Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task L

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES (Airplane Single-Engine Sea), AMES (Airplane Multiengine Sea)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Required Materials:

    • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
    • FAA-S-ACS-25, Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards.
    • Lesson plan, student training record, and applicable instructor records.

  • Optional Materials:

    • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM).
    • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
    • Current charts, Chart Supplement, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Airplane, cockpit procedures trainer, approved training device, or classroom teaching aids, as appropriate.

  • Reference Materials:

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation II, Task L, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Teach a systematic water-operating-area survey and explain how the following features affect takeoff, landing, taxi, docking, beaching, emergency options, and seaplane control: (AI.II.L.K1)
      • Available length, width, orientation, elevation, access, shoreline, approach and departure paths, and emergency landing options. (AI.II.L.K1a)
      • Protection from wind and waves versus exposure to open-water swell, rapidly changing conditions, confined maneuvering space, and shoreline turbulence. (AI.II.L.K1b)
      • Wind direction and velocity using water texture, streaks, wind shadows, smoke, flags, vessels, and other available cues. (AI.II.L.K1c)
      • Current direction and strength and its combined effect with wind on drift, turning, docking, sailing, and the takeoff or landing path. (AI.II.L.K1d)
      • Detection and avoidance of logs, vegetation, ice, animals, refuse, and other floating or partially submerged debris that may be difficult to see from the air. (AI.II.L.K1e)
      • Recognition of sandbars, islands, shoals, reefs, shallow water, color or texture changes, and water-depth uncertainty. (AI.II.L.K1f)
      • Vessel routes, speed, maneuverability, right-of-way, wake direction and timing, and the effect of wakes on the seaplane. (AI.II.L.K1g)
      • Wave and swell direction, height, spacing, steepness, reflected waves, and conditions requiring a different area, heading, or technique. (AI.II.L.K1h)
      • Local tides, ice, wildlife, seasonal conditions, regulations, noise-sensitive areas, hazards, and operating customs. (AI.II.L.K1i)
    • Relate float or hull structure—including bows, chines, keels, steps, spray rails, compartments, water rudders, rigging, and amphibious landing gear—to buoyancy, drag, spray, directional control, stability, and takeoff and landing performance. (AI.II.L.K2)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how improper pitch attitude, speed, trim, power, loading, or wave encounter causes porpoising or skipping; teach prompt correction through proper attitude and power adjustment or discontinuation of the takeoff or landing when recovery is doubtful. (AI.II.L.K3)
    • Use current charts, Chart Supplements, directories, and local information to locate and identify seaplane bases, operating areas, communications, services, and published cautions. (AI.II.L.K4)
    • Research and brief operating restrictions involving hours, noise, landing areas, traffic patterns, permits, inspections, customs, environmental protections, wildlife, docking, fueling, and local authority. (AI.II.L.K5)
    • Apply aviation right-of-way rules and pertinent maritime steering and sailing rules to overtaking, crossing, head-on, constrained, and emergency situations while accounting for the seaplane's limited maneuverability on water. (AI.II.L.K6)
    • Have the learner identify and interpret applicable buoys, beacons, daymarks, lights, sound signals, range markers, channels, hazards, and regulatory markers without assuming that aviation charts contain all marine information. (AI.II.L.K7)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain naval-vessel protection-zone dimensions, speed and stand-off requirements, communication or authorization procedures, and immediate compliance with official direction. (AI.II.L.K8)
    • Have the learner identify no-wake zones and operate at the required speed to avoid hazardous wakes, property damage, shoreline erosion, conflict with vessels, and enforcement action. (AI.II.L.K9)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Obtain local knowledge and reassess wind, current, tides, waves, water level and depth, debris, traffic, wildlife, terrain, and restrictions immediately before operation; select another area or technique when margins are inadequate. (AI.II.L.R1)
    • Predict vessel tracks, wakes, blind spots, and stopping limitations; maintain conspicuous positioning, conservative spacing, controlled speed, and an escape route without assuming vessels see or understand the seaplane. (AI.II.L.R2)
