Seaplane Rating-advice please
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seaplane Rating-advice please
Hi!
I realise this has been covered before but I'd really appreciate any up to date recommendations/advice on obtaining a seaplane rating.
Myself and 2 friends are wanting to book for next year,probs USA or Canada as the obvious choice,but open to any suggestions.
Thanks!
I realise this has been covered before but I'd really appreciate any up to date recommendations/advice on obtaining a seaplane rating.
Myself and 2 friends are wanting to book for next year,probs USA or Canada as the obvious choice,but open to any suggestions.
Thanks!
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1997
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nope, he means Loch Earn.
Neil's Seaplanes and Caledonian Seaplanes operate from there.
I understand a fellow PPRuNer has also just qualified as a seaplane instructor too, so there might be a new kid on the block sometime soon as well
Neil's Seaplanes and Caledonian Seaplanes operate from there.
I understand a fellow PPRuNer has also just qualified as a seaplane instructor too, so there might be a new kid on the block sometime soon as well
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much guys,will follow up the leads.I have been told several times that it's the most fun u can have in aviation.Will post on here any progress.Cheers!
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: FLORIDA
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Read in a pilot mag, that a guy has a Maul anphib. at Peterborough Connington that he does seaplane training in.
If its a FAA rating, l did my ases in a Maul anphib. in Orlando with Florida seaplanes, and my ames in a Widgeon at Spruce creek near Daytona.........
If its a FAA rating, l did my ases in a Maul anphib. in Orlando with Florida seaplanes, and my ames in a Widgeon at Spruce creek near Daytona.........
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 4,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr Man
Its good fun, very good fun, but dont get too carried away.
Flying a float aircraft is much like any other.
The landing and take off is a bit different, but not to a vast extent.
The problem in the UK is it is almost impossible to use the rating unless you happen to live in the right place and are prepared to invest in your own aircraft.
Of course in Scotland (so far as the UK is concerned) it opens up some of the most wonderful opportunitues for scenic places at which to land and for me that is the real beauty of float aircraft.
Ultimately from an aviators perspective it is just another skill (a bit like flying a twin for example) which is enjoyable to do for its own sake if that is your thing.
I hope you enjoy.
Its good fun, very good fun, but dont get too carried away.
Flying a float aircraft is much like any other.
The landing and take off is a bit different, but not to a vast extent.
The problem in the UK is it is almost impossible to use the rating unless you happen to live in the right place and are prepared to invest in your own aircraft.
Of course in Scotland (so far as the UK is concerned) it opens up some of the most wonderful opportunitues for scenic places at which to land and for me that is the real beauty of float aircraft.
Ultimately from an aviators perspective it is just another skill (a bit like flying a twin for example) which is enjoyable to do for its own sake if that is your thing.
I hope you enjoy.
I can vouch for Jack brown's in Florida, great fun and pretty cheap compared to the UK (only if you are already over there for a holiday that is!)
For me, it combined all the fun of speed boating but in an aircraft! It's a pretty useless rating unless you buy your own floatplane or intend flying for the Maldivies Air Taxi people!
For me, it combined all the fun of speed boating but in an aircraft! It's a pretty useless rating unless you buy your own floatplane or intend flying for the Maldivies Air Taxi people!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Getting a sea plane rating is far different from flying on wheels.
The actual flying once the airplane is in the air is not all that much different than flying an airplane on wheels.
However once in contact with the water it is another world all together and that is where proper instruction from someone who actually knows the subject through experience in the commercial world of sea plane flying comes in.
Finding an instructor who has experience beyond the puppy mill mentality of the average flight school is the real problem.
Be very careful about recommendations from pilots who have just completed XXXX's course and babble on and on about how wonderful their flight instruction was at XXXX's school......in many cases the instructor barley knows more than the student....their pay structure will explain why.
The actual flying once the airplane is in the air is not all that much different than flying an airplane on wheels.
However once in contact with the water it is another world all together and that is where proper instruction from someone who actually knows the subject through experience in the commercial world of sea plane flying comes in.
Finding an instructor who has experience beyond the puppy mill mentality of the average flight school is the real problem.
Be very careful about recommendations from pilots who have just completed XXXX's course and babble on and on about how wonderful their flight instruction was at XXXX's school......in many cases the instructor barley knows more than the student....their pay structure will explain why.
Other than recommendations people dont have much more to go on! Remember that floatplane flying is pretty rare in the UK and possibly Europe too, not many places to go. I take it your from canada and that it's a different game over there, and as such you will know the pit falls and which instructors/schools to go to. For what it's worth my instructor had several thousands of hours and was a retired twin otter floatplane air taxi Pilot, I reckoned that he knew more than me!
For most people it will only be for a one off lesson, another experience for the logbook and not something that they will undertake on a regular basis.
For most people it will only be for a one off lesson, another experience for the logbook and not something that they will undertake on a regular basis.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Slightly off the beaten track but I can personally recommend Aero Club of Como on (the clues were all there!) Lake Como, Italy.
www.aeroclubcomo.com
Not the cheapest but fantastic location and quality instruction.
Regards,
Eagle402
www.aeroclubcomo.com
Not the cheapest but fantastic location and quality instruction.
Regards,
Eagle402
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other than recommendations people dont have much more to go on!
Pardon me youngskywalker for attempting to give some advice on this subject.
I am happy for you that you had an experienced sea plane pilot as your sea plane instructor.
But once again may I reinforce the fact that most flight schools do not pay enough money to attract sea plane teachers who actually know their asses from a hole in the water.
So here is one more recommendation:
Before you hand over your cash ask how much time the instructor has in the real world of sea plane flying......then if the instructor is high time find out why said instructor is willing to work for peanuts.
Pardon me youngskywalker for attempting to give some advice on this subject.
I am happy for you that you had an experienced sea plane pilot as your sea plane instructor.
But once again may I reinforce the fact that most flight schools do not pay enough money to attract sea plane teachers who actually know their asses from a hole in the water.
So here is one more recommendation:
Before you hand over your cash ask how much time the instructor has in the real world of sea plane flying......then if the instructor is high time find out why said instructor is willing to work for peanuts.
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stelladog I don't see where I made any reference to Len Gruber nor did I say there were not good sea plane instructors out there.
My comment was general and applies to many flight schools.
So tell me how quickly can you get a sea plane rating from a good school, and what do you have to be taught to make you a safe sea plane pilot?
Specifically what do you think of schools that advertize one or two day sea plane ratings, what happens if you do not get the proper weather for the most important skill you need when flying sea planes?
My comment was general and applies to many flight schools.
So tell me how quickly can you get a sea plane rating from a good school, and what do you have to be taught to make you a safe sea plane pilot?
Specifically what do you think of schools that advertize one or two day sea plane ratings, what happens if you do not get the proper weather for the most important skill you need when flying sea planes?
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 4,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chuck
Hmm, dont bother with a float instructor - go find yourself a dinghy sailor, one who has raced on lakes and rivers - you will learn all you need to know.
If Ben Ainsley was a pilot he would make a superb float plane pilot.
Hmm, dont bother with a float instructor - go find yourself a dinghy sailor, one who has raced on lakes and rivers - you will learn all you need to know.
If Ben Ainsley was a pilot he would make a superb float plane pilot.
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fuji, what really dumbfounds me is how so many pilots get their sea plane ratings in one or two days and were never trained on how to land on glassy water......
....of all the new skills one needs training in it is landing on glassy water and the accident records of pilots slamming into glassy water shows how important it is to be taught how to do a proper glassy water approach and landing.
To properly learn this skill one needs glassy water, teaching students how do do the glassy water approach and landing on water that has wind/waves on it just does not do the trick.
I don't post much here however when it comes to sea plane flying I feel I just have to comment. If for no other reason than to try and remind people that learning how to fly a sea plane is a serious business and needs to be treated as such.
....of all the new skills one needs training in it is landing on glassy water and the accident records of pilots slamming into glassy water shows how important it is to be taught how to do a proper glassy water approach and landing.
To properly learn this skill one needs glassy water, teaching students how do do the glassy water approach and landing on water that has wind/waves on it just does not do the trick.
I don't post much here however when it comes to sea plane flying I feel I just have to comment. If for no other reason than to try and remind people that learning how to fly a sea plane is a serious business and needs to be treated as such.
Moderator
Yeah,
I gotta support Chuck on this one. It's fun to do 20 or 30 landings over two nice days, dock twice with help, and say that you got a float rating, but...
If you're actually going float flying, you're intending to land in a place that was not built with a surface (underwater hazards?) or infrastructure intended to accomodate an airplane. Does the lake have a stated runway length? HOw do you know if you have enought room? You're going to have to figure a lot of things out for yourself, and often very quickly, while you're sailing up to them. If you have a problem, you're not at an airport, what's your plan to get help? I've flown a lot of badly needed items into some remote places, because the pilot did not have a plan. Having the money to fly off and onto the water is only the beginning, getting good instruction is next, but building up the necessary experience over the long term is the most important. Only good, and long term mentoring, from much more experienced pilots will get you through safely.
