Not all flight schools or flight instructors are alike. Taking the time to find the right school or instructor for your needs will make your training experience more pleasant and ultimately make you a better pilot.

Are There Choices?

Seaplane flight training facilities are not always a stone's throw from home, but that does not mean that your choices are limited. Don't forget to consider the option of traveling when selecting a flight school. A number of seaplane training facilities are ideally situated for family vacations, while others offer specialized training unavailable elsewhere.

Define Your Goals

The first step to take in choosing a flight school or instructor is to define your goals. Do you plan to fly seaplanes after you get the rating, or are you simply interested in another endorsement on your certificate? Do you plan to fly floatplanes or hull-type seaplanes? Amphibians or straight seaplanes? Single or twin engine? Are you planning to fly on lakes, rivers or bays? In mountainous terrain? Perhaps in congested waterways? Commercially?

Train to Meet Your Goals

Choosing a flight school or instructor that conducts training in an aircraft and environment similar to those you expect to fly in will significantly improve the relevance of your training. This is especially true if you're planning to buy a seaplane or fly commercially.

After the Rating

Pay particular attention to the flight schools that offer solo rental, particularly if you don't plan on buying a seaplane. Don't forget to ask about restrictions on solo rental -- they are often numerous and important.

If your plans include ownership of a seaplane, try to find a flight school in the area you're going to fly in that offers instruction in the airplane you want to buy. Alternatively, buy the seaplane and then hire an instructor to give you training in your airplane. Most insurance companies will require instruction in type regardless. Don't settle for an instructor who doesn't have substantial experience in the model of seaplane you own.

Going Commercial

If your plans include commercial seaplane flying, it will pay off to keep a couple of things in mind. First, if you get your rating from the company you want to work for, your will have a tremendous advantage over other candidates with otherwise similar qualifications. Short of this, train in aircraft that are similar to those you would like to fly, and preferably in the same area you would like to fly in. Seaplane operators generally prefer to hire pilots with knowledge of the local geography and conditions as well as experience in the seaplanes they have in their fleet. One other thing will give you a significant edge: get to know people in the industry. Also, keep in mind that many seaplane pilots start out working on the docks or in some other aspect of the business. Don't let pride in your superior piloting skill blind you to the opportunities of working up from something other than a flying job.