This page covers many aspects of AAB, It is where new material is posted periodically.
The format below shows the most current post at the top and oldest at the bottom. Each entry is also posted to its relative page. Don't forget that each star represents another link to additional pages, articles, documents and photos.
personal opinion
About this site...
Over many years, the past employee's, passengers and friends of Antilles Air Boats have told stories and have shared photos of that special time in history.
We hope that this website will give everyone an opportunity to continue to share their stories, photos and comments.
We will share our collection of specific material on aircraft Antilles Air Boats used over the years as well as the many professionals that assisted its passengers to get from island to island.
November 2025
updates
The Chapel on the Hill in Frenchtown
The St. Thomas Antilles Air Boats seaplane ramp sat along Veterans Drive adjacent to Frenchtown.
When you were on the ramp and looked east, you would clearly see the St. Anne Chapel on Gallows Hill in the heart of Frenchtown.
Read more about the church built over 100 years ago.
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AAB PBY photos credit Charlie Freehling
Thank you to the French Heritage Museum
for their assistance.
photo from Tom Anusewicz Collection
This photo by Charlie Freehling was taken in late January 1969 of VS-44 "Excambian" N41881 on its beaching gear.
The accident that kept the Sikorsky from flying again was on January 3, 1969.
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Haulover Cut
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Haulover Cut is a channel in St. Thomas between Frenchtown and Hassel Island.
The channel was cut in 1865 by the Danish with U.S. Navy widening it in 1918 and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers dynamited it to its present width and depth in 1928.
The cut certainly saw its share of activity but Antilles Air Boats landings between
1964 and 1981 were frequent
and beautiful to watch.
The AAB seaplanes landed into the wind and the optimum position to be upon landing would be close to the terminal ramp to taxi out of the water. The cut allowed for the approach by Water Island and touch down just before the cut. Each days condition's would dictate the final approach. Without the cut, the aircraft upon landing could be half way across the harbor with a long taxi back to the ramp.
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The photo above shows the center of the "cut" with defined edges and depth.
photos by Charlie Freehling
photos by Tom Anusewicz
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photos by Charlie Freehling
photos by Charlie Freehling
photos by Tom Anusewicz
photos by Charlie Freehling
Hassel Island
Haulover Cut
Read more about
Haulover Cut and Hassel Island
The PBY lands in the center of the cut and then proceeds to the terminal. 1971
photos by Charlie Freehling
Charlie Freehling was at the St. Croix airport on Friday, January 29, 1970 when Air Force One arrived with President Nixon. The President was on his way to Caneel Bay, St. John but the B707's closet usable runway was STX. He was then helicoptered to the Rockefeller resort.
photos by Charlie Freehling
Air Force One
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Job Security
PBY - N5584V / G21A-N4762C? / G21A - N8777V / VS-44 - N41881
Keeping the AAB aircraft flying was quite the task.
The technicians in the Maintenance Dept. worked around the clock to maintain airworthiness of these iconic airplanes. AAB had some of the very best seaplane mechanics .
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"Bonny" Austin
Eric Crossfield
Billy
Charlie Freehling
Jim Schroder
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Victor Pinhiero
photos by Charlie Freehling
PBY blister
The PBY blister was not only used for embarking and disembarking the aircraft but those that got to sit by the glass dome got a terrific view.
The PBY was another warbird that found its place in civilian operations. With over 3,000 produced you sort of had your pick of the litter.
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was designed as a Patrol Bomber and the blister was for observation and or a gunners position
photo credit Charlie Freehling
photo from the blister - credit Charlie Freehling
photos credit Frank Strnad
photo from the blister - credit Charlie Freehling
AAB PBY Flight Attendant Manual - Flight Loading Procedures (par. 2.5 / I-B) 3/10/70
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Not AAB PBY
"Loved sitting in the blister seat"
Some Facebook comments
"Classic Warbird"
"Great pictures of the old girls"
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J-10
some new images of VISS Mallards
N26DF in San Juan, P.R. in April 1982, one month after VISS start up. Photo from Bill Bailey Collection
J-53
photos from Tom Anusewicz Collection - approved for posting
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photos credit Raymond Dejesus Asencio (P.R. Aviation Images) - approved for posting photo date 5/16/11
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A Gaggle
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Gaggle of Gooses
photo credit
Charlie Freehling.
Click on photo for more info
Charlotte Amalie Waterfront 1969 - photo Charlie Freehling
Christiansted, St. Croix - February 1978
photo new addition to the Tom Anusewicz Collection
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photo credit Geoff Goodall
1976 -1981
1981 -1982
N3385F / 51-7168
new slide...
