Sporty’s Launches New Seaplane Rating Course With Patty Wagstaff

Sporty’s launched a seaplane course with Patty Wagstaff, teaching water operations, takeoffs, landings, and docking using 4K footage.

Photo By Sporty's
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Sporty's Pilot Shop has launched a new Seaplane Rating Course, hosted by aviation legend Patty Wagstaff, designed to give pilots a practical, hands-on understanding of seaplane flying.
  • The program teaches essential skills including transitioning from landplanes, water takeoff/landing techniques, evaluating conditions, and best practices for docking and mooring.
  • Filmed in 4K across diverse locations like Florida, Maine, and Alaska, the course utilizes cinematic visuals and Wagstaff's decades of experience to share proven techniques for safer and more confident seaplane operations.
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Sporty’s Pilot Shop has introduced a new Seaplane Rating Course, hosted by aviation legend Patty Wagstaff, the company announced Wednesday.

The program is designed to give pilots a real-world, hands-on understanding of seaplane flying, combining expert instruction, practical scenarios, and cinematic visuals.

According to the release, pilots learn everything from transitioning confidently from landplanes to seaplanes, to understanding the differences between floatplanes, amphibious aircraft, and flying boats. Students also learn takeoff and landing techniques on water, how to evaluate wind and water conditions, and best practices for docking, mooring, and securing a seaplane.

Sporty’s filmed the course across Florida, Maine, and Alaska, using multi-angle 4K video and detailed animations to clearly illustrate seaplane maneuvers and water conditions.

“Renowned as one of the world’s greatest aerobatic pilots, Wagstaff is also a highly experienced seaplane pilot,” Sporty’s noted. “As host, she shares proven techniques for safer, more confident seaplane flying, drawn from decades of experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments.”

The course showcases a diverse lineup of seaplanes, from light sport aircraft like the Super Petrel to classics such as the de Havilland Beaver and Albatross, as well as Piper and Cessna models, AirCam, Lake Buccaneer, Twin Bee, and the Turbine Super Goose.

The Seaplane Rating Course is available for $99.

Amelia Walsh

Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.
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