"Mac" arrived at AAB as a young pilot in 1964. His father flew with C.F. Blair Jr. at both American Overseas Airlines and Pan American Airlines and this intro gave him his new opportunity. In 1964, Mac was not getting a lot of flight time, at the newly formed airline, so he left and returned in 1969 when the increased schedule allowed him to fly full time. When the G-73 Mallards arrived in 1974, Mac became a key pilot for both N7338 and N7356. More Mallards arrived in 1979 and Mac continued to educate both pilots and co-pilots the finer points of flying this very unique aircraft. After AAB, Mac continued his craft with Virgin Island Seaplane Shuttle as Chief Pilot until it closed in 1989. Mac was a very special part of the Antilles Air Boats team. He is now retired and living in Louisiana.
"Mac"
Don's wall at home in Louisiana. A fond memory of those days gone by. Especially the $8 one way and $15 round trip St. Thomas / St. Croix.
Mac and Fred Frakes
Don McDermott was the Mallard guy, flying the Grumman icon for over twenty-five years. He flew for Antilles Air Boats as well as for Virgin Islands Seaplane Shuttle and then with Freeport McMoRan in Louisiana and beyond. Mac continues to fly seaplanes well into his retirement from his home in the Louisiana bayou.
"Mac"
The Mallard Guy
A little more about Lake seaplanes from another guy from down under.
Don McDermott's time at Freeport McMoran went far beyond Louisiana. We will hear more about his 18,000 mile G-73 Mallard journey to Indonesia in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.