Keith Deschambeault: "I'm addicted to aviaton!"
“I’m addicted to aviation. I took a flying lesson in high school and was hooked,” said Keith Deschambeault, 31, this afternoon at the break room at Portland Yacht Services at the bottom of the Hill. Keith, of Rangley, is a FAA certified air carrier and was explaining his plans to expand his service into Portland Harbor.
Keith holds a bachelors degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has a Commercial pilots license and is certified to fly single engine sea and land planes as well as helicopters and multiengine aircraft. He flew in the Alaskan Bush (Ketchikan) for a few years before returning home to Rangley. That’s where he’s successfully offered a number of tours and taxi services for businessmen and for tourists on a flexible schedule and often to remote areas.
Unable to land at the Portland Jetport because of the skiis, he taxis clients to Cape Cod, Long Island, Cuttyhunk, New Bedford and numerous places along the Maine coast – such as Isle au Haute. For passengers from the cruise ships coming to Ocean Gateway, Portland, he offers a tour of Casco Bay, the coast of Maine and the Fall Foliage season soon to arrive.
So far, when cruise ships are in, the confessed workalohic Keith has been landing at the PYS docks. Plans are underway to build a more suitable and permanent space to tie up the Cessna 180, four-seater for business next spring in Portland. And as part of his expansion plans, Keith has just purchased another Cessna in Alaska. He’ll be flying back to pick it up later this fall for use next spring.
The personable and focused Keith and his plane were recently in a movie, “Moonrise Kingdom,” starring Bill Murray and Bruce Willis. He and his plane have also been in the L.L. Bean catalogue. His possibilities are endless!
“We are glad to have Keith flying from PYS’s docks. His vision and commitment are infectious. His business messhes well with our efforts to create a vibrant, exciting and successful waterfront community. We welcome his passion in the mix and wish him every success,” said Phin Sprague, Jr.
For more information, please visit the awesome www.AcadianSeaplanes.com or call 207 252-6630.