SSI has worked with private individuals who needed additional training in order to qualify and comply with insurance requirements to fly their own floatplane. We trained them with the same requirements and expectations that they would need to fly for SSI professionally. SSI also provides recurrent training for the FAA.

We realize that it would not be economically feasible to offer 50 – 75 hours of training in a program marketed to private pilots. Alternatively, we have arrived at a program that will highlight and encompass what we feel is necessary for a pilot to safely and professionally operate their specific aircraft.

The training classes of the most common aircraft:

Cessna 172 / Super Cub / Husky

Cessna 180 / Cessna 182 / Cessna 185 / Cessna 206

Beaver / Caravan

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objective of this initial / recurrent course is to provide complete review of the aircraft limitations, normal and abnormal systems, and flight characteristics. Particular attention will focus on the aircraft’s pilot operating handbook, the supplements with the installation of the floats, and any modifications from the aircraft original type certificate and / or aircraft manufacturer’s operation bulletins that pertain to the aircraft flight manual and aircraft characteristics.

GROUND TRAINING

Aircraft systems – electrical, fuel, powerplant

A check of the aircraft documents and flight manuals with focus on aircraft float supplements

Aircraft weight and balance

Areas of operation

Individual areas of operation

How to use safety equipment

Safety equipment that is required

Review of industry accidents with floatplanes

It has been SSI’s experience that most pilots are unfamiliar with the float supplements, the difference of weight and balances with floats, or have the proper documents needed.

FLIGHT TRAINING

SSI will use an actual aircraft to perform the flight training with a minimum of 2 hours of dual.

All pilots will be trained on the level of a commercial training standard.

The flight training will take the student into areas of the flight envelope where accidents have occurred. Typically these accidents occur because the individual does not have the experience level and therefore attempts practices that the pilot and the aircraft is not capable of performing.

Passenger briefing before flight will be explained in detail.

The flight training will be tailored to the individual pilot and will focus on these areas of operation. (Because geography area of operation is different, i.e.; LA, FL, ME, AK)

MARINE SURVIVAL TRAINING

Eight hours of marine survival training is included. This will be mandatory for initial floatplane training.

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Upon course completion, the pilot will have satisfactorily completed the ground training on their specific aircraft and passed an actual flight review. Commercial flight standards are needed to pass.