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
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Key Takeaways:

  • Sporty's Pilot Shop has introduced a new Seaplane Rating Course, hosted by renowned aerobatic and seaplane pilot Patty Wagstaff.
  • The program provides pilots with a real-world, hands-on understanding of seaplane flying, covering essential skills like transitioning from landplanes, water takeoff/landing techniques, evaluating conditions, and docking.
  • Filmed in 4K across Florida, Maine, and Alaska, the course uses multi-angle visuals and animations to illustrate maneuvers and showcases a diverse lineup of seaplanes.
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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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