Grumman Albatross
N3385F came to the Virgin Islands for about four and half years and never swam in the sea.
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IN
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OUT
The aircraft spent its time at the Alexander Hamilton Airport. awaiting FAA certification to become operational. Read more.
When N3385F left the St. Croix it went to Grumman's St. Augustine's facility for conversion to G-111 and then on to Chalk's. It finally was back in the water as N122FB, even though it was short lived.
Almost, maybe
N3010 began operations at Chalk's International Airlines in 1969 and remained there until it became parts for other Mallards in the late 80's. But there was a time when Resorts International owned both Chalk's & AAB and it was being prepped for service in the Virgin Islands.
It never left Miami.
photo from Tom Anusewicz Collection approved for posting
N3010 at Chalk's Watson Island Seaplane Terminal, Miami - 1980
photo credit Jeff Prall
N5588V
PBY
Antilles Air Boats began with the Gooses in 1964 and the business continued to grow. The increase in demand for seats between the islands required an aircraft which could provide for more seats. The choice was the Consolidated PBY Catalina.
N5588V was the first PBY to arrive at AAB
in September of 1967.
N5588V
N5584V
photos of PBY in St. Thomas taken by Charlie Freehling
N5584V arrived a little less than 2 years later in 1969. It was the first of 2 PBY's from Alaska.
This aircraft flew at AAB for 14 months and when landing at Alexander Hamilton Airport, the left main gear failed resulting in severe damage. The flight was crew only which both walked away to fly another day... not so much for N5584V.
N2763A
November 14, 1970
N5584V
N2763A arrived in February 1971, just 3 months after loosing N5584V.
Even though the passengers increased each year, by 1973 it was determined the cost of operating the PBY's on the relative shorts hops between the islands were more than AAB wanted. More Gooses were purchased and increased the frequency of flights. The Grumman Mallards (N7388) & N7356) arrived in March of 1974 to assist with additional passengers on each flight as well as quicker turnarounds.
Read more about all the PBY's below and on individual pages.
N5588V 10/17/67 - 8/31/73
N5584V 9/19/69 -11/14/70
N2763A 2/23/71 -9/11/73
N5588V
Alaska Coastal-Ellis Airlines in Juneau had a very rich history for the many seaplanes that flew the skies of Alaska. Over the years the airline saw mergers, name changes with various owners. It was when Alaska Airlines purchased the airline in 1968 that most of the amphibians were changed out for land based aircraft.
Ten of those aircraft found their way to Antilles Air Boats (2 PBY's / 8 Gooses) including
N2763A
N5584V
photo approved for posting by Ketchikan Museum Tongass Historical Society
Litchfield Park, Arizona
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The conditional sale of N2763A took place on February 23, 1971 at Litchfield Park, AZ. Charlie Freehling as Vice President of Tri-Air Corp. was contracted to prepare the aircraft to be ferried to St. Croix. He arrived in the desert with a small toolbox to ensure the big airplane could make the journey. Within a few days, Capt. Bill Sorrens arrived to take N2763A to the next fuel stop on the trip to the V.I. They arrived in Lake Charles, Louisiana and pulled up to the pumps. Charlie Freehling paid for the first fill-up in Arizona and Bill was to pay for this fill in Louisiana.
Bill got a bonus on his fill...lots and lots of S&H Green stamps. What was his catalog choice?
The next stop was Ft. Lauderdale for quick fuel and no stamps before moving on to St. Thomas.
The ferry flight from Arizona to St. Thomas was all you would hope for with the aircraft performing well. After the usual fan fare of a newly arriving aircraft to the AAB fleet, the aircraft flew to St. Croix to Tri-Air Corp for the work required before it began daily operations.
click on the above photos to review
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N5584V
Engine Change / March 1970
The left (#1) Pratt & Whitney R2600 engine is being removed and replaced in St. Thomas.
The crew Charlie Freehling, Jim Oats, Jim Schroder, and _____ with Ron Gillies looking on.
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photos by Charlie Freehling
FAA-Oklahoma City didn't have complete airworthiness records for N5584V. The FAA Form 337 Major Repair and Alterations were utilized for engine changes. This particular 337 is interesting that it spans over many years. It was originated by Bristol Aero-Industries, Ltd in Vancouver, BC., the approved engine overhaul facility in 1959. The dates go to 1964 with Transport Canada approving the engine for service. Then Juneau, Alaska - FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in 1969 and then San Juan, P.R. FSDO in May 1970 accept engine as overhauled. Antilles Air Boats and N5584V written in along with L/H (left hand installation) indication at top of page. Without additional documents, I have posted this 337 as engine being installed on N5584V in above photos.
