircraft. He has tried to keep prices low enough to appeal to someone buying a gift for a family member, or be an alternative to a couple who might be thinking of an expensive meal for a romantic treat. Next year he hopes to pursue FAA permission to allow more flexible passenger flights to and from different locations. However, he says: “I have no desire to compete with the traditional passenger flights currently offered by operators in the Islands. My interest is in selling the romance and beauty of the local area.”
Visit Coast Aviation's Web site for further information. Coast Aviation is offering 15% off advertised prices between Sept. 30 and Dec. 31., 2009. The company continues to offer various types of flight instruction, as well as aerial photography.
-From the Anacortes Chamber's Oct. 2009 Newsletter