Loch Earn, Scotland (below) |
 |
Christen A-1 Husky Water Entry (below) |
 |
Cessna 208 Amphibian Taking off (below) |
 |
Christen A-1 Husky Step Taxiing (above) |
 |
Cessna FR172 Amphibian (below) |
 |
General
On-Track Aviation is one of only a few ATOs in the UK to offer seaplane training and testing
Only available to UK CAA licence holders
It is recommended that the theoretical knowledge training and examination is completed prior to the flight training. The flight training is primarily concerned with water operations as the seaplane once airborne performs much the same as a land aeroplane
The theoretical knowledge instruction examination is conducted at On-Track Aviation, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. The flight training and SEP (sea) class rating Skill Test is carried out in Scotland inconjunction with our training partner Scotia Seaplanes
Pre-Course Entry Requirements
There are no specific pre-entry requirements for the course of training. However the amount of dual flight instruction is dependent on whether the applicant holds a SEP (land) class rating (see Flight Training)
Ground Training (AMC1 FCL.725.A(b))
The theoretical knowledge course for the single pilot aeroplane sea class rating shall include:
(a) the importance of preparation for flight and the safe planning taking into consideration all the factors for manoeuvring the aircraft on the wind, tidal currents, high and low water times and water movements at sea, river estuaries and lakes. In addition, icing conditions, ice covered water and broken ice flows
(b) the techniques about the most critical moments at take-off, landing, taxiing and mooring the aircraft
(c) the construction methods and characteristics of floats and water rudders and the importance of checking for leaks in the floats
(d) the necessary requirements for the compliance of the rules for the avoidance of collisions at sea, in regard to sea charts, buoys and lights and horns
Flight Training (FCL.725.A(b))
The flight training for a single pilot aeroplane sea class rating shall include at least 8 hours of dual flight instruction if the applicant holds a SEP (land) class rating, or 10 hours if the applicant does not hold such a rating
Theoretical Knowledge Examination - SEP (sea) Class Rating (FCL.725(b)(5))
Pass a written theoretical knowledge examination consisting of 30 multiple choice questions covering aspects of seamanship and seaplane operations. The pass mark is 75%. The subjects covered include:
Symbols and abbreviations used in Admiralty charts and plans which are of importance to seaplane and amphibian pilots
The regulations for preventing collisions at sea
Lights and shapes to be carried by ships and aeroplanes
Sound and light signals of distress (ships)
International Association of Lighthouse Maritime Buoyage - Region A
Knowledge of tides and tidal definitions in general use
Seaplane operations
Water characteristics and conditions
Floats and hulls
Principles of seaplanes on water and in flight
Class Rating Sea Skill Test/Proficiency Check (Part FCL Appendix 9)
The applicant shall pass the skill test within a period of 6 months after commencement of the SEP (sea) class rating training course and within a period of 6 months preceding the application for the issue of the SEP (sea) class rating
Before a skill test for the issue of the SEP (sea) class rating is taken, the applicant shall have passed the required theoretical knowledge examination
The applicant for a skill test shall be recommended for the test by the organisation responsible for the training, once the training is completed. The training records shall be made available to the examiner
The skill test/proficiency check schedule is given below
Section 1 Departure
Pre-flight including: Documentation, NOTAM, Mass and Balance, Weather briefing
Pre-start checks: External and Internal
Engine Start-up and Shutdown: Normal and Malfunctions
Taxiing
Step Taxiing
Mooring: Beach, Jetty/Pier, Buoy
Engine off sailing
Pre-departure checks: Engine run-up (if applicable)
Take-off procedure: Normal with Flight Manual flap settings, Crosswind (if conditions available)
Climbing: Turns onto headings, Level off
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure
Section 2 Airwork (VFR)
Straight and level flight at various airspeeds including flight at critically low airspeed with and without flaps (including approach to Vmca when applicable)
Steep turns: 360º left and right at 45º bank
Stalls and recovery:
(i) Clean stall
(ii) Approach to stall in descending turn with bank with approach configuration and power
(iii) Approach to stall in landing configuration and power
(iv) Approach to stall, climbing turn with take-off flap and climb power (SE only)
Handling using autopilot and flight director (may be conducted in Section 3) (if applicable)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure
Section 3 En-Route Procedures (VFR)
Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs
Use of radio navigation aids (if applicable)
Flight management (flight log, routine checks including fuel, systems and icing)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure
Section 4 Arrival and Landings
Aerodrome arrival procedure (amphibians only)
Normal landing
Flapless landing
Crosswind landing (if suitable conditions)
Approach and landing with idle power from up to 2000 ft above the water (SE only)
Go-around from minimum height
Glassy water landing
Rough water landing
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure
Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4)
Rejected take-off at a reasonable speed
Simulated engine failure after take-off (SE only)
Simulated forced landing without power (SE only)
Simulated emergencies: Fire or smoke in flight, System’s malfunctions as appropriate
Engine shutdown and restart at a safe altitude if performed in an aeroplane (ME only)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure
Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (ME only)
Not applicable
Validity
24 months
Privileges
The privileges of the holder of a class or type rating are to act as pilot on the class or type of aircraft specified in the rating
Revalidation
(b) Revalidation of single-pilot single-engine class ratings
(1) Single-engine piston aeroplane class ratings and TMG class ratings. For the revalidation of single-pilot single-engine piston aeroplane class ratings or TMG class ratings, the applicants shall:
(i) within the 3 months preceding the expiry date of the rating, pass a proficiency check in the relevant class in accordance with Part FCL Appendix 9 with an examiner or
(ii) within the 12 months preceding the expiry date of the rating, complete 12 hours of flight time in the relevant class, including:
- 6 hours as PIC
- 12 take-offs and 12 landings and
- refresher training of at least 1 hour of total flight time with a flight instructor (FI) or a class rating instructor (CRI). Applicants shall be exempted from this refresher training if they have passed a class or type rating proficiency check, skill test or assessment of competence in any other class or type of aeroplane (see note)
(2) When applicants hold both a single-engine piston aeroplane-land class rating and a TMG rating, they may complete the requirements of (1) in either class or a combination thereof, and achieve revalidation of both ratings
(3) When applicants hold both a single-engine piston aeroplane-land class rating and a single-engine piston aeroplane-sea class rating, they may complete the requirements of (1)(ii) in either class or a combination thereof, and achieve the fulfilment of these requirements for both ratings. At least 1 hour of required PIC time and 6 of the required 12 take-offs and landings shall be completed in each class
(4) The proficiency check for the revalidation of a single-pilot single-engine aeroplane class rating may be combined with the proficiency check for the revalidation of a EIR or IR
Note: The content of the training flight is given in AMC1 FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii) Revalidation of class and type ratings
Renewal
(b) For the renewal of a class or type rating, applicants shall comply with all of the following:
(1) in order to determine whether refresher training is necessary for the applicant to reach the level of proficiency to safely operate the aircraft, they shall undergo an assessment at one of the following:
(i) at an ATO
(ii) at a DTO or at an ATO, if the expired rating concerned a non-high-performance single-engine piston class rating, a TMG class rating or a single-engine type rating for helicopters referred to in point DTO.GEN.110(a)(2)(c) of Aircrew Regulation Annex VIII
(iii) at a DTO, at an ATO or with an instructor, if the rating expired no more than 3 years ago and the rating concerned a non-high-performance single-engine piston class rating or a TMG class rating
(iv) at an EBT operator that is specifically approved for such refresher training
(2) if deemed necessary by the organisation or the instructor providing the assessment in accordance with point (1), they shall complete refresher training at that organisation or with that instructor
(3) after complying with point (1) and, as applicable, point (2), they shall pass a proficiency check in accordance with Part FCL Appendix 9 or complete EBT practical assessment in accordance with Part FCL Appendix 10. That EBT practical assessment may be combined with the refresher training specified in point (2). By way of derogation from points (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(3), pilots holding a flight test rating issued in accordance with point FCL.820 who were involved in the development, certification or production flight tests for an aircraft type and have completed either 50 hours of total flight time or 10 hours of flight time as PIC in test flights in that type during the year prior to the date of their application, shall be entitled to apply for the revalidation or renewal of the relevant type rating. Applicants shall be exempted from the requirement in points (b)(1) and (b)(2) if they hold, and are entitled to exercise the privileges of, a valid rating for the same class or type of aircraft on a pilot licence issued by a third country in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention
