From the Federal Aviation Administration, Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook provides the most up-to-date, definitive information on piloting water-related aircraft. Along with full-color photographs and illustrations, detailed descriptions make complicated tasks easy-to-understand, while the index and glossary provide the perfect reference for finding any topic and solving any issue. The Federal Aviation Administration leaves no question unanswered in the most complete book on how to fly water-related aircraft available on the market. Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook is the perfect addition to the bookshelf of all aircraft enthusiasts, FAA fans, and novice and experienced pilots alike.

The ultimate guide to water-related aircraft...

The basic skills and aeronautical knowledge necessary for piloting airplanes or helicopters on water, snow, or ice are introduced in this official FAA handbook to seaplane operation. Pilots looking to gain their seaplane licenses, rated seaplane pilots wishing to improve their proficiency, and flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both students and transitioning pilots will find this guide indispensable. Clear explanations of seaplane regulations, NAVAIDS, water characteristics, skiplane operations, and emergency open sea operations are included along with information on float and ski-equipped helicopters; these are further enhanced by a glossary, index, and full-color graphics.

Written for pilots who want to fly airplanes that can take off and land from water, this resource provides tips for experienced seaplane pilots as well as requirements for getting certified as a seaplane pilot. All the tasks a pilot must demonstrate during the checkride to receive a seaplane certificate are covered in detail, including preflight preparations, taxiing, sailing, seaplane base and airport operations, takeoffs and landings, and emergency operations. The FAA practical test standards are included as an appendix.

Notes of a Seaplane Instructor is a distillation of all the tips, techniques and procedures of a veteran flyer and teacher, in an accessible and informative format. Author Burke Mees has an affinity for the "feel of the floats on the water" and how to communicate it in writing, as well as a sensible, professional approach which lends a truly "one-on-one" aspect to reading his book. All the seaplane maneuvers are covered, starting with preflight, proceeding through taxiing, takeoff, landing, and postflight procedures; also operating in various water conditions, stability of the aircraft on the water, step-taxi and -turn, and much more. Many illustrations, taken from and inspired by the author's own original flight instruction notebook sketches, help to further explain the concepts. In this new second edition, Burke provides even more notes on technique and performance particular to the world of floatplanes, with a special emphasis on safety and the best kind of pilot decision-making processes that keep seaplanes flying. The Second Edition also features an added chapter on multi-engine seaplane flying, and an appendix with notes on "pumping the floats" and "ropes and splicing." What is it like to fly single-engine float planes? How do pilots develop and then hone their water-flying skills? What techniques apply to both landplanes and seaplanes, and which ones belong in only one realm? The answers to these questions comprise a unique approach to seaplane flying, in a book that reveals what floatplane mastery is really all about. Notes of a Seaplane Instructor offers insights to all pilots, from already-rated seaplane pilots to those looking to experience the benefits and pleasures of seaplane flying for the first time.

Seaplane flying is challenging and fun. This guide provide excellent information for the pilot that is adding a seaplane rating to their pilot certificate. The guide provides information on seaplane characteristics, environmental factors, various flying techniques, and more.

The Commercial Pilot—Airplane Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial pilot certification practical tests for the airplane category, single-engine land and sea; and multiengine land and sea classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published the Private Pilot-Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document to communicate the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and flight proficiency standards for the private pilot certification in the airplane category, single-engine land and sea; and multiengine land and sea classes. This ACS incorporates and supersedes FAA-S-ACS-6, Private Pilot-Airplane Airman Certification Standards, Change 1. The FAA views the ACS as the foundation of its transition to a more integrated and systematic approach to airman certification. The ACS is part of the safety management system (SMS) framework that the FAA uses to mitigate risks associated with airman certification training and testing. Specifically, the ACS, associated guidance, and test question components of the airman certification system are constructed around the four functional components of an SMS: Safety Policy that defines and describes aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and risk management as integrated components of the airman certification system; Safety Risk Management processes through which both internal and external stakeholders identify changes in regulations, safety recommendations, or other factors. These changes are then evaluated to determine whether they require modification of airman testing and training materials; Safety Assurance processes to ensure the prompt and appropriate incorporation of changes arising from new regulations and safety recommendations; and Safety Promotion in the form of ongoing engagement with both external stakeholders (e.g., the aviation training industry) and FAA policy divisions. The FAA has developed this ACS and its associated guidance in collaboration with a diverse group of aviation training experts. The goal is to drive a systematic approach to all components of the airman certification system, including knowledge test question development and conduct of the practical test. The FAA acknowledges and appreciates the many hours that these aviation experts have contributed toward this goal. This level of collaboration, a hallmark of a robust safety culture, strengthens and enhances aviation safety at every level of the airman certification system.