AI.II.LFAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023
Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine
To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Bottom line
A competent seaplane pilot is knowledgeable in the characteristics of water and how they affect the seaplane. For safe operations, a pilot must be familiar with seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation. A seaplane is considered a vessel when on the water for the purposes of these collision avoidance rules.
FAA references
- SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — FAA-H-8083-23
- SEA ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AIM 7-6-9 (Seaplane Safety) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
Knowledge
- AI.II.L.K1: Characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
- AI.II.L.K1a: a. Size and location
- AI.II.L.K1b: b. Protected and unprotected areas
- AI.II.L.K1c: c. Surface wind
- AI.II.L.K1d: d. Direction and strength of water current
- AI.II.L.K1e: e. Floating and partially submerged debris
- AI.II.L.K1f: f. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
- AI.II.L.K1g: g. Vessel traffic and wakes
- AI.II.L.K1h: h. Direction and height of waves
- AI.II.L.K1i: i. Other characteristics specific to the area
- AI.II.L.K2: Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
- AI.II.L.K3: Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
- AI.II.L.K4: How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
- AI.II.L.K5: Operating restrictions at various bases.
- AI.II.L.K6: Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
- AI.II.L.K7: Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
- AI.II.L.K8: Naval vessel protection zones.
- AI.II.L.K9: No wake zones.
Risk management
Skills
- AI.II.L.S1: Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
- AI.II.L.S2: Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
- AI.II.L.S3: Identify marine navigation aids.
- AI.II.L.S4: Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
- AI.II.L.S5: Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
- AI.II.L.S6: Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
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