People at the Union Fair
UNION — As the Union Fair continues, we take a look at some of the people who make it happen. Two such people are Keith Deschambeault and Sean Toomey. They operate Acadian Seaplanes out of Rangeley. The two offer helicopter rides at the fair with their Robinson R44 helicopter. The chopper can accommodate three passengers plus the pilot.
“We offer rides at a few of the fairs over the summer,” explained Keith, who owns the business. “We also own a seaplane. I’ve flown all over Maine, Alaska and the Bahamas. I’ve been flying for over 15 years — helicopters, seaplanes, ski-planes and twin engine aircraft.”
Acadian Seaplanes has been in business since 2008.
“The summertime is extremely hectic, May through October,” said Deschambeault. “I get a lot of tourists in both the seaplane and helicopter. I was down in New York yesterday dropping people off who have cabins up in Rangeley, so we do both a big charter business and a big tour business.”
Keith Toomey has been flying in Maine for a little more than 20 years, commercially since 2005.
“I’m strictly a helicopter pilot,” said Toomey. “The fun part of the job is being able to connect people with aviation. A lot of people who come to us have never flown in anything before. To take somebody up for the first time is an experience they’re going to remember for the rest of their life.”
Toomey said he can remember wanting to be a pilot since before he knew how to walk.
“There was never anything else I wanted to be,” he said. “I thought it would be airplanes, but as a kid I got a ride in a helicopter and here I am.”
A ride at the fair will cost $40. If you venture up to Rangeley you might want to take a look at Acadian’s Moose Tour. You are flown into the wilds of Maine to view the moose in their natural environment. This tour will cost you $184.
Another tour of interest was the Fly and Dine package. You depart Rangeley Seaplane Base and fly through some of Maine’s most breath taking country to Bosebuck Mountain Camp on the northwestern shore of Azicohos Lake where you can enjoy a meal nestled in some of Maine’s beautiful wilderness. The fly and Dine will cost you $149 per person and I’m sure that does not include the price of the meal
