Private Pilot (Airplane)
Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan

Attention:

  • Research a case study:
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator:

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Water and Seaplane Characteristics:
0:10
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

  • Review Airman Certification Standards

Student Actions:

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

.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates 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 skill 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.

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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

Conclusion: