Private Pilot (Airplane)
Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.


Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Introduction

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Introduction

  • Topic:
    Time:
    Introduction:
    0:05
    Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine:
    0:15
    Review (quiz):
    0:05
    Case Studies:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:35

  • Attention Getter:

  • Motivator:

    • Acquiring a seaplane class rating affords access to many areas not available to land-plane pilots.
    • Adding a seaplane class rating to your pilot certificate can be relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive.
      • However, more effort is required to become a safe, efficient, competent "bush" pilot.
    • Seaplane pilots must be aware of collision hazards unique to their operation.
    • Understanding right-of-way rules will help mitigate these hazards.
    • Still, other safety considerations that pertain to operating an aircraft over water must be observed.
    • Finally, just because you can land on water doesn't mean you should.
      • Before operating in a new location, consult the appropriate waterway Jurisdiction ahead of time.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Materials


Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Instructor Actions


Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)


Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Student Actions


Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

  • PA.I.I.K1:

    The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
    • PA.I.I.K1a:
      Size and location.
    • PA.I.I.K1b:
      Protected and unprotected areas.
    • PA.I.I.K1c:
      Surface wind.
    • PA.I.I.K1d:
      Direction and strength of water current.
    • PA.I.I.K1e:
      Floating and partially submerged debris.
    • PA.I.I.K1f:
      Sandbars, islands, and shoals.
    • PA.I.I.K1g:
      Vessel traffic and wakes.
    • PA.I.I.K1h:
      Other characteristics specific to the area.
    • PA.I.I.K1i:
      Direction and height of waves.

  • PA.I.I.K2:

    Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.

  • PA.I.I.K3:

    Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.

  • PA.I.I.K4:

    How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.

  • PA.I.I.K5:

    Operating restrictions at various bases.

  • PA.I.I.K6:

    Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.

  • PA.I.I.K7:

    Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.

  • PA.I.I.K8:

    Naval vessel protection zones.

  • PA.I.I.K9:

    No wake zones.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks encompassing:

  • PA.I.I.R1:

    Local conditions.

  • PA.I.I.R2:

    Impact of marine traffic.

  • PA.I.I.R3:

    Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.

  • PA.I.I.R4:

    Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • PA.I.I.S1:

    Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.

  • PA.I.I.S2:

    Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.

  • PA.I.I.S3:

    Identify marine navigation aids.

  • PA.I.I.S4:

    Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.

  • PA.I.I.S5:

    Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.

  • PA.I.I.S6:

    Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Lesson Plan Lesson Plan Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.

  • Closure:

    • The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.
    • Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
    • Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.