    • Apply the correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing rule early and predictably while avoiding rigid insistence on privilege when collision avoidance requires another action. (AI.II.L.R3)
    • Plan for limited fuel, maintenance, weather reporting, communications, rescue, firefighting, docking, transportation, and medical assistance by carrying suitable reserves and equipment and establishing diversion and emergency alternatives. (AI.II.L.R4)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Have the learner use the actual aircraft or diagrams to explain how each significant float or hull feature affects water handling, drag, spray, stability, takeoff, landing, and performance. (AI.II.L.S1)
    • Give developing porpoise and skip scenarios and require recognition of the cause, correct control and power response, and prompt rejection or go-around when safe recovery is not assured. (AI.II.L.S2)
    • Have the learner identify representative marine navigation aids and explain the safe action each indication requires. (AI.II.L.S3)
    • Use meeting, crossing, overtaking, docking, channel, and vessel-traffic scenarios to assess correct right-of-way, steering, sailing, speed, and communication decisions. (AI.II.L.S4)
    • Have the learner survey the proposed operating area from available preflight sources and an aerial or on-water inspection, then select and justify the operating path, technique, abort points, and alternatives. (AI.II.L.S5)
    • Require the learner to locate and explain every applicable restriction, permission, closure, service limitation, and local procedure for the assigned seaplane bases. (AI.II.L.S6)
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Assign an ASES or AMES operation between unfamiliar water areas and require the instructor applicant to teach water-surface evaluation, float or hull characteristics, porpoising and skipping, base identification and restrictions, maritime rules, navigation aids, protection zones, and no-wake requirements. (AI.II.L.K1–K9)
  • Have the learner research local conditions and services, inspect the operating area, identify navigation aids and restrictions, explain aircraft construction effects, and select safe takeoff, landing, taxi, sailing, docking, and abort plans. (AI.II.L.S1–S6)
  • Introduce changing wind or current, unexpected debris, vessel traffic and wake, or unavailable services and require a revised plan that applies right-of-way rules, protects margins, and preserves an alternate. (AI.II.L.R1–R4)
  • Introduce a realistic learner error, such as overlooking a shoal, misreading a marine aid, insisting on right-of-way, or continuing a porpoise, and require timely instructor intervention and correction.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select Tasks C, K, and at least one other Task from this Area of Operation. The evaluator must also select Task P for multiengine applicants.
  • Task L: Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM; USCG Navigation Rules
Knowledge 9 ACS Elements
  • AI.II.L.K1:
    Characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
    • AI.II.L.K1a:
      Size and location
    • AI.II.L.K1b:
      Protected and unprotected areas
    • AI.II.L.K1c:
      Surface wind
    • AI.II.L.K1d:
      Direction and strength of water current
    • AI.II.L.K1e:
      Floating and partially submerged debris
    • AI.II.L.K1f:
      Sandbars, islands, and shoals
    • AI.II.L.K1g:
      Vessel traffic and wakes
    • AI.II.L.K1h:
      Direction and height of waves
    • AI.II.L.K1i:
      Other characteristics specific to the area
  • AI.II.L.K2:
    Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
  • AI.II.L.K3:
    Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
  • AI.II.L.K4:
    How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
  • AI.II.L.K5:
    Operating restrictions at various bases.
  • AI.II.L.K6:
    Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
  • AI.II.L.K7:
    Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
  • AI.II.L.K8:
    Naval vessel protection zones.
  • AI.II.L.K9:
    No wake zones.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
  • AI.II.L.R1:
    Local conditions.
  • AI.II.L.R2:
    Impact of marine traffic.
  • AI.II.L.R3:
    Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
  • AI.II.L.R4:
    Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.
Skills 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.II.L.S1:
    Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
  • AI.II.L.S2:
    Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
  • AI.II.L.S3:
    Identify marine navigation aids.
  • AI.II.L.S4:
    Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
  • AI.II.L.S5:
    Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
  • AI.II.L.S6:
    Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES) helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.