Seaplane training?

saracelica

saracelica

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saracelica
Anyone ever tried their hands/feet at Seaplane? Yeah I just got my PPL but I'm interested to see what it's like. Hoping others have some experience.
 
saracelica said:
Looks great there but the cost to just get there and lodging is out of my budget. Going to stay on the East Coast. There is a place in Columbus area that does it. (I know it's not the same but if I want additional training then I'd go out to see how it's really well done)
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Their instructors do the real sea plane routes every day. and they have both the Supercub, and the beavers to train in.

got bucks?
 
Seaplanes.org has a school directory click on resources, then flight training. As Henning said most fun you'll have in an airplane.
 
Brown's Seaplane in Florida has J-3s on floats for seaplane training.
 
I found the seaplanes.org but was hoping for people with experience to chime in. Maybe I will go down to the Columbus area one and check it out.
 
It's fun. I got mine in Traverse City, MI. I don't get a chance to use it often and would like to get an amphibian if I could find one cheap enough.
 
jnmeade said:
It's fun. I got mine in Traverse City, MI. I don't get a chance to use it often and would like to get an amphibian if I could find one cheap enough.
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What's cheap enough? There are Kitfoxs on amphibs for <$30k. You can get an MX-II or Challenger on amphibs for <$10k.
 
Henning said:
What's cheap enough? There are Kitfoxs on amphibs for <$30k. You can get an MX-II or Challenger on amphibs for <$10k.
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Two other pilots and I are pursuing exactly this kind of alternative as we speak. I'd like a tail wheel to base off my farm that can go on skis or amphib floats. We're looking now and I'm going to explore this realm at Oshkosh, too.
 
I did both of mine with Sheble, Comm SEL, SES (and MEL ride as well) 20 some years ago and MES 2 years ago August. That was as much fun as I've ever had flying, really it was, and Jojo understands safe intercepts over slower traffic like jet skiis around 1/2 past sunrise after turn the base turn around Don Laughlin's penthouse. :D Splash and goes in front of the casinos and hotels, 2 985s as alarm clocks.
 
flightmedic said:
There is a Place XFL in Flagler County Florida. Ryans air. Has an Otter and a Dehavland (sp?) I think. Does a lot of flying here.
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"De Havilland" and of course the beaver is a "De Havilland"

so which 2 models of DeHavilland do they have?
 
jnmeade said:
Two other pilots and I are pursuing exactly this kind of alternative as we speak. I'd like a tail wheel to base off my farm that can go on skis or amphib floats. We're looking now and I'm going to explore this realm at Oshkosh, too.
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You could probably get a C-170 for that, and have a real aircraft.
 
Tom-D said:
"De Havilland" and of course the beaver is a "De Havilland"

so which 2 models of DeHavilland do they have?
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He may be the guy with the Twotter on Amphibs, I know there is at least one that charters out.
 
Sorry. It is a Dehavilland Beaver. In my ignorance I thought it was two different planes. They also have a Husky.
 
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Saracelica: Consider Twitchell's Airport in Turner, Maine. They are known far and wide, with pilots coming from many parts of Europe, specifically to get float plane certification. Great organization! Forget the hotel/motel expense - - just use my Guest Room. One lady did that - - most people on this forum will remember Carole, from Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
Save housing expense, but rent a car for the several days because I'm now about 45 sm from Twitchell's whereas I used to only 26 miles away; and I don't know if one of my vehicles would be available for your use(pending time of year).

NOTE: This is NOT a SPAM post. (and Twitchell's has done 12 of my Annuals)
 
I did mine at Twitchell's neat place. Only cost me about 500 bucks ten years ago. One of these days I will get a little experimental on floats.
 
ClimbnSink said:
I did mine at Twitchell's neat place. Only cost me about 500 bucks ten years ago. One of these days I will get a little experimental on floats.
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If I can find some of my photos: Found!

HR
 

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Henning said:
What's cheap enough? There are Kitfoxs on amphibs for <$30k. You can get an MX-II or Challenger on amphibs for <$10k.
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I've been vaguely considering that option for a while. What are the rules on where you can land? There are various large lakes around here, especially to the north. Can i just land and hang out? Even if i'm allowed, is that practical?
 
\__[Ô]__/;940509 said:
I've been vaguely considering that option for a while. What are the rules on where you can land? There are various large lakes around here, especially to the north. Can i just land and hang out? Even if i'm allowed, is that practical?
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Each state is different and federal waters are different. Seaplane Pilots Association tracks it closely. Here's their site. Maybe Henning flew the twin on the cover? :)
http://www.seaplanes.org/spa/
Another hot issue is intrusive species, like taking tiger mussels from one body of water to another. There are issues in seaplane flying. I think there are 4 places in Iowa I can land. In Minnesota there are hundreds.
 
Hello,

Great thread on the fun of flying seaplanes! It really is the most fun that you can have in aviation! There are so many places to travel to and take airplanes into places that are challenging and fun!