Notes:
'Evidence-Based Training (EBT) practical assessment' means a method for assessing performance that serves to verify the integrated performance of competencies and takes place in either a simulated or an operational environment
'Evidence-Based Training (EBT) operator' means an organisation that is holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in accordance with Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation 965/2012 and that has implemented an EBT programme approved by the UK CAA, in accordance with the provisions of that Regulation
'Evidence-Based Training (EBT) programme' means a pilot assessment and training programme in accordance with point ORO.FC.231 (evidence-based training) of Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation 965/2012
References
Flight and ground training
How To Fly Floats by J J Frey
Seaplane Operations by Dale DeRemer and Cesare Baj
Flying A Floatplane by C Marin Faure
International Regulations for Preventing of Collisions at Sea by Royal Yachting Association
ICAO Annex 2 Rules of the Air Chapter 3 Paragraph 3.2.6 Water Operations
ICAO Annex 6 Parts 1 and 2 Operations of Aircraft Chapter 6, Appendix to Chapter 6 Lights to be Displayed by Aircraft
FAA Flight Training Handbook - Seaplane Operations (www.seaplanes.org/library/govtpubs/AC61-21A.pdf) Free download
Transport of Canada - Instructor Guide Seaplane Rating (www.floatsafety.com/Instructor%20Guide%20Seaplane%20Rating/TP12668e.pdf) Free download
Nautical Almanac (This publication can be found in most Libraries under Reference Books)
Part FCL, AMC and GM
Seamanship
The publications below are available from www.bookharbour.com
Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admiralty Charts - Chart 5011
This book is essential reading for the pilot studying for either the Private or Professional Seamanship Examination. A sound working knowledge of the symbols is required
IALA Maritime Buoyage System - ANP735
This book is essential reading for the pilot studying for either the Private or Professional Seamanship Examination. Study should be confined to Region A
A Seaman's Guide to the Rules of the Road by Morgan Technical
A basic textbook teaching the practice and theory of the International Collision Regulations as issued to all merchant naval officers and is essential reading for the pilot studying for the Professional Seamanship Examination
Learn the Nautical Rules of the Road by Paul Boissier
This book guides the reader through the various International Collision Regulations to be adhered to when using any type of vessel on the water and is essential reading for the pilot studying for either the Private or Professional Seamanship Examination
Conversion of ICAO seaplane ratings
Regulation 2020/723 sets out the requirements for conversion of ICAO Licences to a Part FCL licence. The following articles within the regulation cover this process:
Article 3 - Acceptance of licences from third countries
Article 4 - General provisions for validation of licences
Article 5 - Pilot licences for commercial air transport and other commercial activities
Article 6 - Pilot licences for non-commercial activities with an instrument rating
Article 7 - Pilot licences for non-commercial activities without an instrument rating
Article 8 - Validation of pilot licences for specific tasks of limited duration
Article 9 - Conditions for conversion of licences
Article 10 - Conditions for acceptance of class and type ratings
A valid class or type rating contained in a licence issued by a ICAO country may be inserted in a licence issued in accordance with Part FCL, provided that the applicant:
(a) complies with the experience requirements and the prerequisites for the issue of the applicable type or class rating in accordance with Part FCL
(b) passes the relevant skill test for the issue of the applicable type or class rating in accordance with Part FCL
(c) is in current flying practice
(d) has no less than:
(i) for aeroplane class ratings, 100 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that class
(ii) for aeroplane type ratings, 500 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that type
(iii) for single-engine helicopters with a maximum certificated take-off mass of up to 3175 kg, 100 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that type
(iv) for all other helicopters, 350 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that type