Float Training Australia is the training side of Sydney Seaplanes.

Sydney Seaplanes is one of the largest Seaplane operators in Australia. We operate three De-Havilland DHC-2 Beavers and one Cessna C-208 Amphibious Caravan, flying over 3000 hours a year. Sydney Seaplanes conducts Charter to many widely varying destinations and is the only float plane operation in Australia to have CASA approval to conduct Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations which requires us to meet the same high standards as other regional airlines such as Qantas Link and Regional Express.

Adam Holt
Adam is the Chief Pilot and Head of Check and Training with Sydney Seaplanes. He holds a BAc of Applied Science and has operated Seaplanes in the Kimberly, Whitsundays and the Sydney Region. Adam has extensive experience in the C-208 flying them in most configurations including Skydiving and Night freight. He has over 2000 hours on type.

Rob Britten
Rob has been flying Seaplanes in the Sydney region for 20 years. He has operated his own company and has previously held the position of Chief Pilot and Head of Check and Training with Sydney Seaplanes. Rob has over 5000 hours in floats mostly in the DHC-2 and is currently the Operations Manager and Head of Aircraft Maintenance with Sydney Seaplanes.

INITIAL FLOAT PLANE ENDORSEMENT
Sydney Seaplanes can conduct initial float training in the Cessna 180 or DHC-2 Beaver. We believe this provides the student with an advantage as these are the most popular seaplanes in commercial use throughout the world. The course in conducted over approximately 5 days with the initial day spent on the theory of water flying and the aircraft. Our course covers all aspects of operating seaplanes from docking, beaching, mooring and sailing. We also conduct thorough training in all emergency procedures including engines failures right to touch down on the water. The course includes a low level awareness section which is a must for all seaplane pilots. The course is competency based and we train our students to the standards we would expect from one of our own charter pilots.

Cost -
C-180 $4500 which includes all endorsement and aircraft handling notes and five hours of flying (Airswitch) which equals approximately 6.5 to 7 hours of log book time. Any additional flying required will be at a cost of $600 an hour.
DHC-2 Beaver $7000 which includes all endorsement and aircraft handling notes and five hours of flying (Airswitch) which equals approximately 6.5 to 7 hours of log book time. Any additional flying required will be at a cost of $1000 an hour.

As a guide, we find most students require between five and eight hours flying depending upon previous experience.

DHC-2 FAMILIARIZATION COURSE
This course is designed for pilots who have conducted their initial float endorsement on other aircraft types and wish to gain some experience in the De-Havilland Beaver. The course is set over two days with the first day used as a refresher to the operating principles of float planes and an introduction to the DHC-2 Beaver.

On the second day we will conduct the flying component of the course which consists of upper airwork including steep turns, slow flight and stalls and then water work, including normal and abnormal circuits. Finally we will conduct emergency procedures including engine failures from height, hydraulic failures and engine failures on take off.

The course includes handling notes for the DHC-2 and a day of refresher training on the operating principals of float flying.

C208 CARAVAN ENDORSEMENT COURSE
Sydney Seaplanes are able to offer C208 endorsements in their Amphibious Caravan. The Course runs over a three day period where the first day is spent covering the aircraft and its associated systems. The next two days are spent in the aircraft covering all aspects of flight including normal, abnormal and emergency procedures.

The course can be structured to suit the candidate who does not require the float plane component. Please contact us for details.

The course includes one day of ground school including all notes and 3.5 hours of flying.

Cost $6500

C208 CARAVAN FLOAT PLANE FAMILIARIZATION
We offer a familiarization course of the C208 Amphibious Caravan for those who already hold a C208 endorsement but have not flown the Caravan on floats before. These courses will be tailored to you requirements and experience level. Please contact us for details.

PROFESSIONAL SEAPLANE PILOT COURSE
This course is designed for those Pilots who want a career flying Seaplanes or for those who just can’t get enough of flying from water!

The course starts with an initial float endorsement in the Cessna 180 covering all the basics of float flying. We will then continue into advanced float plane flying with the student being exposed to the various weight and balance considerations that will be faced by a float pilot flying planes near their gross weight. Fuel loadings for multiple stops will also be considered. Advanced docking skills will be learned, as the professional float pilot will be going to many more places, some not designed with floatplane docking in mind.

You will then complete a conversion course onto the DHC-2 Beaver and cement all the skills learnt in the Cessna. Once this is completed we take you into the real world of float plane flying! We plan three half days of flying which will take you along Sydney’s coast line. Stopping at different lakes, rivers and ports, you will be responsible for assessing the weather conditions, water conditions, landing area’s and docks. This exposes you to the challenges faced by float plane Pilots and provides valuable experience in safely assessing the suitability of water areas for operating seaplanes.

The course includes 8 hours flight time in the Cessna 180 plus 10 hours flight time in the DHC-2 Beaver which will equate to roughly 20 hours for your log book. The course can be completed over two weeks or spread out over a longer period if required but we recommend flying at least once a week.

Cost $15,000

This course can be modified for more time in the DHC-2 Beaver or to include a C-208 Caravan endorsement. 

PRIVATE HIRE
Unfortunately due to insurance requirements we cannot private hire our aircraft. We can however allow you to fly our aircraft with a safety Pilot. Please contact us for more information on our requirements.   

Sydney Seaplanes are the only RPT Seaplane operator in Australia. This means we are the only Seaplane Company in Australia to have a CAR 217 Check and Training approved organization

Our Instructors hold or have held CAR 217 Check and Training approval and have extensive experience and knowledge of check and training in Seaplanes.

We are one of the largest seaplane operators in Australia and have been operating for over 20 years with extensive experience in commercial operations.

Our fleet mix means that we can provide endorsements for pilots seeking commercial work in those types of aircraft most widely used in commercial operations in the world today.

www.floattrainingaustralia.com.au
Phone: 1300 732 752
Email: reservations@seaplanes.com.au