I'm in the Seaplane Training (SES and MES) business along with lots of other things. I operate the Tavares Seaplane Base in Tavares, Florida. Love to have any of you stop by and visit us. Whether you come and fly with us or not Tavares is a great little GA friendly city!

http://www.jonesairandsea.com
http://www.mesrating.com

Eric
 
> Going to stay on the East Coast. There is a place in Columbus area
> that does it.

If you are in Toledo, Detroit/Pontiac (~90 miles) is closer than Columbus
(~140 miles). I think the guy near PTK is still doing SES ratings.

Cadillac is a bit of a haul (~247 miles). Traverse City is even further (~293 miles).

The CFI's @ CAD (Northwoods) are Derek (owner) and Jerry (part-time).
I've flown with both and rent from them. They're both low-key guys. The
DPE (Bob) is another low-key guy. I suspect that they'll have the following
floatplanes available: SuperCub & Husky. Possibly a J-3 & Cessna 180. If
you are a new PPL; I recommend the SuperCub. You won't need to also
learn the CS prop and amphibs.

I suggest that it's wise(r) to get a hotel nearby and just get-it-done. If
you do go to CAD, I can provide several hotel recommendations.

Would you like me to check on the Detroit/Pontiac options?
 
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rainsux said:
> Going to stay on the East Coast. There is a place in Columbus area
> that does it.

If you are in Toledo, Detroit/Pontiac (~90 miles) is closer than Columbus
(~140 miles).I think the guy near PTK is still doing SES ratings.

Rather than drive 90 miles each way, probably better to get a hotel nearby
and just get-it-done.

Would you like me to check?
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Sure if you can see if someone in Detroit/Pontiac can do it that'd be awesome. Headed that way to get my taildragger endorsement!
 
I could go to Adrian for my tailwheel if "customer Service" was part of Jo's vocabulary. (called inquiring about it and she INSISTED her husband do the training even though my DPE for my PP said her husband and I would clash and I should have Tim)

She argued and I said "Well I guess I'll let the PP certificate sink in and call you back":no: But that's off topic.

Going to Berz training and Don is good about returning my calls/texts/emails. Now I just need good weather.
 
Don is terrific! Very pleasant to fly with (relaxed but not too laid back) and passionate about aviation. I wouldn't hesitate to try him for my next rating or endorsement (although, I've never taken a formal lesson with him) ... he seems a good match for me, of course YMMV.
Is he training in the Citabria at PTK?
 
JoeSelch said:
Don is terrific! Very pleasant to fly with (relaxed but not too laid back) and passionate about aviation. I wouldn't hesitate to try him for my next rating or endorsement (although, I've never taken a formal lesson with him) ... he seems a good match for me, of course YMMV.
Is he training in the Citabria at PTK?
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I believe we are hoping to be at PTK. Friday and Saturday this week.
 
I took my commercial check ride in a seaplane.

It may not be the most practical rating for those who won't be using it much, but you'll still learn a lot, and it's worth the experience. Personally, I've found that flying seaplanes is a lot of fun.

The concept of the glassy water landing, and landing on water in general, teaches you about landing on land, too; it's about awareness, and adds a dimension to your flying that you'd be without, if you didn't have that training.

Any training you do is a good investment. A lot of pilots lose their drive after their private. Continuing to challenge yourself by seeking ratings and higher certification is one way to keep that drive going, and maintain your interest. It's also a way to help maintain your proficiency, and while expensive, is always a worthwhile investment.
 
Sara,

The SES-CFI near PTK sold his plane. Seems that CMH and CAD are two next-closest choices.
 
Thanks "Rainsux" :)

Word on the street Toledo may have one at some point. There is a seaport going to be on the next sectional but no dockings or anything at this time. But I've heard that rumor for quite some time. The local DPE has been wanting to get one and I don't think he figures he'll be flying it ALOT so might as well rent it and train people in it. :)
 
I learn something new every day. I had no idea my little one-horse town had seaplane bases and training nearby.
 
We don't "yet" but it's in the works Steingar. Stay tuned! You're close to Columbus though.
 
Yup. Be fun to fly a seaplane, but I wouldn't unless I was going to buy one or could rent one for reasonable money. Don't see the point of getting a rating I'm not going to use for anything.
 
steingar said:
Yup. Be fun to fly a seaplane, but I wouldn't unless I was going to buy one or could rent one for reasonable money. Don't see the point of getting a rating I'm not going to use for anything.
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It's a fun way to handle a BFR due, it would be a great way to do a vacation in the PNW as well.
 
Henning said:
It's a fun way to handle a BFR due, it would be a great way to do a vacation in the PNW as well.
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A BFR takes a hundred bucks and an afternoon. Why would I replace it with something that costs ten times as much and takes way more time? The idea of an aviation vacation has merit, though.
 
steingar said:
A BFR takes a hundred bucks and an afternoon. Why would I replace it with something that costs ten times as much and takes way more time? The idea of an aviation vacation has merit, though.
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Isn't that like asking why you would fly somewhere for a hamburger when you can drive to a local place for $10 and be back in an hour? Flying is going to cost 10x as much and take more time... but it's more fun! Same reason you might like to get a seaplane rating instead of a traditional flight review.
 
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