HOME      ABOUT US     CONTACT US   

Our Course

Each float plane applicant is given at least two hours of ground training and up to six hours of training in the aircraft.  Like most float aircraft, the PA12 is a great airplane to fly, but it's a horrible boat!  Learning to maneuver the aircraft around on the water, mastering takeoffs and landings on a constantly changing surface, and coping with the wind are the major challenges in the art of water flying.  The following is a brief outline of the course curriculum:

·         Idle, step, and plow taxi and associated turns

·         Normal, rough, glassy, and confined area takeoffs and landings

·         Docking, beaching, and sailing

·         Emergency procedures

Learning to fly floats is pure fun.  You get to experience the “water world” and at the same time be introduced to a freedom of off-airport landings.  The Chowan River and its tributaries offer a wide variety of landing scenarios.  In any given session, you may go from takeoffs and landings in a large open water area to a narrow creek.

Flight sessions normally last about an hour and a half each, and the course is usually spread out over a two day period (other time arrangements can be made).  The first day typically consists of two hours of ground school and three hours of flying, followed by a couple of hours of review and the flight test on the second day.

Prior to your arrival, we will email or mail you a study guide outlining procedures, speeds, and power settings that are used on the PA-12.  The cost of the course is $1,050.00 (subject to change due to fuel prices) and is payable by check, cash, or credit card at the time the training begins.

 © 2009 Chowan River Rats. All rights reserved.                                                      Site Design: D Chill Productions