Seaplane Rating Course with Patty Wagstaff
New Course! $99 Introductory price!
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Explore the magical world of water flying
Flying a seaplane is like nothing else in aviation — having the freedom to explore remote lakes, rivers or secluded bays opens up a whole new and exciting world of flying adventures for pilots.
If you’ve been dreaming of flying seaplanes, this course will inspire you to get your rating and experience the joy of water flying. It covers everything you need to know to pass the checkride, and master the essential techniques you’ll need to operate smoothly and safely on the water.
If you’re an active seaplane pilot, this course will motivate you to work on your craft and explore new flying adventures. You’ll find dozens of new and advanced techniques throughout the course that will make you a better seaplane pilot.
If you have a seaplane rating but don’t use it, this course will give you the incentive to start using what you’ve already earned. It will remind you why you got your rating in the first place, and the benefits to be enjoyed with your seaplane rating.
Breathtaking footage in beautiful locations
Forget classroom theory. This course takes you on location to see seaplane flying for what it really is. You’ll travel to beautiful flying destinations in Florida, Maine, and Alaska to see advanced techniques and the unparalleled thrill of flying floats in some of the world’s most breathtaking settings. Stunning 4K video shows every maneuver from multiple angles, and detailed animations show what’s happening below the surface.
We feature a wide variety of seaplanes in this course including a Piper Super Cub, Legend Cub, Super Petrel Light Sport, Cessna 172, Cessna 180, AirCam, de Havilland Beaver, Lake Buccaneer, Twin Bee, Turbine Super Goose and an Albatross.
Course Overview
This course is available on all your devices, from laptop to iPhone to Android, and includes helpful training documents.
1. Introduction
- What it takes to earn a seaplane rating
- Seaplane flight schools
- Seaplane checkride expectations
- Differences when flying a Light Sport seaplane
2. Types of Seaplanes and Float Systems
- Floatplanes vs. Flying Boats
- What makes an amphibious seaplane unique
- Float construction and design features
- Differences in flying seaplanes vs. land planes
3. Preflight
- Preflighting a seaplane in the water and on land
- Amphibious seaplane preflight
- Enduring your floats are water-free
- Saltwater considerations
4. Taxiing
- Developing a taxi plan from parking to takeoff
- Idle, plow and step taxi techniques
- Plow taxi procedure to turn downwind
- Taxiing in strong winds
5. Taking Off
- Performing a run-up while moving on the water
- Getting up on the “step” and accelerating on the water
- Tips for a smooth liftoff from the water
- Avoiding and recovering from porpoising
6. Landing
- Determining wind direction with visual cues
- Assessing the suitability of lakes and rivers for landing
- Step-by-step procedure for normal landings
- Landing an amphibious seaplane on land
7. Securing Your Seaplane
- Planning a taxi route from landing to parking
- Properly docking your seaplane
- Beaching, ramping, mooring and anchoring techniques
- Sailing your seaplane downwind
8. Advanced Operations
- Glassy water takeoffs and landings
- Rough water operations
- Flying to and from rivers
- Confined area techniques
9. Seaplane Safety
- Giving a proper passenger briefing
- Onboard safety and survival gear
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) guidance
- Underwater egress procedures
Bonus: 8 hours of stunning seaplane videos shot with 360 cameras
- de Havilland Beaver flying in Alaska
- Aircam glassy water ops in Alaska
- Cessna 180 mountain adventure in Alaska
- Turbine Super Goose in Alaska
- Twin Bee in Alaska
- de Havilland Beaver flying in Florida
- Grumman Albatross in Wisconsin
Your host, Patty Wagstaff
Your host for this course is legendary pilot and instructor Patty Wagstaff. You know her as one of the world’s greatest aerobatic pilots, but she’s also a highly experienced seaplane pilot, having decades of experience as a bush pilot flying all over the world.
Throughout this course, Patty shares her practical tips for safer and smoother seaplane flying, learned through decades of flying in some of the world’s most extreme conditions.
Sample Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access this course?
A: Your training is available with your Sporty's account in our Pilot Training app and online portal. You can watch it on any computer, tablet or phone as well as our iOS, Android and TV Apps.
Q: Will my online access to the program ever expire?
A: No. Once you register your login credentials, they never expire. You will always have access to the program.
Q: Can I access the videos from more than one computer or device?
A: Yes – with your login info, you can access the site from any device as often as you want for personal use.
