How Do I Get A Seaplane Rating?
With at least a private pilot license and a medical certificate in hand, it’s easy! To obtain a seaplane add-on rating, a student must demonstrate knowledge of seaplane flying and proficiency in operating a seaplane during a check ride, administered by an FAA-appointed Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). There’s no written test or minimum flight hour requirements—simply train to proficiency. If you’re looking to obtain a commercial seaplane rating (CSES), the same requirements apply, but you must have your commercial single-engine land (CSEL) rating. Typically, the process takes 4 hours of dual instruction, a few hours of ground training, and can be completed in 2-3 days.
Why Ryan Seaplanes?
Ryan Seaplanes offers a 2-3 day zero-to-hero seaplane rating course. Not only do we teach safe and proficient flying, but we also dive into theory, techniques, and best practices of seaplane flying. Our prices include 5 hours of ground instruction, 4 hours of flight instruction, plus a 1-hour check ride, all study materials, and the DPE check ride fee! In addition, we have an in-house DPE, so you never have to worry about long DPE waitlists. Our aircraft are well taken care of and are not your typical training fleet, ensuring a unique experience.
Unlike many other flight schools, all of our aircraft are amphibious. This means you will take off from a runway on wheels and land back on the runway at the end of your seaplane flight. We also offer discovery flights, bush courses, flight reviews, and more! Give us a call to see how we can cater to your seaplane needs and desires.
Why Get A Seaplane Rating?
For starters… it’s fun! Splashing through water, flying over wetlands, and seeing gators from above is an experience you don’t want to miss. The Earth is 71% water, so there’s never a shortage of runways for seaplane pilots. This allows pilots the opportunity to explore untouched, remote locations or simply hang out for a lake day. Most pilots will look back at their seaplane flying and say it was the most fun they’ve had in an airplane.
Be unique! Don’t kid yourself—pilots like to brag. Seaplane-rated pilots make up only 3% of the pilots in the USA. Those who have the honor of flying a De Havilland Beaver or an Aviat Husky make up an even smaller percentage! Additionally, not only does it look good on a resume, but insurance companies also love seaplane time. Whether you’re looking for fun, preparing for a career, or on your way to owning a seaplane, Ryan Seaplanes is the place for you.
