Flying an amphibian with only ASEL

aviatorx43

aviatorx43

Well-Known Member
Can I do it if I don't takeoff/land on the water? I've done Internet searches and seen conflicting answers, and of course the FARs dont provide much clarity. Anybody know, or have a source at least?
 
You need the ratings for appropriate category and class on your certificate to match the airplane. i.e. ASEL, ASES, etc. So no, you can't do it.
 
crazyjaydawg said:
You need the ratings for appropriate category and class on your certificate to match the airplane. i.e. ASEL, ASES, etc. So no, you can't do it.
Click to expand...

Wrong. Everything I've ever seen says you can operate a amphib on wheels only with just a SEL rating. A quick reading over at the Seaplane Pilot Association seems to agree with this.
 
Yes.. it just becomes a complex airplane. You cannot log it as SES time. Have seen this done under Part 135 as well. The non SES rated pilot also had to abide by the wheel plane requirements for gliding distance to land etc. Also anything from a gear malfunction to bad WX that would necessitate a water landing would need to be a declared emergency.
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
Wrong. Everything I've ever seen says you can operate a amphib on wheels only with just a SEL rating. A quick reading over at the Seaplane Pilot Association seems to agree with this.
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Yep, totally legal..

But be aware that an amphib usually sits pretty high. Takes some getting used to. Otherwise, climb in and go!
 
NickH said:
Yep, totally legal..

But be aware that an amphib usually sits pretty high. Takes some getting used to. Otherwise, climb in and go!
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Heck, I could barely figure out how to get in an A-1B on amphibs. It's way up there. On the other hand, the Lake LA-4 I flew was super easy to get in.
 
I suppose I jumped on an answer before thinking too hard about it. An amphib can be flown because it is certified as both an ASEL and ASES (making it amphibious).

A straight seaplane is only ASES and I guess that would make it a little tough to try to operate on land anyways. My B.
 
Legally yeah, but the insurance company might have something different to say about it. If we're talking about a "real" ampbhib and not something like a lake, I can't say that I would recommend it. There are a few nuances, and I would at least get a quick run down from someone before hopping in.
 
Message:

If you are licensed for airplane multi-engine land, can you legally
fly a multi-engine seaplane provided you only land and takeoff from
land? I realize other endorsements may apply such as complex and
high performance; but for this example, lets assume the pilot has those
too.

This topic has been heavily debated, I've found no official answers.

Thanks in advance

-----------------



Mr. Adler,

Multiengine land (MEL) and multiengine sea (MES) are different classes in
the same category of airplane. Both require specific training, checking,
and certification. A pilot who does not hold the appropriate category and
class ratings may not act as a required flight crewmember in flight.
However, anybody may manipulate flight controls of any aircraft in the
presence of another appropriately rated pilot or flight instructor. Refer
to 14 CFR section 61.5 for details on categories and classes of aircraft. I
hope this information is helpful in your debate.

JAMES M. WILKINSON, PMP® | Assistant FSDO Manager | Grand Rapids Flight
Standards District Office
3196 Kraft Avenue SE, Suite 103 | Grand Rapids, MI 49512-2065 | Desk: (616)
974-2502 | Fax: (616) 940-3140
]
 
Adler said:
Message:

If you are licensed for airplane multi-engine land, can you legally
fly a multi-engine seaplane provided you only land and takeoff from
land? I realize other endorsements may apply such as complex and
high performance; but for this example, lets assume the pilot has those
too.

This topic has been heavily debated, I've found no official answers.

Thanks in advance

-----------------



Mr. Adler,

Multiengine land (MEL) and multiengine sea (MES) are different classes in
the same category of airplane. Both require specific training, checking,
and certification. A pilot who does not hold the appropriate category and
class ratings may not act as a required flight crewmember in flight.
However, anybody may manipulate flight controls of any aircraft in the
presence of another appropriately rated pilot or flight instructor. Refer
to 14 CFR section 61.5 for details on categories and classes of aircraft. I
hope this information is helpful in your debate.

JAMES M. WILKINSON, PMP® | Assistant FSDO Manager | Grand Rapids Flight
Standards District Office
3196 Kraft Avenue SE, Suite 103 | Grand Rapids, MI 49512-2065 | Desk: (616)
974-2502 | Fax: (616) 940-3140
]
Click to expand...


He basically said nothing.

Is an Amphibian considered a seaplane or a land plane or either one, depending on the operation? That is the real question.
 
Capt. Chaos said:
Yes.. it just becomes a complex airplane. You cannot log it as SES time. Have seen this done under Part 135 as well. The non SES rated pilot also had to abide by the wheel plane requirements for gliding distance to land etc. Also anything from a gear malfunction to bad WX that would necessitate a water landing would need to be a declared emergency.
Click to expand...

If you hold a SES rating can you log SES time without logging any water landings, just taking off and landing on wheels (with an amphibian)?

I do understand that in the seaplane world all what counts are landings but I was just wondering..

An other quick question, assuming you do your SES on straight floats, I guess if you hold a Complex endorsement you can also fly an amphibian, right? Or because the actual water landing with an amphibian requires extra care you need to get checked on it. I`m getting my SES in the next months, finally, and I was asked if I want to do it on straight or amphibian floats. Is there any limitation if you ck on floats vs a "flying boat"?
 
Are you ferrying one or just curious about logging it when you fly with someone?

If you're ferrying it, it'll be tough to sell the insurance company on it.
 
swisspilot said:
If you hold a SES rating can you log SES time without logging any water landings, just taking off and landing on wheels (with an amphibian)?

I do understand that in the seaplane world all what counts are landings but I was just wondering..

An other quick question, assuming you do your SES on straight floats, I guess if you hold a Complex endorsement you can also fly an amphibian, right? Or because the actual water landing with an amphibian requires extra care you need to get checked on it. I`m getting my SES in the next months, finally, and I was asked if I want to do it on straight or amphibian floats. Is there any limitation if you ck on floats vs a "flying boat"?
Click to expand...

If you are SES rated it all counts as SES time with amphib. There is nothing special about landing a amphib on the water vs straight floats, just don't forget the gear, and the mirrors should just become part of your scan and gumps check. A good amphib check out should focus on takeoffs from the water with a load to demonstrate the pig like performance vs a equivalent straight float airplane. Also lots of wheel landings to see how to land the shopping cart, especially in a good crosswind. The type of float flying done is way more important on a resume vs the number of water landings. The ability to read the wind and water, understanding how the tide and the wind are going to effect things at the dock or beach are required skills.
 
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