Seaplane Add-on Rating

Photo by Jackie Robidoux

Photo by Jackie Robidoux

 

Theres no question - seaplane flying is fun! If you already have your pilot certificate, then there isn’t a requirement for an FAA written exam. Obtaining a SES rating also counts as a biennial flight review, and opens up unique travel destinations not possible by any other mode of transportation.

 

Why Get A Seaplane Rating

Its Fun... Most people that earn a seaplane rating will tell you that it was the most fun they have ever had both flying and earning a pilot rating.

Expand your horizons... Even very experienced pilots who meet all ATP requirements can still benefit from this exciting type of flying. Earning your seaplane rating will open new horizons teaching pilots greater skills flying low and slow close to the ground and water. Each landing and you takeoff that you do in a seaplane will be different, unlike land flying where most pilots operate on paved surfaces that are smooth, long and obstruction free, landing on water is challenging. The water's surface condition must be read, boat and marine traffic must be accounted for an avoided, water depth must be read, in water and out of water obstructions must be identified, and boating skills must be mastered to dock ramp and beach a seaplane.

Set yourself apart... Less than with less than 3% of pilots are seaplane-rated, and those that have earned a seaplane rating and have seaplane flight experience are highly regarded by, not only fellow peer pilots, but also employees and professional pilots.

Adventure.... Seaplanes do not require runways and 80% of the earth is covered in water. So while land flying requires humans to build a runway whether it is a dirt runway or a paved runway. Seaplanes are the truest form of back country flying, and require no surface preparation. This means that they are more remote and even non-remote lakes, rivers, and even oceans become destinations and accessible to those that have gone the extra mile to earn a seaplane rating. This means there will never be as many runways as there are bodies of water for seaplanes to operate from.

 

Is It Hard To Get A Seaplane Rating?

As with any activity or skill, some people will find earning a seaplane easier and more natural than others. Overall, most will tell you developing the skills needed to earn the rating were not that hard. This will be especially true of those that are used to flying tail-wheel, stick or aerobatic aircraft and that have sharp stick and rudder skills. 


FAA Single Engine Sea Rating Requirements

Most private pilots will choose to obtain a single engine land pilots license before seeking a single engine seaplane license as an add on rating. To earn a seaplane rating, you must demonstrate proficiency. There is no set level of experience for the rating. 5-7 flight hours is enough time for most pilots to become proficient, but this will vary with each seaplane pilot student and the expectations set by their flight instructor and examiner.


Sport Pilot Sea Endorsement

Sport pilots can fly LSA intended for water operations with training and an endorsement from a seaplane-rated CFI.

To get the single-engine sea class rating, you must:

• Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized CFI certifying aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency;

• Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized CFI other than the one you trained with;

• Complete FAA Form 8710-11 for the new privilege and present this application to the authorized CFI who conducted the proficiency check;

• Receive a logbook endorsement from the CFI who conducted the proficiency check certifying that you are proficient in the applicable areas of operation and aeronautical knowledge and authorized for the additional category/class privilege.

 

Our Single Engine Seaplane (SES) Course:

Air Adventures offers private and commercial seaplane ratings, which takes approximately 5 hours of flight training, and 2 -3 days to complete depending on weather, knowledge, and piloting abilities.

  • Ground School

  • 5 Hours Flight Time, including check-ride rental

  • Lots of Fun - Included

Seaplane Training Course Cost: $2,099

*Examiner fee is extra and paid directly to the DPE, ranging from $500-$750. If additional training is required for proficiency, dual flight instruction is $419/hr and ground instruction is $60/hr.

 

Foreign Pilots

New TSA and FAA policies affecting foreign pilots training in the US were implemented after September 11, 2001. A letter of verification from the FAA is now required for pilots holding a US certificate based on their foreign and for pilots seeking a foreign license conversion.  This process takes 45-90 days and the letter is only valid for six months.  The verification letter can be emailed or faxed to the requested FSDO or to the training facility designated by the pilot. German pilots, please note that the letter of verification MUST verify your medical.  This also pertains to any country that does not verify the airman’s medical.  If the medical is not verified on the letter of verification, you must obtain an FAA medical prior to the ASES rating or license conversion.  Foreign pilots seeking the ASES rating must also meet the foreign pilot flight requirement hours.

For more information please visit www.FAA.gov.