Seaplane Training

pilotmec

pilotmec

Well-Known Member
I'm looking into obtaining my seaplane rating, single engine first and maybe Multi engine later.
I'm interested in opinions on where to go, based on safety, quality of training, type equipment, price etc. along with your reasons.
 
Where are you in the world, and how far are you willing to travel for the training? I earned SES & MES earlier this year at two different operators and have had a blast doing the float thing. Ask away, there are some other seaplane guys on here with other experiences, flying different aircraft that will help out.
 
Did my ATP SES & SEL in the amphib Husky at Ryan's Seaplanes in Flagler County, Florida. Had a blast! Dan the instructor is also the A&P IA, so the airplanes (Husky and Beaver are available) are well maintained and in excellent condition. Examiner is on staff, and dedicated to the operation (he also happens to be the owner). You won't have a problem with examiner or equipment scheduling there. Flying costs were about $2,900 there, including examiner fees. Hotel, travel and meals not included in that price.

About six months prior to that, I did the ATP MES & MEL in a TwinBee UC-1. Slightly different approach than Ryan's. Aircraft was rented from one guy and examiner was from somewhere else. Aircraft was rented from a guy named Skip Niedhardt out of Lake Wales, Florida. Aircraft rental came with an instructor, a former Chalks pilot. However we did have some maintenance issues. An exhaust stack cracked, and had us out of commission for an afternoon. Less than 25 of these airplanes were made, and about 7 currently flying so parts are scarce. Someone had the part in a hangar somewhere and I actually installed it (Luckily the applicant was also and A&P). Otherwise training was straightforward and the exam was as expected with Chuck Brown of Brown's Seaplane base for the examiner. Awesome guy, one of the most fun checkrides I've had. Even though the training got off to a rocky start, I enjoyed it. Weird as ___ airplane! Cockpit layout is terrible. Gear handle there, engine controls up here, electric pump for the hydralics over here... Hands are flying everywhere but manageable. Total costs after Skip taking some off for my labor to install the exhaust was about $3,400 not including hotel, meals and travel.

As far as quality of training and using it in the field, you'll build on to what you've learned and develop your own skills once you start flying on your own. Or if you start flying with someone else, they'll show you the ropes that you don't learn over one weekend. If you are looking for future employment as a seaplane pilot, you'll get in house training from the operator specific to that aircraft, it's limitations and the environment in which you'll be operating. For example a Cub on straight floats in fresh water lakes in Florida is not the same as a Beaver on amphibs in saltwater Alaska.

upload_2013-12-31_14-39-52.png


Should be a link to someone else's photo of the TwinBee:

http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircraft/large/000/461/461422.jpg
 

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CFI A&P said:
About six months prior to that, I did the ATP MES & MEL in a TwinBee UC-1. Slightly different approach than Ryan's. Aircraft was rented from one guy and examiner was from somewhere else. Aircraft was rented from a guy named Skip Niedhardt out of Lake Wales, Florida. Aircraft rental came with an instructor, a former Chalks pilot. However we did have some maintenance issues. An exhaust stack cracked, and had us out of commission for an afternoon. Less than 25 of these airplanes were made, and about 7 currently flying so parts are scarce. Someone had the part in a hangar somewhere and I actually installed it (Luckily the applicant was also and A&P). Otherwise training was straightforward and the exam was as expected with Chuck Brown of Brown's Seaplane base for the examiner. Awesome guy, one of the most fun checkrides I've had. Even though the training got off to a rocky start, I enjoyed it. Weird as ___ airplane! Cockpit layout is terrible. Gear handle there, engine controls up here, electric pump for the hydralics over here... Hands are flying everywhere but manageable
Click to expand...

I did mine in that exact airplane with the exact people... was a great time. Could never really figure out how to grease the land-landing on with that airplane... and the tailwheel would never lock until you were ready to turn off the active on to the taxi way.
 
Did my CSES at Browns. 2 Days. Pat in the front office is awesome. Quick, straight forward and to the point. Exactly what I was looking for.
 
There are a couple places up here in Minnesota if you want to come to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. You'll have to wait for the ice to melt though :-)
 
Used to flight instruct for this guy a lifetime ago. His name is Tripp. He has a Beaver on floats and a Husky. Great guy, been a seaplane instructor and examiner for decades. One of these days I'm gonna splurge and go fly that Beaver.

http://www.ryanseaplanes.com/
 
ZapBrannigan said:
Used to flight instruct for this guy a lifetime ago. His name is Tripp. He has a Beaver on floats and a Husky. Great guy, been a seaplane instructor and examiner for decades. One of these days I'm gonna splurge and go fly that Beaver.

http://www.ryanseaplanes.com/
Click to expand...
No matter what I get my ratings in I would like 1 hour in a beaver at a minimum. I was able to fly one in Canada once and was bitten by a beaver!
 
Did mine at Sheble's, but already had a bunch of off book Beaver and 180 time, so training mostly consisted of the instructor bugging me for a job at the 135 I was managing at the time.
But for the most part the float training will do little to prepare you for any working 135 float job.
 
I'm not looking for a job flying floats I just would like to acquire the rating. I've been on the water a few times and thoroughly enjoyed it.
 
Have to agree with the above. Tom Brady is THE way to go.
Did mine a few years ago for.. $750 if I remeber right?
Great great guy, smooth easy add on and tons of fun.
 
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