Float training
 

Hi, I have a month of vacation time next April or May and would like to use some of it to come to Canada and train for a float plane rating. I've looked into the licensing side of things and would now like some advice on locations to consider for this training.

Ideally I would like to train on something like a Cessna 180 and have the chance to do an hours dual on a Beaver after obtaining the rating, can anyone recommend somewhere ? At the moment I'm looking at lots of websites but a sharp site and glossy pictures don't necessarily point at experienced and capable instructors.

Thanks in advance for any input.

When looking for good training on sea planes you should look for the most experienced sea plane pilot that has actually worked in the industry flying them for a living.

The description " instructor " does not give any guarantee of quality training if said instructor is working for a flight school and has never worked as a sea plane pilot.

In Canada you do not have to hold a Transport Canada instructor rating to give sea plane training and ratings..

There are a few really good teachers around so look carefully and ask for proof of experience and recommendations from former students.

Remember it is your money and you must get good return for your money.

Thank you Chuck, in posting here I'm hoping to find those teachers and avoid the pitfalls.

Chuck has got it right on, I no longer teach floats but might get back to it when I can get a pilot to replace me on our corporate aircraft, {one that the insurance will approve that is} in the meantime you might try simply putting an add in one of the aviation rags which cover bush flying, but as Chuck said, try to stay away from the self appointed "experts". Float flying is a great way to earn a living, good luck to you!

Thank you Clunkdriver, I shall keep looking for the right people.

Yes, Chuck has it right. It's one thing to have an idea as to how to fly a float plane. It's every bit as important to know why you need to fly it a certain way in a certain situation. Unlike wheel operations, every place you land and take off a floatplane will not be an airport, and you'll have a lot of things to figure out for yourself to make an airport out of it for yourself. When I train floats, I spend a lot of time taking the pilot to different places to set up landings, and plan takeoffs, and practice arriving to shore with success.

I can recommend Lake Country Airways, in Orillia, Ontario.

Lake Country Airways: floatplane training, endorsements, float charters and rentals

They train in 172's and a 185. You are unlikely to find any training in a Beaver, though there are a few around, and you might be able to arrange a flight.

There are also some great trainers in British Columbia, and the scenery is great there. It's a different type of flying there to Ontario, with more to learn about mountain flying, but not as many lakes to hop one to the next easily as Ontario. Ontario is flat, with rather constant weather. BC is variable, both topography and weather!

Some photos I have posted of flying in Canada are here:

http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...te-flying.html

Step Turn, thank you for the recommendation.

Definitely go with an instructor that has been there and done that for real. Float flying is still seat of the pants flying, much of what an experienced float pilot will show you isn't written down anywhere. They have usually come from lessons learned.

Keep in mind that both Ontario and BC float flying are different from each other as they not only deal with different terrain and weather, but also different types of water. Flying from a lake is different than flying into a river, or a canal. Or littoral waters. Salt water, fresh water and brackish water are all different due to their densities. Plus salt water and brackish water require additional post flight duties.

Good luck. Also if you want to read some good study material, I strongly suggest getting J.J. Frey's book How to Fly Floats. Since he was the Man at EDO air for many years, he does know what he is talking about.

Step Turn, I don't want to take the thread OT but I enjoyed looking at your photos, excellent.

Thank you Rick, I shall endeavour to get a copy.

I went solo on floats yesterday😄

After a lot of looking and asking I elected to train with Sudbury Aviation and have been very pleased with the tuition, I have been taught by the Chief Pilot who is a flying instructor and a very pleasant gentleman as well. They only operate on floats and skis, not a wheel on any of the fleet.

I also managed to get a ride in the Beaver today, thanks to all of you for the input and advice.

They gave you a ride in the Beaver?
Well, you're a float addict now!
There is, fortunately, no cure.
Welcome aboard.