About Seaplanes North

Seaplanes North is owned by Stephen Routh, a long-time Alaskan and aviation enthusiast. Stephen built the hangar and started the business in the late 90s, bringing broad experience not only with 185s and Cubs but also with charter operations, helicopters, larger aircraft, and real estate.

The company is managed by Matthew Gillespie, who has worked with Seaplanes North since 2020 and has spent his life in aviation, bringing extensive hands-on experience and leadership to daily operations.

The company has grown from just two people to an FBO employing approximately 10 staff members, including two IA-certified technicians. Initial services included float restoration, installation, and secure storage for nearly 200 sets of floats. With the formation of the LLC, Seaplanes North quickly became the foremost maintenance and modification center on Lake Hood, developing a wide variety of specialty services and distributorships.

In 2004, the company acquired the assets of a neighboring Cessna Service Station, expanding into aircraft sales, parts, and floats. The company also developed several supplemental type certificates (STCs) and obtained a parts manufacturing authorization (PMA) from the FAA.

With a diverse range of services and products, along with an FAA repair station certificate, Seaplanes North prides itself on high-quality work and relational customer service.

Seaplanes North is proudly the largest, most stable, and most diverse FBO on the shores of Lake Hood and looks forward to many more years of service to the aviation community.

The entire crew is friendly, knowledgeable, and hard-working, and they are eager to serve you.