Suggestions for a day or two in Florida
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Wouldn't it count as the one-hour instruction flight necessary for SEP revalidation by experience? Or does that need to be a JAA instructor specifically?
In any case, yes, I would log it. No question.
In any case, yes, I would log it. No question.
Join Date: Sep 2003
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You are confusing the issue a little here with JAA and FAA logging. If flying with an FAA Instructor for raining towards a rating or BFR/IPC etc then the relevant section in the logbook is annotated not the line in the logbook. I have never had a BFR or IPC signed in the log section I have always had the entry at the rear of the book with the specific FAA wording inserted and signed.
If just flying with an Instructor dawdling around the sky then the entry does not need to be signed.
For the purposes of this discussion the time is not being used towards a rating but as it was a training flight will count towards the total hours flown.
If just flying with an Instructor dawdling around the sky then the entry does not need to be signed.
For the purposes of this discussion the time is not being used towards a rating but as it was a training flight will count towards the total hours flown.
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Yes I can put pen to paper , but it would be an entry in my log book without instructor counter signature as per the existing entries I have in the UK as a PUT.
thats the only reason why I haven't
thats the only reason why I haven't
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Yes I can put pen to paper , but it would be an entry in my log book without instructor counter signature as per the existing entries I have in the UK as a PUT. thats the only reason why I haven't
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Jack Brown's
I'd second Jack Brown's. Have a blast in their Piper Cub. Do the rating if you really want it but you won't get to use it unless you buy your own aircraft. Don't know anyone that will rent you one. Insurance!!
The Keys are great as well.
Pity you missed Sun & Fun.
The Keys are great as well.
Pity you missed Sun & Fun.
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Join Date: Jun 2010
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Gone for the Seaplane Rating Course at Jack Browns
Just thought I'd let you know what I'd booked and how the process is working out for me. Better than expected in some ways.
I chose Jack Brown's Seaplane - 2 day course/5 hours for Seaplane Rating which can include a BFR for a 61.75 Piggyback FAA PPL license that would allow me to fly (SEP landplanes) in the US on any future trips with less hassle. I wanted to go with a more established/slightly larger company and do something that's not so feasible here in the UK (hence seaplanes). Called them up and booked a slot. They said they are pretty busy at this time of year, but it tails off in June/July/August because of the heat. I got the last place (of 3) for my chosen days, and that was booking 5-6 weeks in advance. Training sessions start early 8:30 first day and I think 7:30 second day, but finish mid afternoon - I guess that's before the thunderstorms break out.
I'm not taking TSA fingerprints and will be getting the usual visa waiver on the plane. Have an ESTA from last year's business trip, which remains valid. This is not an initial PPL issue and the seaplane rating does not require TSA approval or M-1 training visa.
Faxed off the standard forms to FAA and CAA to convert my JAR-PPL to a FAA-PPL - the so-called piggyback licence. Got a receipt posted back from the CAA in about 3 days and faxed "letter of verification" from the Orlando FSDO in 6 working days (bear in mind this was over Easter break too). The letter instructed me to make an appointment at the Orlando FSDO to collect my license, and book at least 2 weeks ahead.
After calling Jack Browns, it turns out they are a designated foreign pilot center and their resident examiner can issue the FAA PPL without me needing to go to the FSDO. I just need to ensure I have all the paperwork in order and am proficient enough to pass the BFR (Biennial Flight Review) which can be an integral part of the seaplane rating course. This will entitle me to rent/fly SEP aircraft in the US on future trips. My JAR-PPL still has 4 years to go and I don't plan to move house, so this seems worthwhile to do for little extra cost.
What this means for others is that if you wanted to get a piggyback licence on the back of a business trip to the US (like me), it can be done at shorter notice than the 45 days (to get the letter issued) + 2 weeks (booking appointment ahead at the FSDO) timeframe indicated by the FAA provided that you (a) Fax the documents and request fax back for letter of verification and (b) go directly to a foreign pilot center with a resident examiner - although there are no guarantees or commitments that the short turnaround on the letter can be achieved every time. This may be a useful option for those who could add a day or so on to a business trip, but like me, have ad-hoc trips arranged only a week or so ahead.
I've also done a bit of research on whether the US FAA Seaplane Rating that I should get can be transferred back to my JAR-PPL licence. It seems that the requirements in LASORS 2010 are:
- 5 hours dual instruction on seaplanes (ie the course i plan to do)
- 1 solo takeoff and landing (could be just a single circuit but will be extra from the standard course)
- Seaplane theory exam (however, I am a RYA Yachtmaster so am excused that requirement)
My understanding is therefore that if I do this one additional solo takeoff/landing, I could transfer the seaplane rating back to the JAR PPL with a bit of paperwork.
Whether that would be of any practical use is highly debatable of course, but I like to check out all the options in advance.
Thanks for the recommendations earlier and I'll let you know how I get on.