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St. Thomas - 1969
photos by Charlie Freehling
As stated earlier, I am scanning and editing Charlie Freehling slides and gathering
information on each so they will be posted within a story or comments. Below; interesting images... colage of
airplanes at Alexander Hamiltom Airport and another of the "night shift". Comming next month... the arrival of the PBY's
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"night shift"
photo credit Charlie Freehling
Is this a seaplane ramp or a Volkswagen dealership?
The Volkswagen BUG was the most popular and economical transportation on the island back in the 60's /70's.
Charlie Freehling
photos from Charlie Freehling
225 new /old slides have arrived...
Charlie Freehling just sent in a box of treasured slides of Antilles
Air Boats aircraft and staff. It will take me awhile to review, scan and gather information on each. I will get them posted as soon as possible. The slides span over ten years of AAB operations.(60's-70's)
photos credit Charlie Freehling
Skyways Magazine
- November 1949
The Mallard Means Business
An article of the newest amphibian aircraft on the market. Grumman sold 35 aircraft in the first two years.
1933 - 2025
Molly was a very special part of the AAB team. Her presence at the St. Thomas terminal for 12 years made a difference for passengers and employees alike. Molly was a journalist before and after her time at Antilles Air Boats.
She continued to reside in Frenchtown, St, Thomas until her passing in April 2025.
September 1989
Hurricane Hugo
Another slide has emerged from a distant traveler from the past. While waiting for your flight (at the Goose Grill), you can't help but take a photo of Grumman Mallard N7338 sitting majestically at Gate 1 . There are many photos of the Mallards awaiting boarding and I love every one.
Unlike the airports, there was very little confusion of gates at the AAB Christiansted Terminal
In July, I posted Marijane' s 1975 article from The Times, and for August I wanted to follow-up with another article about that adventure published in Yachting in March 1978.
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N74588
Project
Kurt Bohlken's
N74588
Several months back, I posted an article about Kurt Bohlken's Southern Cross Aviation's project of restoring N74588.
Kurt started the project in California but when he started to fly for American Airlines, he relocated to Texas and brought the Goose with him. Life brings change and Kurt now has put the project up for sale.
All the parts are here to keep the history of
Goose s/n 1165 alive.
Who's next?
photo credit Tom Anusewicz
San Juan
The harbor in Puerto Rico's capital is steeped in history. It lies between the historic city and modern developments offering essential economic support to the island.
The image of N8777A (new acquisition / eBay) shows the Goose departing from the AAB San Juan terminal.
I have previously talked about the ramps allowing the amphibian aircraft to enter the water but this photo prompted me to revisit once again.
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photo from Tom Anusewicz Collection
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February 2025
What today is the shipping container port was years ago a U.S. Navy base utilizing the Isla Grande Airport runways as well as the harbor. U.S Coast Guard Air Station was also part of the Navy Base utilizing the Grumman HU16 Albatross. AAB started to utilize the ramps with Grumman Goose and Mallards as well as the 2 Shorts Sandringham and the iconic
Sikorsky VS-44 "Excambian"
The seaplane ramps into the water were built very well and have stood the test of time.
The arial photo showing 2 (of 4) ramps was taken in February 2025. The shoreline vegetation growth has taken over but the ramps are clearly intact.
See more about the history of this unique area of San Juan Harbor
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Interesting note: I actually post the above photo of N8777A previously but couldn't find info for photo credit. Now the slide is mine and part of my collection.
N4224H
N4224H at Chalk's International / Miami in October 1979, just before it was leased to Antilles Air Boats.
Charlie Stewart (aviation photographer) has been taking
photos of airplanes for over 50 years.
See more of Charlie's images at https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/photographer/Charlie%20Stewart
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THE TIMES Magazine article posted here was published on July 2, 1975. That was 50 years ago to the day.
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Marijane Sipple shares her story of finding the right sailboat, preparing for the journey and then sail from Long Beach, California to Honolulu.
Marijane is an accomplished sailor, airplane pilot, writer and more.
Marijane now in her eighties still enjoys sharing stories of her
life adventures.
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Recently acquired a copy the New England Air Museum News - Vol. 36, No. 4 from October 1997.
The article talks about the arrival of VS-44 N1881 "Excambian" at Windsor Locks, CT.
The restoration of this incredible aircraft was indeed a labor of love. Many volunteers came from the original Sikorsky manufacturing crew.
