Kansas Pilots Seek Regulation Changes to Allow Seaplane Landings

Proposed bill would provide clarity and expand aviation access in the state.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Pilots and business owners in Kansas have asked state legislators to pass a proposal that would allow seaplanes to take off and land on Kansas waters where boats are permitted to operate. The bill, HB 2687, aims to provide clarity and remove regulatory uncertainty that currently prevents seaplane pilots from accessing suitable water landing sites in the state.

Why it matters

Allowing seaplane operations in Kansas could spur economic development and expand aviation access without requiring new infrastructure. Flight schools and businesses like Garetson Aviation could offer more training and services for seaplane pilots, attracting customers from across the country.

The details

The proposed legislation would clarify regulations to permit aquatic aircraft to operate on state waters where boats are allowed. Proponents argue this would benefit flight schools, aircraft businesses, and the broader aviation industry in Kansas. Currently, seaplanes are effectively prohibited from landing on Kansas waters due to a 'patchwork of unclear statutes' that create regulatory uncertainty for pilots.

  • The House Federal and State Affairs Committee heard testimony on HB 2687 on Thursday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Jared Garetson

Owner of Garetson Aviation in Manhattan, Kansas, which offers aircraft sales, repairs, and a build-assistant program for customers.

Rep. Angelina Roeser

A Manhattan Republican who is working to obtain her private pilot's license and is the sponsor of HB 2687.

Harrison Deaton

Rep. Roeser's flight instructor, who testified on the safety regulations governing seaplane operations.

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What they’re saying

“It would allow us to give them better educational opportunities so they can get their seaplane ratings in Kansas, they can fly their own airplane and practice in the airplane that they're going to be using when they're out on their own missions.”

— Jared Garetson, Owner, Garetson Aviation (Kansas Reflector)

“As the air capital of the world, I really do believe that Kansas should have clear, modern statutes that reflect the current aviation practices. HB 2687 does provide that clarity. It affirms that seaplanes are a lawful aircraft in Kansas, and it removes unnecessary regulatory uncertainty that currently prevents access to otherwise suitable water landing sites.”

— Rep. Angelina Roeser (Kansas Reflector)

What’s next

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee will continue to consider HB 2687 and its potential impact on the aviation industry in Kansas.

The takeaway

Allowing seaplane operations in Kansas could expand aviation access and spur economic development in the state's aviation sector, which is already known as the 'air capital of the world.' The proposed legislation aims to provide clarity and remove regulatory barriers that currently limit seaplane pilots from utilizing the state's waterways.