I do plan to read up the FAA differences and "How to pass your flight review" suggested by Stevelup earlier in this thread. Any other suggestions, caveats or comments welcome! I look forward to finding out how aviation works on the other side of the pond.
SD
I chose Jack Brown's Seaplane - 2 day course/5 hours for Seaplane Rating which can include a BFR for a 61.75 Piggyback FAA PPL license that would allow me to fly (SEP landplanes) in the US on any future trips with less hassle. I wanted to go with a more established/slightly larger company and do something that's not so feasible here in the UK (hence seaplanes). Called them up and booked a slot. They said they are pretty busy at this time of year, but it tails off in June/July/August because of the heat. I got the last place (of 3) for my chosen days, and that was booking 5-6 weeks in advance. Training sessions start early 8:30 first day and I think 7:30 second day, but finish mid afternoon - I guess that's before the thunderstorms break out.
I'm not taking TSA fingerprints and will be getting the usual visa waiver on the plane. Have an ESTA from last year's business trip, which remains valid. This is not an initial PPL issue and the seaplane rating does not require TSA approval or M-1 training visa.
Faxed off the standard forms to FAA and CAA to convert my JAR-PPL to a FAA-PPL - the so-called piggyback licence. Got a receipt posted back from the CAA in about 3 days and faxed "letter of verification" from the Orlando FSDO in 6 working days (bear in mind this was over Easter break too). The letter instructed me to make an appointment at the Orlando FSDO to collect my license, and book at least 2 weeks ahead.
After calling Jack Browns, it turns out they are a designated foreign pilot center and their resident examiner can issue the FAA PPL without me needing to go to the FSDO. I just need to ensure I have all the paperwork in order and am proficient enough to pass the BFR (Biennial Flight Review) which can be an integral part of the seaplane rating course. This will entitle me to rent/fly SEP aircraft in the US on future trips. My JAR-PPL still has 4 years to go and I don't plan to move house, so this seems worthwhile to do for little extra cost.
What this means for others is that if you wanted to get a piggyback licence on the back of a business trip to the US (like me), it can be done at shorter notice than the 45 days (to get the letter issued) + 2 weeks (booking appointment ahead at the FSDO) timeframe indicated by the FAA provided that you (a) Fax the documents and request fax back for letter of verification and (b) go directly to a foreign pilot center with a resident examiner - although there are no guarantees or commitments that the short turnaround on the letter can be achieved every time. This may be a useful option for those who could add a day or so on to a business trip, but like me, have ad-hoc trips arranged only a week or so ahead.
I've also done a bit of research on whether the US FAA Seaplane Rating that I should get can be transferred back to my JAR-PPL licence. It seems that the requirements in LASORS 2010 are:
- 5 hours dual instruction on seaplanes (ie the course i plan to do)
- 1 solo takeoff and landing (could be just a single circuit but will be extra from the standard course)
- Seaplane theory exam (however, I am a RYA Yachtmaster so am excused that requirement)
My understanding is therefore that if I do this one additional solo takeoff/landing, I could transfer the seaplane rating back to the JAR PPL with a bit of paperwork.
Whether that would be of any practical use is highly debatable of course, but I like to check out all the options in advance.
Thanks for the recommendations earlier and I'll let you know how I get on.
I do plan to read up the FAA differences and "How to pass your flight review" suggested by Stevelup earlier in this thread. Any other suggestions, caveats or comments welcome! I look forward to finding out how aviation works on the other side of the pond.
SD
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Just got back from Florida a couple weeks ago. If you get chance to get down to the Keys then have a look at Aircraft Floats ultra light pontoon floats from Highside Ultralights Key West EP Dalton keywestfloats.com north carolina web design asheville $200 for an hours flight in a floatplane ultralight most of it hands on. Great fun flying 200ft over the Keys seeing sharks/turtles in the water below you.
If you want to see some gators, then I can recomment Tours in the Glades who are in Florida City. Lets just say we had to poke a gator with a canoe to get him to move out the way!
If you want to see some gators, then I can recomment Tours in the Glades who are in Florida City. Lets just say we had to poke a gator with a canoe to get him to move out the way!
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Jack Brown's is for fun, not for ratings!
That's because it is not much practical use anywhere else except Alaska to have a seaplane rating in the modern world.
They won't let you solo in Jack's seaplanes, if you earn a rating, which I did a few years back, go buy your own!
They take a lot of beating, those floats, on the water, you have to haul it out every day, pump it out (read Sir Francis Chichester's book and the troubles he had with water leaking into his floats!). If you think maintaining an aircraft in Europe is costing big moola, try maintaining anything that goes near salt water.......! and I bet they don't often let you land on lakes in the UK!
BUT, not withstanding, go for it. It is such a giggle. Doing that glassy water approach over the aligators basking on the shoreline. And in Florida, any lake NOT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED, is open for landing (watering).
