Seaplane Rating

If you have a long-cherished dream of becoming a floatplane pilot, landing by remote beaches and lakes with your friends, then our floatplane training program is just for you. We offer 3 seaplane rating programs depending on your goals.

7-Hour Seaplane

7 hours

This program is designed for candidates who wish to obtain a seaplane rating and is an introduction to a new flight environment.

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15-Hour Seaplane

15 hours

This program is designed for those who not only wish to obtain their ratings but also would like to rent a seaplane from us or...

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50-Hour Seaplane

50 hours

If you would like to work as a seaplane pilot, we would highly recommend this program to you. Based on the common minimum...

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7-Hour Seaplane Program

This program is designed for candidates who wish to obtain a seaplane rating and is an introduction to a new flight environment.

This course consists of a minimum of 7 hours of float training including a minimum of 5 hours of dual instruction and 5 takeoffs and landings as the sole occupant of the aeroplane. During this training students will learn how to safely operate a seaplane, including landings and takeoffs on water, sailing, taxiing, docking, ramping, and pre-flight preparations. The following exercises will be covered during the program:
      1. Taxiing
      2. Sailing
      3. Docking
      4. Takeoffs
      5. Landings
      6. As conditions exist, operations on glassy water, rough water, and in crosswind conditions.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIB did not review this program.

15-Hour Seaplane Program

This program is designed for those who not only wish to obtain their ratings but also would like to rent a seaplane from us or any other operator according to the most common rental requirements.

This course is an expanded version of the 7-hour Canadian Seaplane Rating course. It includes an extra 8 hours of proficiency and advanced seaplane techniques. Total of 15 hours of Seaplane Training.
  • 15 hours of dual instruction including a 7-hour Canadian Seaplane Rating
  • 3 hours of Preparatory Ground Instruction.
  • 5 takeoffs and landings as the sole occupant of the aeroplane.
The following exercises will be covered during the program:
      1. Taxiing
      2. Sailing
      3. Docking
      4. Takeoffs
      5. Landings
      6. As conditions exist, operations on glassy water, rough water, and crosswind conditions.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

50-Hour Seaplane Program

If you would like to work as a seaplane pilot, we would highly recommend this program to you. Based on the common minimum hours required to work as a seaplane pilot and also the Transport Canada minimum hours required to instruct seaplane rating.

This course is a Transport Canada recognized 50-hour Professional Seaplane Training Program designed to meet the requirements of seaplane operators and insurance companies from around the world. This program consists of 25 hours of dual seaplane training and 25 hours of solo practice. This training can be accredited to your Commercial Pilot License Training. You will start off by learning the basic seaplane techniques included in the 7-hour Seaplane Rating which includes 5 solo take-offs and landings to meet the Seaplane Rating requirements and then hone your skills with 18 Hours Seaplane Proficiency course. The second part of the course is 25 hours of solo PIC where you can develop and practice your new skills. The following exercises will be covered during the program:
      1. Taxiing
      2. Sailing
      3. Docking
      4. Takeoffs and landings including busy rivers, lakes, tides and currents.
      5. As conditions exist, operations on glassy water, rough water and in crosswind conditions.
      6. Ramping and Beaching, mountain and bush training.
      7. Mooring and anchoring (where available)
      8. Step-taxiing and single float takeoffs
      9. Emergency procedures, survival equipment
      10. Cross country planning and flight
      11. Low-Level Navigation
NOTE: At the instructor’s discretion some students may require more dual training prior to being allowed solo privileges. This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Program Costs

Please visit the Tuition and Rates page on our website to view the costs for the seaplane programs.

Admission

Please visit the Admission page on our website to begin the process of admission to this program. Prerequisites:
  • Licensing
    • Applicants must hold a valid license which can be endorsed with a Seaplane class rating by Transport Canada.
      • The license must be accompanied by the appropriate medical category using which the licence or permit is maintained.
For more information about this program or any other matter, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.