Float plane rating
 

Does anyone know a good place in scotland to do a float plane rating??

If a float plane and a seaplane are the same thing (think they are, but not 100% certain)....

Caledonian Seaplanes Ltd, based on Loch Earn
[email protected]
www.caledonianseaplanes.co.uk

I'd recommend the instructor and the aircraft, but not the Scottish weather - went for a weekend, managed half an hour flying. :(

A float plane is a "normal" a/c on floats. For instance a Cessna with the wheels replaced.
A Seaplane is an a/c where the fuselage makes up the hull of the machine. For example a Catalina.

I can help arrange some float plane flying in Scotland if anyone wants it.

Well, if that's the case, Caledonian Seaplanes' sea plane is a float plane. :confused: :confused: :confused:

IMO a "floatplane" is a plane on floats, a "flying boat" is one whose hull rides in the water, and a "seaplane" is either.

Floatplane = Seaplane ... as far as I am concerned. :D

Flying boat (hulled aircraft) = Seaplane

After all .... the rating is SEP (Sea) ... a Seaplane rating - which qualifies you (after any differences training) to fly any Seaplane.

I variously refer to my trusty 172 on floats as a floatplane/seaplane :ok:

But I wouldn't call a Lake or Catalina a Floatplane ..... as they don't have floats :p

I did my float rating at Caledonian Seaplanes - and had a fantastic time :D :D :cool: can thoroughly recommend it. PM me if you want any more details .. or if you're interested in shares in a 172 amphibian !!

Sure the weather can be problematic, but there's lots to do in the surrounding area in case it's too windy.

It's the most fun with 2 wings on as far is I'm concerned. Flying through the mountains and stunning Scottish magnificence, landing on a deserted loch, taxiing ashore, tieing up to a tree, then walking 5 mins to a 4 star hotel for lunch/breakfast :ok: :ok:

Jump in !!

Ahem..... A slight mistake on my part there!!
Seaplane = All of them. Others as mentioned by everyone else correcting my mistake!

And whatever you call it, I agree with PH-UKU about it being great fun. I only did half an hour, and I could easily have got completely hooked. If you like flying and you like sailing, this is a great combination of the two. If you like basic flying - no ATC, no windsock or other aids, reading the wind and the weather from the hills and the ripples on the water - this is for you. Maybe I should go back and do more!

Oh yes, all that stuff in the book about sailing the aircraft backwards with the engine off, opening and shutting the doors as sails, making sure you don't break the water rudders when you finally reach the jetty ... on days like that, or locations where that's the only way to approach the jetty, I think I'll stick to a Wayfarer ...

Whirlybird - you definitely should go back for more!!!

A seaplane takeoff is the next best thing to ***...

The rating on my licence just says "Seaplanes/Amphibians" with no mention of float planes. As it happens, I did my rating test on an amphibious float plane, rather than a seaplane!

VP

PS: Edited to add: The comparison with carnal pleasure is indeed very true. Best fun I have ever had!

I know I should get off my ar*e and do my own research, but does anyone know where I can do a (insert nautical term here) plane rating in or near Devon?

Thanks

h