Fall 2017 LOCALadk Magazine 49
LOCALadk
I am LOCALadk
Jim Payne, Chief Pilot for Payne's Air Service
Born and raised in Inlet, NY
He has been flying a seaplane in the Adiron-
dacks for 60 years and has operated a suc-
cessful air service on the shores of Seventh
Lake since in 1973.
He and his wife Helen are celebrating 60
years of marriage and have raised 5 kids, 3 of
whom are also pilots. His son Tom has been
flying for 34 years and joins him in the family
business.
Jim is the recipient of the coveted Wright
Brothers Pilot Safety Award. This was given
by the Federal Aviation Administration to
recognize more than, at the time, 50 years
as an Adirondack bush pilot with an unblem-
ished safety record.
Today there are only two operating seaplane
air service businesses in the Adirondacks.
They offer 15-20 minute flight seeing tours
over various routes that offer a one-of-a-kind
perspective of the Adirondacks. Less popu-
lar, due to changing times and regulations, is
flying hunting and fishing groups to remote
locations.
Here is what one customer said, "Everyone
needs to go up at least once! It is amazing
how beautiful our area is from the sky and
they are excellent hosts in the air." KG.
The upcoming fall season is a great time to
see the park and all its color from the air.
Payne's Air Service
Seventh Lake
Inlet, NY
315-357-3971
Helms Aeroservice and Seaplane Rides
Long Lake, NY
518-624-3931
Anne Brewer
