CA.I.IFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023
Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.
Bottom line
For safe operations, a seaplane pilot must be familiar with seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation. A seaplane on the water, whether under power or not, is required to comply with USCG navigation rules applicable to vessels.
FAA references
- SEA ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-23
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- AIM 7-6-9 (Seaplane Safety) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
Knowledge
- CA.I.I.K1: The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
- CA.I.I.K1a: a. Size and location
- CA.I.I.K1b: b. Protected and unprotected areas
- CA.I.I.K1c: c. Surface wind
- CA.I.I.K1d: d. Direction and strength of water current
- CA.I.I.K1e: e. Floating and partially submerged debris
- CA.I.I.K1f: f. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
- CA.I.I.K1g: g. Vessel traffic and wakes
- CA.I.I.K1h: h. Other characteristics specific to the area
- CA.I.I.K1i: i. Direction and height of waves
- CA.I.I.K2: Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
- CA.I.I.K3: Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
- CA.I.I.K4: How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
- CA.I.I.K5: Operating restrictions at various bases.
- CA.I.I.K6: Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
- CA.I.I.K7: Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
- CA.I.I.K8: Naval vessel protection zones.
- CA.I.I.K9: No wake zones.
Risk management
Skills
- CA.I.I.S1: Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
- CA.I.I.S2: Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
- CA.I.I.S3: Identify marine navigation aids.
- CA.I.I.S4: Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
- CA.I.I.S5: Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
- CA.I.I.S6: Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
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