It’s a warm, sticky August morning in Florida, and even the stiff breeze swirling in through the Cub’s open door fails to refresh. I wipe my brow and adjust my ball cap, then peer intently at the lake we’re approaching. It’s not just the climate making me sweat; I’ve been working hard, and things just aren’t clicking, though this is my 18th or 19th landing of the flight. “OK, Sam,” says my young instructor, Chris Taylor, from the front seat, “go ahead and set up for a glassy water landing.” It’s an apt choice; the conditions won’t be simulated this time, for the wind has very nearly died. Besides, my landings have been pretty ugly with depth perception. Perhaps I’ll do better without it.
More Floatplane Fun in the Florida Sun
Key Takeaways:
- An experienced airline pilot recounts his challenging but ultimately successful two-day training to earn a single-engine sea rating at Jack Brown's Seaplane Base.
- The training involved intense practical sessions covering various water landings and maneuvers, with the check ride emphasizing real-world judgment and conservative decision-making.
- Beyond acquiring the new rating, the author found the training process invaluable for challenging himself, breaking aviation "ruts," and discovering a new facet of flying, inspiring him to pursue further ratings.
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