Swap steam gauges for glass-panel avionics
What kind of flying involves an oar, an anchor, and a life vest? Seaplane flying, which combines the best of two worlds: aviation and boating.
With no knowledge test and no minimum flight-time requirements, the single-engine sea add-on rating is said to be one of the easiest ratings to earn. Expect to come away with sharpened stick-and-rudder skills. Touching down on a runway that changes constantly only adds to the fun and challenge.
Alaska, Florida, and Maine have some of the most famous training facilities in the industry—but plenty of flight schools around the country offer training, often in Cessna 172s, Piper Cubs, or Taylorcrafts equipped with floats. Light Sport seaplanes include the Icon A5 and the Progressive Aerodyne Searey, which technically are amphibious aircraft because they touch down on the water on their hulls but can operate on land.
Adding a single-engine seaplane rating satisfies the requirements for a flight review under FAR 61.56(d). The main disadvantage of a seaplane rating is that, because of insurance restrictions, it’s tough to locate an operator that will rent you an airplane for solo flight once you have earned the rating.
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