Seaplane rating

I'm pretty sure you can actually get your float rating in Arizona as crazy as that sounds. I did Adventure Seaplanes in Florida as they spend the winter down there. The 180 was a lot of fun, but pricier than their 172. It's right by Jack Brown's and my instructor had more than 10k hours. They also have a former military pilot that has Maule's on floats somewhere nearby and that was highly
recommended by some friends.

If money's no object go to Hammonds Air Service in Houma, La. The guys a legend and he's got an amphib 185. There's also another place near New Orleans that will teach you, but whos name I cant recall.
 
I 2nd (or 3rd....) Jack Browns. Any of their instructors are top notch. It's a ton of fun. Boppin' around to all these zillions of lakes in a Piper Cub. When I did it 3 years ago it was $1400 for 5 hours and the checkride. Probably the best part was flying along looking for gators about 3 feet off the water.
 
@Tld I think did her training out west somewhere.

I did! ....but I believe that the school where I did mine on the Colorado river is no longer in existence.

There's the school at Havasu (above) but don't know much about those guys. If location doesn't matter, go with the cheapest! Best $1600 I ever spent.
 
Did my SES at Ryan's Seaplane in Flagler county. Husky A1-B on amphibs. Instructor is the A&P/IA and the owner is the DPE. Clean smooth run operator. Also has a Beaver available for training.

Seaplane flying is the second most fun flying I get to do. Highly recommend it.


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I know I'm old, but I see it's gone up a few in the last three years.......
I'm not a spring chicken anymore either, but I wouldn't say I'm old yet. I'm planning to visit him next summer (2017) for ASES after I get my CFI and CFII knocked out. Looking forward to it!
 
Did mine at Florida Seaplanes in the Maule on straight floats.

I don't think you can go wrong no matter where you go!
 
Did my SES at Ryan's Seaplane in Flagler county. Husky A1-B on amphibs. Instructor is the A&P/IA and the owner is the DPE. Clean smooth run operator. Also has a Beaver available for training.

Seaplane flying is the second most fun flying I get to do. Highly recommend it.


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Did mine there too, shortly after they got the Husky. It was a blast.
 
Jack Browns, def the place to go to. I did mine back in 2011 $1200 out the door and had a blast flying in central FL full of lakes.
 
Once a person gets the rating, is there anyplace that will rent SES airplanes? Or do you pretty much need to own one to use the rating?
 
Once a person gets the rating, is there anyplace that will rent SES airplanes? Or do you pretty much need to own one to use the rating?

Not as prolific as normal rentals, but the seaplane pilot's association does have resources to find out who has rentals and solo rentals.
 
Not as prolific as normal rentals, but the seaplane pilot's association does have resources to find out who has rentals and solo rentals.

For insurance purposes what is the typical minimum in type requirements out there?

I'd hate to find out I've gotta burn 15-18 more hours of instructor time just so I can rent something.


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For insurance purposes what is the typical minimum in type requirements out there?

I'd hate to find out I've gotta burn 15-18 more hours of instructor time just so I can rent something.


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Most places will rent dual, being solo is the gamble. I've seen some places will permit solo if you did your rating with them, and others require as much as 50 hours SES time before solo.


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Did mine with Seattle Seaplanes, had a great time. Originally tried to do the training with Kenmore, found them less than enthusiastic about accommodating me and a friend.
 
Jett said:
Did mine with Seattle Seaplanes, had a great time. Originally tried to do the training with Kenmore, found them less than enthusiastic about accommodating me and a friend.

I did my SES at Seattle Seaplanes with Greg in 2005. I logged 10hrs, including the check ride and a sightseeing flight afterwards, for $2000. How's the operation these days?
 
I did my SES at Seattle Seaplanes with Greg in 2005. I logged 10hrs, including the check ride and a sightseeing flight afterwards, for $2000. How's the operation these days?

I was there about 2012. Small operation, but everyone was friendly and attentive to getting my training done on time and properly. I flew with James, very nice guy.
 
I did mine at WaterWings Seaplane school on Lake Martin down in Alabama. I flew a Husky A1-B on amphibs. I cant reccomend this place enough.
 
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