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:
- The author, an experienced airline pilot, pursued a single-engine sea rating at Jack Brown's Seaplane Base, initially struggling with depth perception and glassy water landings but improving significantly through focused instruction.
- The two-day course involved intensive training in various seaplane maneuvers, including different landing types, confined-area takeoffs, docking, and mooring, with continuous challenges from the instructor.
- He successfully passed a practical and judgment-focused oral and flight check ride, earning his new rating and emphasizing the personal value of continuous learning and self-challenge in aviation beyond just the certificate.
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