Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am due for a bi-annual flight review—will this count?
A. Yes, any additional rating will count as a biannual flight review.
Q. What should I bring?
A. Water shoes, shorts, cool clothes and swim suit in summer, a towel, your current medical certificate, license, and logbook.
Q. Are there any minimum requirements for the course?
A. We require at least a private pilot license and a valid 3rd class medical.
Q. What is the schedule of the course?
A. Optimally, during the summer, you should arrive to have 2-3 hours of training the first afternoon or evening. We do not train at night. You will have the evening to study and rest up. The next morning we will have another 2-3 hours of flying and we will arrange your appointment with the examiner. The schedule will be more flexible during the week when there is less boat traffic, and during the non-summer months when boating traffic is minimal. The plane is heated and comfortable in the cooler months.
Q. What kind of weather is required?
A. At least one session and the examination will require minimum ceilings of 2500 to 3000 feet at the Alexander City Airport for stalls and high work. The rest of the training will be low and require about 1000 feet at ALX.
Q. Can I fly in?
A. The crew at Alexander City airport is very friendly, and has Jet-A and Avgas available at reasonable rates. Transportation can be arranged to and from the training site.
Q. Are hotels available nearby?
A. Alexander City has a fine selection of hotels and restaurants, many within a half mile of the airport.
Q. What can I do to improve the experience?
A. Come with a positive attitude to have a fun day of learning on the water.
Q. What if I just can't get it?
A. If you are a reasonably proficient single engine Pilot you should really enjoy the experience, however, if it appears that you will need more time or possibly just some other arrangements, we will let you know as early as possible. Buy the same token after flight training has begun, if you are just not having any fun other arrangements can be made as well. Above all this should be a fun learning experience.
Q. What can I do to prepare ahead of time?
A. You can purchase "Notes of a Seaplane Instructor" and J.J. Frey's "How to Fly Floats" from the Seaplane Pilots Association or Sporty's web sites, or wherever you choose. These are excellent books. A good knowledge base ahead of time will allow you to concentrate on the flying portion of the journey.
Q. Can I set up a clinic for a group of pilots?
A. We can arrange group rates and accommodations. There is currently only one seaplane in the fleet, thus we are limited by time and resources. I would recommend early fall or spring so that the days are still reasonably long and not as hot.
Q. Can the training be done at another location?
A. Yes, but only after certain circumstances are met, and schedules allow.
Q. What if I need to cancel?
A. 24 Hours notice is required, at which point you can receive a refund on your deposit or reschedule.
Q. How much is the deposit?
A. $100 per person seeking a rating.
Q. What if the weather turns bad?
A. We will have to be flexible and deal with this will be a case by case basis. Check with us, FSS, and the weather channel the day before the lesson.
Q. I am already a seaplane pilot and I just want to get checked out in the C150 and get current. What are the arrangements?
A. This can be arranged on an hourly basis. Solo flight is not permitted by our insurance.
Q. What is the hourly rate for an instructor and the plane?
A. Our hourly rate is $150 wet with a one hour minimum.
Q. Can I use my own seaplane?
A. Yes, provided our instructor is named on your insurance for the duration of training.