Prior to commencing training an applicant must hold at least a UK or JAR PPL (A) with a SEP (Land) Class Rating and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. Prior to training for a MEP (Sea) the applicant must have also completed 70 hours PIC of aeroplanes (SE or ME)

training

SEP (Sea)

5 hours of dual flying training at an Approved FTO and sufficient theoretical knowledge training to pass the Seamanship examination and an oral examination which forms part of the SEP (Sea) Class Rating Skill Test

MEP (Sea)

6 hours of flying training which must be carried out at an Approved FTO and will include:-

• 2.5 hours dual flight instruction

• 3.5 hours dual flight instruction in engine failures and asymmetric operation

Note: The only Approved FTO carrying out any form of seaplane flying training in the UK is Caledonian Seaplanes Ltd in Scotland. Tel: 01236 457777 Fax: 01236 738322

seamanship examination

A written paper consisting of 20 (Private) or 30 (Professional) multi-choice questions covering:

• Symbols and abbreviations used in Admiralty charts and plans which are of importance to seaplane and amphibian pilots

• The regulations for preventing collisions at sea

• Lights and shapes to be carried by ships and aeroplanes

• Sound and light signals of distress (ships)

• International Association of Lighthouse Maritime Buoyage System A

• Knowledge of tides and tidal definitions in general use

The pass mark is 70% (Private) and 75% (Professional). The examination must be passed within 12 months preceding the date of application. The Professional Seamanship examination is taken at Gatwick whereas the Private Seamanship examination is by arrangement with a Seaplane FE.

validity

24 months - SEP (Sea)

12 months - MEP (Sea)

revalidation

SEP (Sea)

Pass a Proficiency Check within 3 months immediately preceding the expiry of the rating (see note 1)

OR

Within 12 months preceding rating expiry complete:

• 12 hours of flight time in either SEP (Land) or SEP (Sea) including 6 hours PIC

• 12 take-offs and landings on water (see note 5)

• 1 hour training flight with a Flight Instructor in either a SEP (Land) or SEP (Sea) aeroplane (see notes 2 and 4)

Notes:

1. If rating has expired a Proficiency Check must be completed. The new rating will then be valid from the date of the flight test

2. This may be replaced by any other Proficiency Check or Skill Test for a Class or Type including the IMC Rating flight test

3. No time penalty if revalidated within 3 months of rating expiry

4. Recommended contents of the dual training flight Dual Flight With An Flight Instructor

5. If SEP (Land) and SEP (Sea) ratings are to be re-validated concurrently the experience requirements must also include 12 take-offs and landings on land and at least 1 hour of the PIC time must be completed on each class

MEP (Sea)

Validity period - 12 months

Pass a Proficiency Check within 3 months immediately preceding the expiry of the rating

AND

During validity period of the rating complete:

10 route sectors as pilot of the relevant class or type of aeroplane

OR

1 route sector with an examiner
 

Notes:

1. A route sector is defined as a flight including take-off, departure, at least 15 minutes in cruise, arrival, approach and landing

2. No time penalty if revalidated within 3 months of rating expiry

3. If rating has expired a Proficiency Check must be completed. The new rating will then be valid from the date of the flight test

privileges

To fly as PIC of a seaplane or amphibian from water

references