What to Expect
Once you arrive at the seaplane base you will be greeted by Lewis, the black Labrador retriever that oversees the operation. First you'll be given preflight ground training so that your experience in the plane will make much more sense and you can enjoy the training more. We will then introduce you to the seaplane and the differences between a float plane and a land plane.
We'll do a thorough pre-flight including all the different procedures involving being on the water. For example, the plane is always in motion on the water. If the engine is not running and there is any wind the plane will be moving backwards with the wind. You will be outfitted with an inflatable life jacket and instructed in its use.
Once everything is in order, we'll push off from the dock and enter the plane, where the first objective is to get it started and moving under our control. Then we'll don Bose headsets and get underway.
Next is take-off from the water and get very familiar with the airplane with high work, including stalls, steep turns, and slow flight. This also gives you a wonderful view of Lake Martin which is one of the cleanest and prettiest lakes in the southeast. We will then begin our low work, doing all types of landings that the weather will provide.
The water is very reactive to the wind and boat traffic, so our training must be reactive. You will learn to read the water, and to be aware of your surroundings on a whole new level. There is no tower or approach control, or even an FAA designating where you should land and fencing that area. You will learn what is safe and appropriate, but you are in charge of your destiny on the water.
Any time during the training you will be able land and ask questions or just enjoy the scenery. After a couple of hours we will adjourn back to the dock for a debriefing. Your second day we will cover any items not covered from the previous training and get you prepared for your checkride. Along the way you will learn water handling including beaching, taxiing, sailing and docking. Your checkride will consist of a very thorough but pleasant oral, and then you get to show off all of your new skills.