However, whatever is on or in the water has the right of way over the airplane, boats, swimmers, manatees, etc etc etc. Because they have no way of knowing what your requirements are.
I was specially privileged one time to have a moonlight ride from a Louisiana Bayou on a Cessna 180 with floats - the pilot ran a business restocking offshore oil rigs. That was another story. Don't have to worry about weight and balance, just keep on roaring down the bayou until you have burnt enough fuel to get light enough for takeoff! Nine mile runway.
They won't let you solo in Jack's seaplanes, if you earn a rating, which I did a few years back, go buy your own!
They take a lot of beating, those floats, on the water, you have to haul it out every day, pump it out (read Sir Francis Chichester's book and the troubles he had with water leaking into his floats!). If you think maintaining an aircraft in Europe is costing big moola, try maintaining anything that goes near salt water.......! and I bet they don't often let you land on lakes in the UK!
BUT, not withstanding, go for it. It is such a giggle. Doing that glassy water approach over the aligators basking on the shoreline. And in Florida, any lake NOT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED, is open for landing (watering).
However, whatever is on or in the water has the right of way over the airplane, boats, swimmers, manatees, etc etc etc. Because they have no way of knowing what your requirements are.
I was specially privileged one time to have a moonlight ride from a Louisiana Bayou on a Cessna 180 with floats - the pilot ran a business restocking offshore oil rigs. That was another story. Don't have to worry about weight and balance, just keep on roaring down the bayou until you have burnt enough fuel to get light enough for takeoff! Nine mile runway.
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What a blast!!
If this isn't on your "list of 100 things to do before you die" then it should be. Absolutely amazing experience which probably hasn't changed in decades.
No radio, starter motor, DI, AI, GPS, DME, VOR ....
No QFE, QNH or Booking out with air traffic control
Just a stick, rudder and throttle. You can see the altimeter, rev counter (and sometimes the airspeed indicator) over your instructors shoulder. But it's all done by feel and the seat of your pants.
We never went above 500 feet (ok with my height keeping make that 600), and standard landings were all power off glide approaches. Instruction was outstanding (there is an intercom so you can ask/be told what to do) - it's uncanny how the instructor knows where you are looking/focussing at even when sitting in front of you.
Paperwork was as researched - Jack Browns is one if the few designated foreign pilot DPE's and can issue a 61.75 on the basis of my UK licence/medical+ letter of verification and then either provide a BFR or full Seaplane rating to make it current. This is all done online using the FAA's IACRA system while you wait - no need to visit the FSDO office.
My understanding is that no separate FAA medical is required.
The 61.75 licence will expire if I move house or when my current JAR licence expires in 4 years time. The current proposals to change FAA licences to have photo-id are not yet law and should include a 5 year transition time for PPL's so won't affect me.
But for now I have a current and valid FAA PPL for the next two years. Unlike the UK, my temporary airman's certificate could be used until the permanent certificate is issued from Oklahoma in a couple of months. Should come in handy for whenever/whatever the next trip to the US crops up.
An experience I won't forget for a long time - thanks for the advice and suggestions, and perhaps I'll get around to some of the other options another time.
A great big Thank You to the outstanding and professional team at Jack Brown's Seaplanes who transformed another standard business trip into something truly memorable.
No radio, starter motor, DI, AI, GPS, DME, VOR ....
No QFE, QNH or Booking out with air traffic control
Just a stick, rudder and throttle. You can see the altimeter, rev counter (and sometimes the airspeed indicator) over your instructors shoulder. But it's all done by feel and the seat of your pants.
We never went above 500 feet (ok with my height keeping make that 600), and standard landings were all power off glide approaches. Instruction was outstanding (there is an intercom so you can ask/be told what to do) - it's uncanny how the instructor knows where you are looking/focussing at even when sitting in front of you.
Paperwork was as researched - Jack Browns is one if the few designated foreign pilot DPE's and can issue a 61.75 on the basis of my UK licence/medical+ letter of verification and then either provide a BFR or full Seaplane rating to make it current. This is all done online using the FAA's IACRA system while you wait - no need to visit the FSDO office.
My understanding is that no separate FAA medical is required.
The 61.75 licence will expire if I move house or when my current JAR licence expires in 4 years time. The current proposals to change FAA licences to have photo-id are not yet law and should include a 5 year transition time for PPL's so won't affect me.
But for now I have a current and valid FAA PPL for the next two years. Unlike the UK, my temporary airman's certificate could be used until the permanent certificate is issued from Oklahoma in a couple of months. Should come in handy for whenever/whatever the next trip to the US crops up.
An experience I won't forget for a long time - thanks for the advice and suggestions, and perhaps I'll get around to some of the other options another time.
A great big Thank You to the outstanding and professional team at Jack Brown's Seaplanes who transformed another standard business trip into something truly memorable.
