Seaplane Training

Accelerated Training
​Seaplane Add-On rating for $1,925
at Friendly Fleming Field (KSGS) in Minnesota while flying a Cessna 172 on Amphibious floats.   Transient students can fly commercially into the Minneapolis International Airport (KMSP).  KSGS is just 10 minutes away.  

The Seaplane rating can be added on to a private or commercial rating.
Season:  May 1 - Nov1 each year

​Simply the most fun rating ever!
'Why Get A Seaplane Rating?'  article
Imagine stopping at a lakeside restaurant while training, learning to beach a plane, learning to dock, river landings, lake landings, all within the beautiful Minneapolis/Saint Paul Lakes and River area.  Excursions available during your training to almost any of the 10,000 pristine Minnesota lakes or a hop over to Wisconsin for some prime rib on Cedar Lake.  It’s how training should be and can be.  We are located just 10 minutes from the Minneapolis International airport at friendly Fleming Field (KSGS) right next to the Wipaire float factory.
One of our students put this together during his training.  

​Accelerated Seaplane Add-On Rating course includes:
  • Up to 6 hours of flight training 
  • Up to 2 hours One on One ground training with FAA Gold Seal Instructor 
  • Seaplane course study material will be mailed to you prior to your arrival.
  • Plane rental for one check ride

Cost $1,925 + Examiner's Fee (Payment due on arrival)
  • Local FAA examiner's fee is extra ($500 check or cash). All arrangements for your check ride will be made for you.

Requirements
  • Private or commercial license
  • Current Medical
  • ​$500 non-refundable deposit to hold spot for Accelerated Program​

To Get Started:
  • To check availability and book your training start date click here.  $500 non-refundable deposit to hold your accelerated training start date.
  • Weekdays/weekends are available.
  • Plan on 3-5 days to be in the area.
  • Read Seaplane study course material that will be mailed to you.
  • Verify weather conditions with Air Trek North prior to your arrival.
  • Come to Fleming Field (KSGS)
  • ​​Recommended hotels:  Microtel and Holiday Inn Express in Inver Grove Heights along with the Envision Hotel in South St. Paul
Additional hours are:        C172 Amphib:  $270/hr dual, $110 instruction.
Solo Rental Requirements.

Seaplane Pilot Training Syllabus

  • Ground Study: Power Point Slides
  • The Four Types of Seaplane Taxiing
  • Normal Takeoff/Landings
  • Xwind Takeoff/Landings 
  • Confined Area Takeoff/Landings
  • Glassy Water Takeoff/Landings
  • High Density Altitude Performance
  • Seaplane Docking
  • Seaplane Beaching
  • Pre-flight
  • Systems
  • Seaplane Bases
  • Post Flight Procedures
  • Emergency Landings & Egress
  • Rough Water Landings
  • Four Phases of Take-Off
  • Float Design
  • River Markings

Beaching 

Through a Narrow Channel

Docking

After The Check Ride