The VS-44 is the centerpiece of
NEAM.
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N41881 - a long history with a short visit at AAB
VS-44 Excambian
Hurry!
Get your AAB T today
see more below
A little more on...
Pan Am Pavilion and the first AAB seaplane terminal in St. Croix.
another slide acquisition.
Hotel 1829
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
- 1953
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Today
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G-73 Mallard
J-38
While researching more about J-38's early years, I contacted Bill O Bailey for assistance. Even though he didn't have any rare photos of NC2973, he did have J-8 images from various owners before AAB.
Left & top right: JA5106
Toyo Menka Kaisha of Tokyo, Japan
fpr Nitto Aviation
later for Japan Domestic Airways - Osaka
Bottom right: N7338 comes back to US with Universal Trading / Frederick Ayers to
Dean Franklin - Miami
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Life in the Left Lane
My shirt &
Kenny's shop
1981
Check this out!
Pan Am Pavilion - 1102 Strand St., Christiansted, St. Croix
Kenny Lindquist started his t-shirt shop Cruzan Creations / Life in the Left Lane back in 1981 and one of his first designs was Antilles Air Boats and the "Goose". The t-shirts could be purchased at his shop as well as at the Goose Grill at the Christiansted seaplane terminal. His shop has survived many storms over the years from hurricanes as well as Covid. Kenny was asked to produce additional AAB shirts over the years for various reunions with the last one being in 2001. Kenny recently decided to print a new AAB shirt as part of his
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Kenny Lindquist has been a big supporter to the above non-profits
in St. Croix and will use the new
t-shirt to continue to make a difference.
The T's have the AAB logo on front with the Goose design on the back. They are available on white in various sizes.
NEW!
Purchase today! Click on above Life in the Left Lane
The Rodina family recently sent in a photo of Matt to replace the one that was previously posted in error. Read more about Matt
Charlie Freehling & Matt Rodina / VISS G-73T
Antilles Air Boats...
3 years, 3 Gooses and counting
newly acquired photo added to Tom Anusewicz Collection
This newly acquired photo was taken in 1967 of a Goose taxing to the St. Thomas Seaplane Terminal, just after its flight from St. Croix. (based on schedule below and shadow in photo it would indicate a 12:00 pm arrival in STT) This was just 3 years after Charles Blair started AAB. You can not identify which Goose, but in 1967 it would be N40R, N2003, or N95467. The schedule below could be met with a 3 Goose operation. Each year after, Gooses were added and the schedule continued to grow with frequency and destinations.
A little paradise breeze always made the return to the terminal a little tricky. One float high the other low due to cross wind. AAB pilots handled each day operations with finesse.
photo credit Frank Strnad
photo credit Frank Strnad
New photos seem to find their way to the AAB website over time. Old photos taken by visitors to the islands wind up being recognized by those vintage image sellers and put them up for auction on eBay.
My latest acquisition were slides taken back in
May 1974.
The slides tell me a visitor was in Puerto Rico and planned a trip to St. Thomas. They decided to take the Antilles Air Boats "Goose" from Fajardo to the Virgin Islands.
Capt. Dave Howard acknowledges his passenger that gets to ride up front with him as they prepare to depart from Fajardo. Always a thrill to sit up front and fly between the islands.
Salt and West Cay appear on the left as pilot prepares to land in Charlotte Amalie.
Fajardo, P.R.
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Fifty years ago, I arrived in St. Thomas to start a new adventure. I was not sure what to expect, but those years will always be cherished. It began at Hotel 1829.
St. Thomas harbor in the early '70's
This photo showing a busy harbor back in 1973 was taken by Don Van Dam. Don was an upcoming photographer from St. Thomas whose life was cut short the following year.
The image shows 6 cruise ships in and just outside the harbor. The ships were much smaller back in those years, but a 6 ship day was still very busy in town. See a little more of
Don's photography
The post card was published by Mrs. Marion Head, Norre Gade, St. Thomas
Goose headed to the seaplane ramp next to Club Comanche
A new image of N1208 s/n J-44 departing the Christiansted, St Croix seaplane terminal. Photo from the Bill Bailey Collection.
N1208 arrived at AAB in December 1978 with previous owners colors.
N1208
"About this site" is where periodic updates and revisions are posted. Every month, I have posted new material , which over the past years have accumulated to hundreds of pages and thousands of images and documents that pushed the data to a point that it needs better management. I am working on various solutions that will allow the continuation of all material to be posted with out compromising the optimum versatility. The About this Site... page 1 & 2 are the early posts for the of the website. click to continue to view the many post and links.