Seaplane Rating | What is it? How to Get It?

Do you want to join a tiny group of aviators? Then, get a seaplane rating. Only 3 percent of US pilots have a seaplane rating. If you already have a pilot certificate, you don’t need to take another FAA written exam to receive this additional rating..

All the people who have earned a seaplane rating will tell you that this was the most fun flying and earning a pilot rating.

Why Choose a Seaplane Rating?

1. Loads of Fun:

Pilots who have earned their seaplane rating most of the time discuss it as the most enjoyable flying experience. Furthermore, it will also teach other valuable skills to make you a safer, better, and more knowledgeable pilot.

2. Explore More:

If you’re a seasoned pilot, adding a seaplane rating to your skill set will give you a new type of joy. This rating will change your flying experience by making you fly low and slow, close to the ground and water, and turning every takeoff and landing into a fresh challenge. Making water landings requires extra attention than the typical landings on smooth runways, as you have to read the water, avoid any boats, and navigate obstacles. 

3. Stand Out from the Crowd:

Getting this rating will make you stand out from the crowd. As we have mentioned before, only 3% of pilots hold a seaplane rating, and you will be a part of this exclusive group. Your fellow pilots, employers, and aviation professionals recognize the serious skills required for seaplane flying.

4. Adventure Time:

Seaplanes don’t rely on runways, which makes them uncover 80% of Earth that is covered in water as potential landing sports. Unline traditional planes, seaplanes can easily touch down on lakes, rivers, and even oceans without the need to prepare for the surface. 

Is It Hard to Get a Seaplane Rating?

For some, learning to fly a seaplane is like leveling up in a game – challenging but entirely achievable. Especially if you're used to handling planes with sticks and rudders.

FAA Single Engine Sea Rating Requirements

For private pilots eyeing a single-engine sea rating, demonstrating your knowledge is key. Most pilots need about 5-7 hours of flying time with an experienced instructor to become good at flying seaplanes.

Earning the Seaplane Rating

To become a recognized and official seaplane pilot, you must obtain the FAA Single Engine Sea (SES) or Multi Engine Sea (MES) class rating. If you are a Sports pilot flying a light sport aircraft, you can earn the seaplane rating in your Sports pilot logbook. The amount of instruction required varies, but a minimum of four hours of dual flight instruction is often recommended. 

It’s important to know that the basic proficiency required to get a seaplane rating is just the first step. When you are going to fly in the waters, you need additional training that is tailored to your aircraft and intended flying area. You have to consider factors like weather conditions and terrain before flying a seaplane.  

Practical Test

An SES or MES rating does not require a written test. You must log ground and flight instructions, and the instructor's recommendation is crucial for the practical test. This test, including an oral exam and checkride, focuses specifically on seaplane flying procedures.

Sport Pilot Sea Endorsement

Sport pilots can also join the fun with a logbook endorsement from a seaplane pro. While it involves checks and forms, it's a manageable process.

In the air, a seaplane is like any other airplane – pull the stick or yoke back, and things get smaller; push it forward, and they get bigger. Adjusting to the handling differences, especially the yaw-inducing floats, is part of the training, along with practicing emergency descents.

Beyond aerodynamics, hydrodynamics becomes a part of your aviation knowledge. Seaplanes are generally heavier than land planes due to float weight, and water adds drag during takeoff. This added weight and drag impact performance, requiring a longer takeoff run on water and offering a lower useful load.