Seaplanes are our true passion and the most pleasant form of flying, combining three elements: air, earth and water. We guarantee our candidates the experience of an amazing adventure that gives great satisfaction and a sense of freedom. If you want to learn a completely different kind of flying – we invite you to our training!
Seaplane SEP(Sea) rating training
Single engine piston sea rating authorizes the pilot to perform flights on aircrafts classified in SEP(Sea) class and thus performing takeoff and landing operations on water reservoirs. Training consist of theoretical and practical part. The practical part ends with a state exam. At the moment we are the only center in Poland and one of few in Europe offering this type of training.
Entry requirements for candidates:
- Holding EASA PPL(A) license or higher,
- Valid medical – appropriate to the license held.
NOTE! SEP(S) training in Poland does NOT require holding motorboat helmsman patent.
Training dates:
We mainly train in individual mode on business days and on weekends. The seaplane season in Poland depends on the time of year. We start flying in early spring (usually at the beginning of April) when there is no ice on lakes and the weather becomes “flyable” and we finish it in late autumn (late October and early November).
Theoretical training:
Theoretical training consists of 7 hours of lectures at our airport, we will discuss, among others, legal issues in relation to seaplanes and principles of navigating on water reservoirs, taxiing techniques, take-off and landing on the water surface, as well as principles of selection of landing places. In addition, we explain the differences in the construction of seaplanes and the impact of the modifications used on performance and operating procedures. Theoretical training is usually organized directly before the start of practical training. The theoretical training price applies to individual classes conducted by an aviation training instructor and is:
| Type of training | Number of training hours: | Total cost (gross): |
| SEP(S) theoretical training | 7 hours of stationary training | 1 722 PLN |
Practical training:
We conduct practical training only during the daytime on Cessna 172 with amphibious floats. We start and finish practical training at our home airport, using the available water reservoirs along the way. In the training, we try to place special attention on practicing the technique of taking off and landing on water, which significantly differs from traditional “land techniques”, while avoiding too long cross country flights. Our SEP(S) rating program, in accordance with Part.FCL assumes:
- for candidates holding valid SEP(L) rating –at least 8 FH with instructor, or
- for candidates not holding valid SEP(L) rating –at least 10 FH with instructor.
Practical training cost:
| Aircraft type: | Hourly rate (gross): |
| Cessna 172 amphibian floatplane | 1 464 PLN |
NOTE:
1) Aircraft hourly rate includes instructor fee, fuel and taxes. There are no additional fees.
2) Payment must be done before starting the training.
Duration of training:
It is most convenient to organize training for seaplanes in a block of several days. However, we will adapt to other solutions depending on the candidate’s time capabilities. Under favorable weather conditions, the training usually lasts about 4-5 flying days. We offer our students the possibility of accommodation and breakfast. The full offer is available in the guest rooms tab.
WARNING! In accordance with Part.FCL aviation personnel licensing regulations, each aircraft class training may not last more than six months from the commencement of the training to the date of taking the practical test.
SEP(S) rating practical exam may take place on our airport, immediately after the practical training has been completed. The exam is conducted with a state examiner chosen by the candidate and must last not less than an hour of flight. The candidate covers cost of renting a seaplane for the exam. After passing the exam, we will provide all necessary documents for candidate’s CAA and candidate should submit an application to his/hers aviation authority for new rating entry (licence replacement is mandatory).
We also organize familiarization flights aimed at demonstrating to the pilot techniques of taking off and landing in a water reservoir and the principles of conducting flight training on seaplanes. We also train pilots to other types of our seaplanes: Aviat Husky A-1C-180 or DHC-2 Mk I Beaver.
It is possible to convert the SEP(S) rating issued in a “third country”, basing our training on the Individual Training Program.
If you have any additional questions, concerns or would like to start training, please contact the Żerniki airport office!
