AI.II.L.S5FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Skills
Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
Bottom line
A competent seaplane pilot is knowledgeable in the characteristics of water and how they affect the seaplane. Calm water begins to show wave motion when the wind reaches about two knots, at which speed patches of ripples begin to form. The higher the wind speed, or the longer the wind acts on the waves, the larger the waves.
FAA references
- SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — 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. 6 (p. 6-1) — FAA-H-8083-23
- SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-5) — FAA-H-8083-23
- RMH ch. 3, Weather (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
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