Seaplane Rating

 What do you need for a seaplane 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.

 The rating or logbook endorsement is earned through formal instruction. The FAA does not specify a minimum amount of instruction required to earn the rating or endorsement, so it’s up to you and your authorized seaplane instructor. It may be as few as four hours of dual flight instruction, or many more if you want to be razor-sharp on all aspects of handling a seaplane including operating out of confined lakes, docking, and river ops. 

In the case of a Sport Pilot flying a Light Sport Aircraft, you earn a seaplane endorsement in your Sport Pilot logbook. 

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.