If You’re Interested In Flying A Seaplane But Have Never Given It A Try, The Seaplane Pilots Association Is The Place To Go For Your Information

Flying seaplanes is fun and relatively easy, but like anything worth doing, learning to fly seaplanes takes some time and effort. We decided to check for ourselves to see what’s involved in becoming seaplane rated, either as a new pilot or a landlubber pilot who would like to feel the spray of water.

The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) is a great place to start learning about floatable airplanes. We took a look at their website and thought some of the following information would be useful, particularly since the weather is getting warmer and a couple of days on the water could be just what the doctor ordered.

The SPA says, as a non-pilot, you have the advantage of being able to tailor your flight training to foster specific skills that will make you a better seaplane pilot. Although you can obtain your pilot certification in seaplanes, completing your initial training in land-based aircraft is easier and less expensive. Focusing on rudder technique, heads-up flight (using the environment for reference rather than the instruments), weather, and judgement will help you prepare.

For already certificated airplane pilots, seaplane certification is a simple add-on, typically requiring less than ten hours of flight training, and in the United States, an FAA checkride. Becoming a seaplane pilot is a matter of adding this seaplane rating to the existing pilot certificate. This means that the additional rating does not require a knowledge exam. The rating can be for either single-engine-sea or multiengine-sea but, of course, initially rated seaplane pilots are most commonly for single engine airplanes.

The SPA reminds us that for certificated pilots in the United States, a seaplane rating is a great way to satisfy your flight review (FAR 61.56) requirement. You'll spend a bit more time with an instructor than you would for a standard flight review, but you'll also have more fun and come home with new skills and a new rating.

The SPA says Regardless of whether you're a pilot or not, a demo flight in a seaplane is bound to jump start your motivation to pursue flight training. Don't feel as though every minute you spend in a seaplane has to be training-oriented. Seaplanes are ideal recreational vehicles. Reminding yourself of that potential with an occasional fun flight with an instructor will enhance your appreciation of seaplanes and give your enthusiasm a boost.

(Image from file)

FIM: http://www.seaplanes.org