Seaplane Rating
Add a single-engine sea class rating, or a seaplane endorsement for sport pilots, on the fresh-water lakes of Highlands County. Most pilots become proficient in 5 to 7 flight hours.
Why add a seaplane rating
Seaplane flying is truly the best of both worlds. A sea rating opens up lakes, rivers and coastlines as landing sites, sharpens your stick-and-rudder skills, and is one of the most enjoyable additions any pilot can make to a certificate. Sebring sits in the middle of Highlands County's fresh-water lakes, so the training environment is minutes from the ramp.
There is no set level of experience required for the rating; you must demonstrate proficiency. The FAA does not specify a minimum amount of instruction, so the amount is up to you and your authorized seaplane instructor. Five to seven flight hours is enough time for most pilots to become proficient, though it varies by student and by the expectations of the instructor and examiner. It could be as few as four hours of dual instruction, or more if you want to be sharp on operating out of confined lakes, docking and river operations.
- Single-engine sea class rating for Private Pilots and above
- Seaplane endorsement for Sport Pilots flying water-capable light sport aircraft
- Training with a seaplane-rated CFI on local lakes
- Great opportunities throughout the world for seaplane pilots
Earning the single-engine sea class rating
An additional class rating is earned through formal instruction and a proficiency check rather than a full FAA checkride. To add the single-engine sea class rating, you must:
Train and receive an endorsement
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized CFI certifying your aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency in the seaplane.
Complete a proficiency check
Complete a proficiency check with an authorized CFI other than the one you trained with.
Complete FAA Form 8710-11
Complete FAA Form 8710-11 for the new privilege and present it to the CFI who conducted your proficiency check.
Receive the additional privilege
Receive a logbook endorsement from the CFI who conducted the proficiency check, authorizing the additional category/class privilege.
What you will learn
Water taxiing and handling
Idle, plow and step taxiing, sailing and turning on the water, and reading wind on the surface.
Takeoffs and landings
Normal, glassy-water, rough-water and crosswind takeoffs and landings, including confined-area operations.
Docking, beaching and mooring
Approaching docks and beaches, securing the aircraft, and river and confined-lake operations.
Emergencies and safety
Water egress, engine-out procedures over water, and the seaplane-specific decision-making covered in the FAA Seaplane Handbook.
Aeronautical knowledge
Seaplane aerodynamics, hull and float design, water rules of the road and regulations for seaplane operations.
Central Florida lakes
Real-world training on Lake Istokpoga and the surrounding lakes, minutes from Sebring Regional Airport.
The airlines may not be your goal
Maybe you are more of the let's-go-explore kind of pilot. There are great opportunities throughout the world for seaplane pilots.
Pick your runway.
Contact us to check seaplane training availability and put together a plan for your rating or endorsement.