SEAPLANE, SKIPLANE,
and FLOAT/SKI EQUIPPED
HELICOPTER
OPERATIONS
HANDBOOK
2004
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service
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PREFACE
This operational handbook introduces the basic skills necessary for piloting seaplanes, skiplanes, and helicopters
equipped with floats or skis. It is developed by the Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in
cooperation with various aviation educators and industry.
This handbook is primarily intended to assist pilots who already hold private or commercial certificates and who are
learning to fly seaplanes, skiplanes, or helicopters equipped for water or ski operations. It is also beneficial to rated
seaplane pilots who wish to improve their proficiency, pilots preparing for flights using ski equipped aircraft, and
flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both student and transitioning pilots. It introduces the future seaplane
or skiplane pilot to the realm of water operations and cold weather operations, and provides information on the performance
of procedures required for the addition of a sea class rating in airplanes. Information on general piloting
skills, aeronautical knowledge, or flying techniques not directly related to water or cold weather operations are
beyond the scope of this book, but are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different
ways of teaching, as well as performing specific operating procedures, and many variations in the explanations of
operating from water, snow, and ice. This handbook is not comprehensive, but provides a basic knowledge that
can serve as a foundation on which to build further knowledge. The discussion and explanations reflect commonly
used practices and principles. Occasionally the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action
is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR
and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at http://www.faa.gov/atpubs.
Performance standards for demonstrating competence required for the seaplane rating are prescribed in the appropriate
practical test standard.
The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge codes for all
airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the Flight Standards Service web site at http://av-info.faa.gov.
The FAA greatly appreciates the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and organizations throughout the
aviation community whose expertise contributed to the preparation of this handbook.
This handbook supercedes Chapters 16 and 17 of FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook, dated 1999. This handbook
is available for download from the Flight Standards Service Web site at http://av-info.faa.gov. This Web site
also provides information about availability of printed copies.
This handbook is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman
Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Comments regarding this handbook
should be sent in e-mail form to AFS630comments@faa.gov.
AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and
other flight information and publications. This checklist is available via the Internet at
http://www.faa.gov/aba/html_policies/ac00_2.html.
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Photo credits:
Cover (Lake amphibian): Lanshe Aerospace
Cover (Skiplane), Tom Evans Photography
Page 2-1, bottom right: Wipaire, Inc.
Page 7-1, left column: Airglas Engineering
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Downwind Arc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Downwind Takeoffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Glassy Water Takeoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Rough Water Takeoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Confined Area Takeoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
CHAPTER 5—Performance
Performance Considerations for Takeoff,
Climb, Cruise, and Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Climb and Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
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