Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan

Attention

Research a mishap case study:
- Taxiing Case Studies
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Case Studies
Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

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.

Overview

Topic:

Time:

Introduction:

0:05

Water and Seaplane Characteristics:

0:10

Review (quiz):

0:05

Case Studies:

0:05

Remotivation/Closure:

0:05

Total Ground Time:

0:35

Materials

Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard

Instructor Actions

Before the lesson, review reference materials.
Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
Part 7, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.

Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation Guided Scenario

Student Actions

Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
Ask pertinent questions
Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate
Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Pilot Qualifications Airman Certification Standards

Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation
References: AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM; USCG Navigation Rules

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.

Re-Motivation

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

Closure

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.

Reference Materials

Aircraft Categories and Classes Supplement.
Pilot Certificates and Ratings Supplement.
Pilot Logbooks Supplement.
Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.

Private Pilot (Airplane)Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan

Attention

Motivator

Overview

Materials

Instructor Actions

Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation Guided Scenario

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:

PA.I.I.K1:

PA.I.I.K1a:

PA.I.I.K1b:

PA.I.I.K1c:

PA.I.I.K1d:

PA.I.I.K1e:

PA.I.I.K1f:

PA.I.I.K1g:

PA.I.I.K1h:

PA.I.I.K1i:

PA.I.I.K2:

PA.I.I.K3:

PA.I.I.K4:

PA.I.I.K5:

PA.I.I.K6:

PA.I.I.K7:

PA.I.I.K8:

PA.I.I.K9:

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

PA.I.I.R1:

PA.I.I.R2:

PA.I.I.R3:

PA.I.I.R4:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Water and Seaplane Characteristics Skills:

PA.I.I.S1:

PA.I.I.S2:

PA.I.I.S3:

PA.I.I.S4:

PA.I.I.S5:

PA.I.I.S6:

Re-Motivation

Closure

Reference Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane)
Water and Seaplane Characteristics Lesson Plan