Master the Essentials for Your Seaplane Rating

Trusted by 30,000+ Pilots Worldwide

The Complete Course for Your Seaplane Rating

A Faster, Smarter Way to Master Floats and Flying Boats. Skip the guesswork with 12 comprehensive lessons spanning 27 targeted topics covering everything from basic water displacements to advanced operations. Learn using real-world operational examples showcasing iconic aircraft like the J-3 Cub, Searey, and Piper Pacer. Save significant time and money by showing up thoroughly prepared for your in-water flight training and seaplane checkride.

Trusted by 12,000+ Pilots Worldwide

Becoming a Private Pilot Made Smarter and Easier.

Our proven training method to help you become a certified pilot fast and efficiently.

What You'll Get:

✅ 12 focused lessons broken down into 27 easy-to-digest topics — from foundational seaplane 101 rules and preflighting frameworks to a complete operational checkride prep walkthrough.

✅ Step-by-step mastery of real-world water operations featuring practical aircraft examples using three iconic platforms: the J-3 Cub, Searey, and Piper Pacer to show you exactly how to navigate safely and confidently.

✅ Comprehensive ground school on water displacements and movements — from taxiing, turning, and sailing to mastering complex conditions like rough water, glassy water, crosswinds, and confined areas.

✅ Checkride-focused preparation with everything you need to pass your training and practical test, designed exactly around seaplane rules of the water, real-world operational tips, and comprehensive quiz evaluations.

✅ Official Course Certificate included with your enrollment, giving you a massive head start on mastering seaplane operations, securing your docking, mooring, and beaching procedures before you ever step into the cockpit.

Why FLY8MA Works

Study at Your Own Pace: Learn on your schedule. Our self-paced courses are perfect for both accelerated learners and part-time students.
Show Up Prepared: Step into the cockpit with confidence. By starting your training on the ground, you can save an average of 20 hours of flight time while feeling fully prepared.
Know What to Expect: Gain access to mock check-ride videos, real cockpit footage, and learn the toughest FAA questions—so you can focus on what really matters for your exam.

Master Your Seaplane Training Without Burning Through Expensive Flight Hours

While most pilots aim to add a Seaplane Rating to their certificate efficiently, the reality is that showing up to the water underprepared leads to extra hours taxied on the lake, additional instructor time, and checkride struggles that can set your timeline and budget back significantly.

Water training is dynamic and task-intensive by nature. Trying to learn complex glassy water landings, rough water operations, and specialized docking or sailing procedures for the first time while paying premium hourly rates for a floatplane and a specialized instructor is the most costly and frustrating way to build your skills.

We created this Seaplane Ground School so you show up to the plane already knowing the "how" and "why." By mastering water displacements, weather handling, and advanced maneuvers on the ground first, you save hundreds in aircraft rental and instructor fees — making your path to your Seaplane Rating faster, cheaper, and much more enjoyable.

Meet your Instructor

Jonathan Kotwicki

Jon is a CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, AGI, A&P, and the rest of the alphabet. After working his way up to becoming an airline pilot, he made the decision to turn back to flight instructing as a way to give back to the aviation community.

Over the years, Jon has led flight schools from Florida to Alaska, dedicating countless hours to developing training programs and mentoring the next generation of pilots.

What Our Students Have Said:

"From Zero to Hero"

"Fly8ma took me from Zero to Hero, I came in with absolutely no aviation knowledge and in a few weeks I finished Private Pilot ground school and started flying. The lessons are perfect. You go over each lesson topic, then watch entertaining but information packed videos that explain exactly what you just learned. Jon and the other CFIs are always there to answer all the questions I’ve had with quick responses. I’m excited to use Fly8ma for all my future ratings.."

- Kai A.

"He's a Great Teacher!"

"I never have personally meet Jon but I’d love to some day!

His YouTube videos are amazing. When I was doing my ground School and came up against something I didn’t understand I’d always go to fly8ma.com and watch a video about it. Then I’d understand!

Hes a great teacher!

Thanks Jon!"

- Blake M.

"The Best Online Courses I Have Taken"

"The private pilot ground school course is one of the best online courses I have taken.

The information is timely and Jon has a very presentation style to keep you motivated and interested to continue learning.

I highly recommend this course."

- Scott A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get instant access to the course?

Yes! The moment your registration is complete, you will receive immediate, on-demand access to all 12 lessons, 27 targeted topics, and the comprehensive practice quiz.

Is this a one-time purchase or a membership?

This is a one-time purchase. Enrolling in this seaplane ground school today gives you lifetime access to the study materials and flight walkthroughs with no hidden subscription fees or recurring monthly costs.

Do I need prior floatplane experience to take this course?

Not at all. This course is engineered to cover everything from seaplane 101 basics for beginners up to advanced tactics for seasoned pilots. It works perfectly whether you are preparing for a brand new rating or just brushing up on your existing skills.

Does this course replace actual in-water flight training?

This course serves as a comprehensive ground school framework. It does not replace the mandatory in-water flight hours required with a certificated flight instructor to earn your rating, but it ensures you understand the procedures perfectly before paying for aircraft rental.

What if I need help or have questions?

You'll have direct access to expert instructor guidance throughout the course. If you get stuck on a tricky glassy water landing concept, need clarification on maritime rules of the water, or want tips for handling real-world operations in the J-3 Cub, Searey, or Piper Pacer, support is available — because showing up to your seaplane checkride confident isn't optional.

Still Have Questions? Call or Text Us

907-268-3100