float flying
 

anyone done it? experiences, schools, uk or elsewhere.....

:)

Several earlier threads on this ... from Caledonian Seaplanes to somewhere in Italy to the many opportunities in BC.

But I still haven't found anyone who will let me fly a Beaver. (Legally that is. Taking the controls on a charter was all good fun but it would be much better if I could put it in my log book.)

There's a Beaver sitting next to our hangar at Cumbernauld, unfortunately it's in bits and has round rubber objects keeping it off the floor.
I wonder if the owner would sell it though, since it hasn't moved in yonks and all the parts are there and it's in good nick.

I thought that the problem was not so much the $1m to buy the thing, nor even finding an instructor, but trying to get anyone to insure it for training. But yes, buying your own is probably the easiest route to getting to fly one.

Beaver, $500 per hour

http://www.kenmoreair.com/sub_conten...ontent_type=24

Jinkster,

If you're UK bound; looking for an established training centre and like dramatic scenery plus want to really push the floats right out ;) you may wish to consider AEROCLUBCOMO based at Lake Como not far from Lugano Airport. They offer the following ratings according to the their website. I have never used them but am very tempted. I have flown over the lake and its mountains - really beautiful:ok:

http://www.aeroclubcomo.com/

"For a Hydro rating a Pilots needs at least 8 hours dual.
For an Amphibian rating about 14 hours dual.
Later "advanced" water flying courses.
Lesson in Italian or English."

Good luck & let us know your thoughts and how you get on if you go down that route.

EG:ok:

Spasharound in the lochs of Scotland
 

Well, you really can't beat splashing around in the lochs of Scotland... adn stunning scenery to boot. Como is lovely and the coffee is great, but the Scottish mountains have that different wilderness feel to them - perhaps more akin to the Canadian or Alaskan experience but on a manageable scale (ie. not chased by bears or icebergs etc).

Caledonian Seaplanes - little yellow Piper Super Cub on straight floats - based at Drummond Hotel, east end of Loch Earn. A superb all round experience (with plenty to do for the family in the area) and good for building that initial experience/awareness of float flying and mountain flying. Training involves dropping in to Lochs Earn, Voil, Lubnaig, Tay, Rannoch and Lomond.

Neil's Seaplanes - red amphibian Husky - at western end of Loch Earn (Lochearnhead). Retractable gear, CS prop and a bit more power than the SuperCub. Seen around Lochs Lubnaig, Loch Awe and over toward Oban.

Both are very highly recommended with experienced, patient and humourous instructors.

There really is nothing to beat a few hours float training - pulling up on the shore in front of a nice hotel for a leisurely lunch or picnic. And Loch Earn is only an hour and a bit from Glasgow.

There are also rumours of an amphibious 172 taking to the skies in the near future. Should be a 3 seater. Training and shares may be available.:ok:

http://www.caledonianseaplanes.co.uk £150/hr Super Cub in Scotland

http://www.the-amphib-flyingclub.co.uk £250/hr Maule in Midlands.

Saw a Cessna last week on Loch Lomond...

Ontrack Aviation are based at Wellesbourne - www.ontrackaviation.com - and also do stuff on floats. Contact Alan Newton there and visit the website to get the lowdown on the requirements for the class rating.

EGBK, yes but they iirc are using TAFC's Maule.

Also saw an ad for "Neil's Seaplanes Ltd" at the flying club today based on a Aviat Husky. £185/hr.

http://www.neils-seaplanes.com/

Gertrude,

There are at least two operators I know of out here in OZ that do SES ratings using the beaver, ballpark is 7k+ aussie pesos , so that works out to be around 12 pence in old money. :p

It's probably worth the scheduled flight if you think about it.

you'll spend most of the time "sailing" the bloody thing anyway :)

Jack Brown's is well worth a visit if in the Orlando area of Florida.

I did it with Joe LaPlaca at Lake Havasu on the Colorado.
A wonderful variety of Canyons, desert, Dams and a very enjoyable experience.
I don't know if Joe is still doing it, but where else can you taxy under London Bridge?

I'm afraid I have fewer excuses to go to Oz than I used to, no longer having any business there or any relatives. But when I have been to Oz I have generally tried to get a ride in a Beaver as a pax.