Float rating

[Beacon Final]

Hey all I am considering doing a float rating this October. Its on a C172, with a 170hp. It costs $1350 / for 7 hours. The operator is based in Eastern PEI.

Just wondering if you old float pros had some thoughts on:

the time of year
price
aircraft type
area
etc.............

My big question is. Are there any really good books I could read, or anything I could study to get ready.

Any recommendations would be wicked.

Thanks
BF

[jimdandy]

I'm no pro, but one set of videos I watched in the last little while, that I enjoyed, was the Wonderful world of Floats-Jack Browns seaplane base. It is a little older, all of the fellas have 80's hair cuts, and thick southern accents. They explore the basics, and it was more informative than others that I have seen. The FTM has a little to offer, but not much.
I found the best way to learn was one on one with old float drivers. Experince is hard to beat when it comes to float flying. Getting really good with your soft field technique is also another hit some float drivers gave me.
Happy flying
Cheers

[Youngback]

Find a copy of the book "Flying a Floatplane" by C. Marin Faure. It describes procedures really well and has illustrations to make sure you understand and it won't bore you to death. You'll be hard pressed to find a 172 being used for commercial purposes other than for flight training. On the other hand though, with the low power of the aircraft, you will get proficient with the proper technique of getting off the water.

[Just Furious]

I found "The Art of Shi**ing in the Woods" to be very informative, and pertinent...

[penguin]

My balogna has a first name, it's f-l-o-a-t/
My balogna has a second name it's p-l-a-n-e!

[neechi]

Notes of a seaplane instuctor is the best one i have come across. For a fun read try Fly the yellow side up by garth wallace. Have fun