Training for the Seaplane Pilot Certificate and Beyond
Availability
- ASA Publishers (1-800-ASA-2FLY)
- most aviation book stores
Summary
Getting the seaplane rating is just pure fun. It provides the challenges of learning a new skill, freedom to land anywhere there is water, the ability to truly enjoy the out-of-doors and access remote places. The seaplane pilot rating may be obtained as an initial pilot qualification, but most commonly, as an add-on rating for pilots who already hold an Airplane Single Engine Land certificate. Dale DeRemer's Seaplane Pilot guides pilots through this process, with plenty of tips, techniques, and advice from a pro along the way!
Dale DeRemer, "the recognized dean of seaplane pilots," also called the father of the SEAWINGS National Safety Program by Water Flying Magazine, invites you to join him on this learning adventure. All the tasks the pilot must demonstrate during the checkride are covered in detail. Whether the reader is studying intensely for training to obtain a seaplane rating, or just improving their knowledge and skills from the comfort of an easy chair, Seaplane Pilot will prove a welcome and enjoyable learning experience.
Table of Contents
- About the Authorix
- Acknowledgementsx
- Forewordxi
- Introductionxiii
Section I: Getting Started
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1. Qualifying for the Seaplane Rating3
How is the Seaplane Rating Obtained? • Private or Commercial Sea Rating? • What Standards Will You be Held To? • How Much Flying is Required?
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2. Resources and Information7
Books • Other Books by this Author • Practical Test Standards
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3. Choosing a Flight Instructor or Flight School15
Ask the Prospective Instructor Some Questions • Check Other Resources • Evaluate Your Flight Instructor After Every Lesson • Your Responsibility as Part of the Crew • Seaplane Flight Schools
Section II: Preflight Procedures
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4. Preflight Inspection21
Sumping • Fuel Quantity • Propeller • Airframe • Tail Section • Floats (Operational and Overnight Water, Water Rudders, Paddles) • Checklist • Review
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5. Cockpit Management and Passenger Safety29
Human Resources • Loose Items in the Cockpit/Cabin • Organization • Use of Checklists • Passenger Briefing (Underwater Egress, Hypothermia, Emergency Equipment) • It's Not Over Until It's Over! &bull Review
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6. Engine Starting41
Before Starting (Passenger Security, Departure from Dock/Beach, Brief the Dock Handler) • Hand Propping • Review
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7. Taxiing59
Displacement Taxi or Idle Taxi • Turns • Turning in Wind (Inertia Turn) • Hump or Plow Taxi (Plowing Turn, Taxi without Rudders) • Step Taxi (Step Turn) • Review
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8. Sailing75
Power-Off Sailing • Power Sailing or Tacking (Parking the Seaplane) • Review
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9. The Pretakeoff Check85
Checklist Differences • Checklist Timing • The Pretakeoff Check in Detail • Review
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10. Seaplane Base and Airport Operations95
Communications Procedures • Seaplane Base (Alphabet Airspace) • Review
Section III: Flight Operations
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11. Takeoff and Climb103
Takeoffs in the PTS • V Speeds for Climb • Seaplane Takeoffs: An Overview • Seaplane Takeoff Performance • Takeoff Area Assessment • The Normal Takeoff • The Crosswind Takeoff • The Rough Water Takeoff • The Glassy Water Takeoff • The Confined Area Takeoff • The Aborted Takeoff • Some Advanced Takeoff Techniques • High Altitude Takeoff • Review
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12. Landing Area Assessment131
A Vital Part of Every Landing • The Procedure • Landing Area Assessment Configuration • Assessment Hints (Gusts, Catspaws, Microbursts, Terrain and Wind Currents) • Review
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13. Approaches, Landings, and Go-Arounds145
The Normal Approach • Normal Landing • Crosswind Landing • Rough Water Landing • Confined Area Landing • Glassy Water Approach and Landing • Go-Around • Review
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14. Slow Flight, Steep Turns, and Stalls167
Slow Flight • Steep Turns • Stalls • Spin Awareness • Review
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15. Emergency Operations179
Emergency Descents • Emergency Approach • Forced Landings in Floatplanes • Systems and Equipment Malfunctions • Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear • Review
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16. Postflight Procedures198
After Landing • Anchoring • Docking and Mooring • Buoying • Beaching • Ramping • Lines and a Few Important Knots • Review
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17. Multi-Engine Operations239
V Speeds and Definitions Table • Preflight Preparation • Preflight Procedures • Airport and Seaplane Base Operations • Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds • Performance Maneuver • Ground Reference Maneuvers and Navigation • Emergency Operations • Operation of Multi-Engine Systems • Night Operations • Postflight Procedures • Review
Section IV: Preflight and Checkride Preparation
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18. Performance and Limitations261
Performance and Limitations • Weight and Balance (Overloading • Ballast, CG) • Effect of Atmospheric Conditions (Wind, Temperature, Humidity) • Performance Limitations • Review
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19. Operation of Systems273
Water Rudders • Landing Gear - Amphibious Systems • Fuel Systems &bull Review
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20. Minimum Equipment List281
Dealing with Failed Instruments and Systems • The Pilot's Problem • Required Instruments for Day and Night VFR • Obtaining a Special Flight Permit • Review
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21. Water and Seaplane Characteristics289
Terms and Definitions (Float components) • Characteristics of Water • Characteristics of Seaplanes (Float Design, Porpoising and Skipping) • Review
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22. Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, Aids to Marine Navigation307
Identifying and Locating Seaplane Bases on Charts and in Directories • Seaplane Bases/Landing Areas and Operating Restrictions • Safety Rules for Seaplanes (Maritime Rules) • Navigation Aids • Review
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23. Certificates, Documents and Checkride Preparation319
Pilot Documents • Aircraft Documents • Checkride Preparation • Checklist for the Checkride
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24. What Now?333
Maintain Proficiency • Recurrent Training • Advanced Training • Advanced Learning
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Appendix 1337
Private PTS for Airplane Single-Engine Sea
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Appendix 2355
Seaplane Safety and Proficiency: SEAWINGS; AIM Excerpt; Advisory Circular 91-69A
- Bibliography369
- Index371