AI.VII.K.R2eFAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

e. Water surface/condition

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: e. Water surface/condition

Bottom line

Once on the step, the seaplane can begin to bounce from one wave crest to the next, raising its nose higher with each bounce, so each successive wave is struck with increasing severity. To correct this situation and to prevent a stall, smooth elevator pressures should be used to set up a fairly constant pitch attitude that allows the seaplane to skim across each successive wave as speed increases.

FAA references

  1. SEA ch. 4 (p. 4-16) — FAA-H-8083-23
  2. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. AIM 7-6-14 (Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-8) — FAA-H-8083-23
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