AI.II.L.R3FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management
Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
Bottom line
A seaplane is considered a vessel when on the water for the purposes of these collision avoidance rules. Since a seaplane in the water may not be as maneuverable as one in the air, the aircraft on the water has right-of-way over one in the air, and one taking off has right-of-way over one landing.
FAA references
- SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — 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)
- SEA ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AFH ch. 11 (p. 11-6) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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