Fortunately, insurance companies are figuring this out, and insist on effective insruction, and refresher flying. The rates tell the story. Add amphibs to the mix, and watch the insurance rates go up. What is the position of the wheels compared to where you are about to land? Swimming in an upsidedown floatplane is amazingly disorienting. And by the way, floatplanes and flying boats are very different from each other on the water, and require specialized "differences" training.
Don't get me wrong, go and get the rating, it's a blast, but until you have a hundred hours on floats, have succeded in docking in a high wind, and touched down on a surface so smooth that you truly could not tell if you were one foot or one hundred feet up, the instant before you touched, you should not be float flying without mentoring.
You've just dropped off a passenger in a little lake, and the takeoff path ahead of you is an "S" bend, so where to are going to lift off the water is around a corner from where you begin your takeoff. As you turn to your takeoff heading, you drag the length of the float along an unseen submerged rock. Are you going to stop and have a look, and sink it there, or try to take off on a potentially Titanic damaged float?
You'e flying an amphibian, and one main wheel gets stuck up, while the other gets stuck down, and you're now out of hyraulic fluid to move either. Where are you going to land?
There are lots of things to think about, and the fresh instructor may be just the beginning of what you will need to make you safe.
I suggest that you look for flight training for floats in British Columbia or Ontario. The state of Maine also has some schools. At least the junior instructors with whom you might be paired, are probably themselves being mentored by old timers.
Best of luck, and wear your lifejacket!
Pilot DAR
I gotta support Chuck on this one. It's fun to do 20 or 30 landings over two nice days, dock twice with help, and say that you got a float rating, but...
If you're actually going float flying, you're intending to land in a place that was not built with a surface (underwater hazards?) or infrastructure intended to accomodate an airplane. Does the lake have a stated runway length? HOw do you know if you have enought room? You're going to have to figure a lot of things out for yourself, and often very quickly, while you're sailing up to them. If you have a problem, you're not at an airport, what's your plan to get help? I've flown a lot of badly needed items into some remote places, because the pilot did not have a plan. Having the money to fly off and onto the water is only the beginning, getting good instruction is next, but building up the necessary experience over the long term is the most important. Only good, and long term mentoring, from much more experienced pilots will get you through safely.
Fortunately, insurance companies are figuring this out, and insist on effective insruction, and refresher flying. The rates tell the story. Add amphibs to the mix, and watch the insurance rates go up. What is the position of the wheels compared to where you are about to land? Swimming in an upsidedown floatplane is amazingly disorienting. And by the way, floatplanes and flying boats are very different from each other on the water, and require specialized "differences" training.
Don't get me wrong, go and get the rating, it's a blast, but until you have a hundred hours on floats, have succeded in docking in a high wind, and touched down on a surface so smooth that you truly could not tell if you were one foot or one hundred feet up, the instant before you touched, you should not be float flying without mentoring.
You've just dropped off a passenger in a little lake, and the takeoff path ahead of you is an "S" bend, so where to are going to lift off the water is around a corner from where you begin your takeoff. As you turn to your takeoff heading, you drag the length of the float along an unseen submerged rock. Are you going to stop and have a look, and sink it there, or try to take off on a potentially Titanic damaged float?
You'e flying an amphibian, and one main wheel gets stuck up, while the other gets stuck down, and you're now out of hyraulic fluid to move either. Where are you going to land?
There are lots of things to think about, and the fresh instructor may be just the beginning of what you will need to make you safe.
I suggest that you look for flight training for floats in British Columbia or Ontario. The state of Maine also has some schools. At least the junior instructors with whom you might be paired, are probably themselves being mentored by old timers.
Best of luck, and wear your lifejacket!
Pilot DAR
You misunderstood me chuck, I was trying to say that for most of us in the UK we will only get the odd float plane lesson for fun, will never get the chance to go and do it solo, so it really doesnt matter that they probably will not learn all the skills required.
Rather than telling people not to listen to recommendations about schools on here, it would be more helpful if you could point us all in the right direction. Tell us where to look for good training! Nobody here is disputing your enormous knowledge of float plane flying.
Rather than telling people not to listen to recommendations about schools on here, it would be more helpful if you could point us all in the right direction. Tell us where to look for good training! Nobody here is disputing your enormous knowledge of float plane flying.
Last edited by youngskywalker; 30th Aug 2008 at 15:17.