​Frequently Asked Questions



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                                                                                                            #1: "Why learn to fly floats ?"







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Adventure

Access destinations of which others may only dream

Beauty

Needn't we say more.

Challenge

Fine tune your stick-and-rudder skills  with lessons in various aircraft control techniques









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Those are the top three reasons we love what we do
​at Kenmore Air.



​​Keep scrolling for more Q&A,
​and more of why we think you should come fly with us...


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​Q. Why should I get my seaplane rating?
A. You already saw the top three. Here's our full list:

​1. Challenge yourself.
2. Access remote locations unavailable to others. Like this!!---->
3. Become a more proficient, dynamic, and capable pilot.
4. Learn to read with precision the wind, water, and environment around you.
5. Fly your own seaplane.
6. Fulfill your Flight Review requirement and learn something new.
7. Become a professional seaplane pilot.
8. Enjoy over some of the most picturesque float flying in all of the U.S.!
9. Be part of the elite group of pilots that have experienced the thrill of landing on the water.
10.  Have FUN flying FLOATS!
Q. How long does it take to complete the rating? 
A. Our seaplane rating package includes six hours of flight time. Rarely does it take a proficient pilot more time than this but it is directly proportional to the pilot's stick-and-rudder proficiency and recency of flight experience. Students typically break their time into 3-5 training sessions. Weather is also a factor which may contribute to the amount of time it takes to complete the rating. While the winter brings us with many days which may limit our ability to fly, the summer provides fairly consistent weather which is ideal for seaplane flying.


Q. Can I rent a seaplane at Kenmore Air for solo flight? 
A. Due to insurance requirements, solo operations are not permitted at Kenmore Air. Our qualified instructors are always happy to go flying with you and enjoy the majestic environment of the Pacific Northwest. The price of dual instruction is included in the rate for every aircraft.
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Q. Can I receive my SES-training in an aircraft other than the Piper Super Cub or C-172? 
A. Due to the demand on our Cessna 180s and de Havilland Beavers, the seaplane rating package is only available in the Super Cub and C-172. 
If you're itching to to fly in a company aircraft on floats, we suggest our airline's Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour or San Juan Islands Scenic Ride-Along!


Q. I am a non-U.S. citizen, do I need to receive TSA clearance before training at Kenmore Air? 
A. It depends;
1. You possess a FAA restricted(based on foreign) certificate. Yes, you need TSA clearance. We can help walk you through the process, generally budget a minimum of three weeks to complete this process. Contact our instruction office for more information.
2. you possess a FAA unrestricted certificate. No, you do not need TSA clearance, because the seaplane add-on rating is not an original issuance(if you possess an FAA unrestricted certificate) of a commercial or private pilot certificate, the TSA endorsement is not required. All of our instructors have completed recurrent security awareness training required by the Transport Security Administration.


Q.  What are the minimum requirements to begin training in seaplanes?
A. We require a private pilot certificate or higher to being our SES add-on course. If you are a student pilot or aviation enthusiast we are happy to have you join us for an introductory flight lesson! ​


Q. What does it take to become a professional seaplane pilot? 
A. Most seaplane operators require 200-500 hours of floatplane experience in addition to 14 CFR Part 135 minimums. The most practical way to build this time is to work as a flight instructor. Another popular option is to purchase a seaplane, or join a flying club which has a seaplane in its fleet. Very few seaplane operators are able to rent seaplanes for solo operations due to insurance requirements.


Q. Is Kenmore Air hiring pilots or flight instructors? 
A. See the jobs section of our website for current job openings with Kenmore Air.
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​See you on the water!




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