Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• PA.I.I.K1The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
• PA.I.I.K1aa. Size and location
• PA.I.I.K1bb. Protected and unprotected areas
• PA.I.I.K1cc. Surface wind
• PA.I.I.K1dd. Direction and strength of water current
• PA.I.I.K1ee. Floating and partially submerged debris
• PA.I.I.K1ff. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
• PA.I.I.K1gg. Vessel traffic and wakes
• PA.I.I.K1hh. Other characteristics specific to the area
• PA.I.I.K1ii. Direction and height of waves
• PA.I.I.K2Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
• PA.I.I.K3Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
• PA.I.I.K4How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
• PA.I.I.K5Operating restrictions at various bases.
• PA.I.I.K6Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
• PA.I.I.K7Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
• PA.I.I.K8Naval vessel protection zones.
• PA.I.I.K9No wake zones.

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

• PA.I.I.R1Local conditions.
• PA.I.I.R2Impact of marine traffic.
• PA.I.I.R3Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
• PA.I.I.R4Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

• PA.I.I.S1Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
• PA.I.I.S2Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
• PA.I.I.S3Identify marine navigation aids.
• PA.I.I.S4Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
• PA.I.I.S5Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
• PA.I.I.S6Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.