Seaplane rating SEA float rating EASA
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Seaplane rating SEA float rating EASA
Hi,
Aeroclub Como, where I thought everything was set up just screwed me up. I'm looking for another reasonable school where I can make float rating. I have holidays planned on the and of month and I don't want to mess it up. Any recons?
Second question, with my FCL license how is complicated to do it in USA?
Aeroclub Como, where I thought everything was set up just screwed me up. I'm looking for another reasonable school where I can make float rating. I have holidays planned on the and of month and I don't want to mess it up. Any recons?
Second question, with my FCL license how is complicated to do it in USA?
I've heard nothing but good about the people around G-DRAM in Scotland and one of these days, when I have spare cash and time, plan to do mine there myself.
www.scotlandonfloats.com
G
www.scotlandonfloats.com
G
My first option would be South-Western France, check the magical name of Biscarrosse with its long tradition of seaplanes including an excellent museum and an active aeroclub offering the training and rating. I am however unsure how doable it would be if not speaking French - myself luckily do, to some degree.
If I were rich I'd go and do it all in Western Canada.
If I were rich I'd go and do it all in Western Canada.
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Before EASA you used to be able to do the rating in an ICAO country and return to Europe and take the Seaplane exams and apply for the rating on your licence. After EAS that all canned and now you can only do it through an EASA ATO. There are very few of us in Europe who can do the Flight Test and writen exams for you now. I am surprised you have had an issue with Como, they are usually excellent. Biscarrosse are also superb, I have done skill tests for them on occasion. There used to be an Instructor there that spoke good enough English to teach the course and that with the UK seaplane exams in English is enough to get the rating done. There is also a school in Norway that does it but restricted to the summer.
Someone's bound to chime in, I expect 
Then again, there's a kind of software known as "www search engine". Myself mostly use startpage.com but there's a plethora to choose from. Now just suppose you applied your skills with search terms like "aeroclub biscarrosse hydravion" - I'm sure something useful would turn up.
Then again, there's a kind of software known as "www search engine". Myself mostly use startpage.com but there's a plethora to choose from. Now just suppose you applied your skills with search terms like "aeroclub biscarrosse hydravion" - I'm sure something useful would turn up.
Last edited by Jan Olieslagers; 9th Aug 2019 at 16:34.
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I think Pete Kynsey does floatplane training on a Husky around Rochester/Chatham area if UK is doable for you.
Yes, plus one for Biscarrosse. Some of the instructors are airline people so speak enough English. Also they are a genuine club, non profit, all volunteers, so the price is very reasonable. And it's super cubs and a Seebee. What more could you ask?
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Around twice the hourly cost of a landplane. Supposedly (others here probably know the real reason) because what would be a minor landing accident in a landplane typically results in capsizing a floatplane, which is rather more expensive to sort out, so the insurance costs are rather higher.
If you pay the full annual suscription art Biscarrosse, Aquitaine Hydraviation, (as I recall 200€) it's 195€ an hour in the super cub, with or without instructor. Minimum hours is eight plus test. You can fly solo after the test. Alternatively, you can opt for a cheaper sub and a higher hourly rate. They won't train you for the rating until you have your PPL land and 100 hours. I suggest you contact them to arrange a course, as they are usually pretty busy, and they get an extra instructor in to run a course. Usually takes five days.
PS
Some of us guys are girls
PS
Some of us guys are girls
Last edited by Piper.Classique; 11th Aug 2019 at 16:02. Reason: Add info
For what it is worth: here is a recent report from a German chap (chappess?) who flew a float-equipped microlight on lake Biscarrosse:
https://www.ulforum.de/ultraleicht/f...-in-frankreich
https://www.ulforum.de/ultraleicht/f...-in-frankreich
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Had a great 20 minute instructional flight in a C172 Floatplane with Aeroclub Como two years ago for 80 Euros.
Hoped to do the same, or more, next week but have just been quoted 190 Euros for the same flight!
Anyone know the reason for this extraordinary increase?
Hoped to do the same, or more, next week but have just been quoted 190 Euros for the same flight!
Anyone know the reason for this extraordinary increase?
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Generally, the higher costs of floatplane operation, as stated earlier, is higher insurance costs, and the reality that the small event in a landplane could be a large, or write off event in a floatplane. There is also quite a cost to buy and maintain a set of floats, which you don't have with a wheelplane. The only way to beat the higher cost a little bit if you're going to fly a lot, is to own the plane. I no longer insure my two amphibians for hull, I take the risk. This morning's conversation with a colleague is that three of his amphibian owner friends have seen insurance costs about double in recent months. The only way to beat this is for everyone to fly more safely, and not have accidents.
It's been a bad year for floatplane insurance claims this year. A friend of mine flipped his 185 amphib just over a month ago with his wife and kids on board. Wife and kids made it, my friend and the dog did not. 'Problem was, he was carrying one too many kids aboard (they're small kids so they fit, but the count was one too many) and it appears that the insurer will disallow the hull insurance payment for that. It's been a costly year for insurers, and they're not making the extra step to be generous. When their costs go up, we pay soon after if we want that service. So, fly safe, but you can't argue the costs - no one will listen!
It's been a bad year for floatplane insurance claims this year. A friend of mine flipped his 185 amphib just over a month ago with his wife and kids on board. Wife and kids made it, my friend and the dog did not. 'Problem was, he was carrying one too many kids aboard (they're small kids so they fit, but the count was one too many) and it appears that the insurer will disallow the hull insurance payment for that. It's been a costly year for insurers, and they're not making the extra step to be generous. When their costs go up, we pay soon after if we want that service. So, fly safe, but you can't argue the costs - no one will listen!
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If you are anywhere near Rochester, Kent....
Never done it here, but at Rochester we have a Husky on floats (appropriately registered G-WATR), that trains would-be float pilots. Whilst Rochester (EGTO) is dry land (except in bad winters), they go off and land on Medway Marine. Can't offer a contact number, but if you call the airport, I'm sure they can help put you in touch.