Interesting opinion you have there MLS-12D.
I always like to examine other opinions on these things and then use logic to make up my own mind on the validity of these issues.
My feelings on the training for a seaplane rating is the teacher must instill sufficient skills level in the student to allow the student to qualify for the rating by passing a flight test.
If the student has been taught to the required standard to pass the flight test he /she is now legal to use the new rating to fly solo.
TC has in their wisdom decided to put the solo in the initial training thereby driving the cost of insuring the airplane sky high for the training provider.
Would it not make more sense to replace the solo requirement with a flight test? Why is there no requirement for solo before qualifying for the multi engine rating?
I feel that I am a "reputable" seaplane training pilot, and I see nothing wrong with doing five take offs and landings in a straight line consecutively rather than taking an hour to do them.
To support my above statement may I point out that it requires more attention to aircraft handling skills to do repetative take offs and landings than doing large circuits, due to the relatively short time frame in changing attitudes from take off to climb to descent to landing.
Anyone wish to comment?
I notice you are a Canadian MLS-12D, why would you agree with a requirement that drives up the cost of operating a flight training business due to higher insurance premiums?
Maybe I am dense, so please convince me that your one hour of solo has any value toward making a student more competant?
Are you trying to convince me that self teaching is more valuable than flying with a teacher?
Naw, the truth is it is a TC requirement thought up by one of their deep thinkers and all you Canadains are stuck with it.
Im really curious as to why you would not sign up with anyone unless they allowed at least an hour of solo?
Me I think the solo should come once you are taught properly and have the rating.
And when I train people I make sure they know what they are doing before I turn them lose, regardless of how long it takes.
Chuck E.