August 27, 2023
Imagine a world where there are millions more places to land your airplane than there are airports around the world. Congratulations! You now think like a seaplane pilot. My Seaplane license has opened such a world for me. I have met the best of the best in people, traveled to far-off places in the world, and seen the unimaginable beauty of wild and scenic spots in the North and their inhabitants in North, Central, and South America, and Africa. This would not have been possible without my water rating and training in Alaska and Maine.
Whether flying over or slipping between tall mountains, flying over the Great Lakes, or island hopping, I know I have many landing options beyond airports. I now see rivers, lakes, and oceans as my playground. In my Super Seawind, I can land and take off from most waterways with no worry about too little takeoff distance because I can always depart into the wind and climb out at up to 3000 FPM – about thrice what most pontoon planes can do! Furthermore, with a 270-degree flight deck view, the views are incredible – better than being in a movie theater.
So why is it that so few pilots have a seaplane rating? Seaplane pilots may be familiar in Alaska, Maine, and Florida, but not in other states. I personally only know of a handful of seaplane pilots. This is curious since it only takes 2-3 days of training to be rated. Conclusion; Land pilots are missing their own ticket to a new world of adventure and fun. A seaplane pilot has a much better chance of survival in case of an engine failure away from airports than a landplane pilot simply because there are a lot more places to land. So, give yourself a great gift. Open a door to a world of 71% water. Fly safe. Fly for fun.
Also read: OSHKOSH AirVenture: Where Dreams and Friendships are Born