Float Rating in Florida

[flybywire380]

All,

Would anyone be kind enough to share their thoughts/opinions on the "best" place to do the single-engine seaplane rating in Florida please? I know that there are a handful of places around central Florida, but recommendations/thoughts/opinions from experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
fbw380

[custardpsc]

Jack Browns is the place if you just want a rating. When i was there it was a two day intensive course and you do indeed come out with a rating and the school is professional and the material well taught. If you want more than a rating, ie to gain useful experience while you do it then consider other places. I can't speak about florida further than JBs but I also did the canadian rating at Pitt Meadows Vancouver with Pacific Rim and I go back there still for float refresher. I learnt a lot more in canada, ie pushing back off docks into fast rivers, beaching, that kind of stuff than I did in florida. Canada also has a solo requirement for the rating, whereas FAA doesn't.

[flybywire380]

custardpsc - thank you for your reply, and for the insight; Jack Brown's does seem to be the one that keeps cropping up in the good books. Interesting info on Canada, definitely something to store-up.

Again, thanks very much for the info.

[custardpsc]

Welcome. Be interested to know how you get on and if Jack Browns is still the place to go in Florida. Also, if you do go there, would be interested on how they now view TSA requirements.

[avionimc]

Try Rich Hensch at Florida Seaplanes (http://www.flyfloatplanes.com) near Orlando. Excellent training and value on a nicely equipped M7-235 Maule.

[B2N2]

Have a look at Key West Seaplanes.
Cessna's but in really great condition and you actually get to land on the sea and not on a lake.
They're about twice the cost of Jack Brown but you do get the opportunity to put the "sea" in your seaplane rating.
KEY WEST SEAPLANES/OFFICIAL SITE-LITTLE PALM-ALL FLORIDA-MIAMI-BAHAMAS (http://keywestseaplanes.com/)

http://www.suitedreamskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/NikaliSeaplaneAerial_1608_72-1-e1293647614126-612x400.jpg

[flybywire380]

Again guys thanks very much for all the info.

I've been in contact with Key West Seaplanes, and the owner said they currently don't offer training in their seaplanes.

custardpsc - 'will have to find out about their take on the TSA requirements; 'will feedback if there's anything interesting.