AIM
3/21/24
FIG 7
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Typical Runway Half
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way Sign
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9. Seaplane Safety
a.
Acquiring a seaplane class rating affords access to many areas not available to landplane pilots. Adding a
seaplane class rating to your pilot certificate can be relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive. However, more
effort is required to become a safe, efficient, competent “bush” pilot. The natural hazards of the backwoods have
given way to modern man-made hazards. Except for the far north, the available bodies of water are no longer
the exclusive domain of the airman. Seaplane pilots must be vigilant for hazards such as electric power lines,
power, sail and rowboats, rafts, mooring lines, water skiers, swimmers, etc.
b.
Seaplane pilots must have a thorough understanding of the right-of-way rules as they apply to aircraft
versus other vessels. Seaplane pilots are expected to know and adhere to both the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG)
Navigation Rules, International
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Inland, and 14 CFR Section 91.115, Right
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of
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Way Rules; Water Operations.
The navigation rules of the road are a set of collision avoidance rules as they apply to aircraft on the water. A
seaplane is considered a vessel when on the water for the purposes of these collision avoidance rules. In general,
a seaplane on the water must keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. The CFR requires,
in part, that aircraft operating on the water “. . . shall, insofar as possible, keep clear of all vessels and avoid
impeding their navigation, and shall give way to any vessel or other aircraft that is given the right
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way . . .
.” This means that a seaplane should avoid boats and commercial shipping when on the water. If on a collision
course, the seaplane should slow, stop, or maneuver to the right, away from the bow of the oncoming vessel. Also,
while on the surface with an engine running, an aircraft must give way to all nonpowered vessels. Since a seaplane
in the water may not be as maneuverable as one in the air, the aircraft on the water has right-of-way over one
in the air, and one taking off has right-of-way over one landing. A seaplane is exempt from the USCG safety
equipment requirements, including the requirements for Personal Flotation Devices (PFD). Requiring seaplanes
on the water to comply with USCG equipment requirements in addition to the FAA equipment requirements
would be an unnecessary burden on seaplane owners and operators.
c.
Unless they are under Federal jurisdiction, navigable bodies of water are under the jurisdiction of the state,
or in a few cases, privately owned. Unless they are specifically restricted, aircraft have as much right to operate
on these bodies of water as other vessels. To avoid problems, check with Federal or local officials in advance
of operating on unfamiliar waters. In addition to the agencies listed in TBL 7
1, the nearest Flight Standards
District Office can usually offer some practical suggestions as well as regulatory information. If you land on a
restricted body of water because of an inflight emergency, or in ignorance of the restrictions you have violated,
report as quickly as practical to the nearest local official having jurisdiction and explain your situation.
d.
When operating a seaplane over or into remote areas, appropriate attention should be given to survival gear.
Minimum kits are recommended for summer and winter, and are required by law for flight into sparsely settled
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Potential Flight Hazards