SEAPLANE TRAINING COURSES
and FLOATPLANE EXPERIENCE
Get independent, (& accurate!)
advice on obtaining the UK/EASA/FAA Seaplane Rating, and in using and
keeping your rating current. Floatplane training/flying in the UK is only
available (at present) in Scotland, or linited locations in England and Ireland.
Preparation (by seminar or distance learning) for the
Seamanship
Ground Exams (CPL and PPL) is available
in Wales (flight training being considered) as part of our
specialist ground school programme, including conversion from FAA
and Transport Canada Sea endorsements.
Although there are limited opportunities to fly floatplanes in the
UK, the situation is changing, and our team all have extensive seaplane
flying experience in the USA, Canada, and Italy, as well as Scotland
and Ireland.
Como Italy, Above left,: Lake250
Amphibian, Middle: C172 pumping floats, Right, St Angelo NI,
Maule M7
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(Left),
docking a C172 on straight floats, Seaplane base,
Maine, USA.
(Right) landing a supercub floatplane on Loch
Earn, Scotland |
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If you really want to fly (an amphibian) seaplane
solely from a land aerodrome in the manner of a land plane, then it
can be flown under the privileges of an ordinary Aeroplane (Land)
rating, covering the appropriate class (or type). However, if the
seaplane is to be operated from water, then you MUST have
an Aeroplane (Sea) class (or type) rating for the appropriate class
(or type).
Within the time frame required to complete the rating you will receive
instruction in basic water handling, including idle, plow and step
taxi procedures. You will be shown how to properly execute a normal
takeoff and landing from the water. More advanced manoeuvres, including
crosswind, rough water and glassy water techniques are also covered,
as well as maximum performance procedures and emergency operations.
You will also see how well a floatplane can sail and dock.
TRAINING AND TESTING
FOR A SINGLE-ENGINE PISTON (SEA) CLASS RATING
The EASA SEP (Sea) Class Rating requires a minimum of 7-8 hours dual
instruction in a SEP (Sea) aircraft at an authorised training organisation,
covering all elements appropriate to the Class Rating Skill Test.
Applicants (UK) must also have gained a pass in the Seamanship examination
(at Private or Professional level) during the 12 months prior to
rating application.
See our Courses
section for a guide to the examination
and the syllabus.
On completion of the above flying training you
will need to pass a Class Rating Skill Test with an authorised UK/EASA
examiner. The result of this flight test is valid for 12 months, and
application for the rating must be made within this time period.
Note: pilots wishing to fly a
microlight with floats off water, will also need to undertake the
training indicated above - microlight floatplane
developments in Wales may become possible - including UK/EASA conversion courses. Microlight/Ultralight training is available at various locations in Europe with UK conversion possible The
minimum qualification to start training in the UK is an NPPL(A or
M). To find out more - please ask ........
If you want to know more about practical floats flying our
Training Video
is available free for all course participants & members. To discover why 'GUMP-C' is so important click the SPA button below: 
SOME USEFUL LINKS
- IT REALLY IS A SMALL WORLD FOR SEAPLANE PILOTS!
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