Cessna 172 M

Float Rating

Earn your float plane rating in Alaska.

Duration

4hrs. Ground Training
8hrs. Flight Training

Schedule

7-10 days
May-September

Cost

$3,750

See Whats Included Below

Your Float Plane Package Includes:

Experience flying in Alaska’s most famous bush plane: the Super Cub! Located in the heart of Alaska’s Matanuska Valley, you will have the opportunity to fly Alaska’s great lakes while maintaining access to the Valley’s best resources. Lodging, restaurants and local culture are all close by! With a DPE on staff and dedicated instructors 7 days a week, floatplane training with Blue River Aviation is made easy! 

  • up to 4 hours of ground school
  • up to 8 hours of instruction
  • a copy of Notes of a Seaplane Instructor study book
  • our signature Blue River float cup graphic T-shirt

* The DPE fee is not include in the price of the package.

*Additional instruction and dual flights may be purchased upon request and based on availability

Your ground & flight training will cover topics such as:

  • Float construction and regulations
  • Aircraft systems
  • Determining seaplane accessibility in bodies of water
  • Preflight considerations
  • Castoff and taxiing
  • Reading wind and water conditions
  • Normal takeoffs and landings
  • Glassy water takeoffs and landings
  • Rough water takeoffs and landings
  • Crosswind area takeoffs and landings
  • Sailing
  • Engine and systems failure
  • Docking, beaching, ramping, and mooring

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

Blue River’s float rating package is designed to give you the training you need to become a rated Single Engine Seaplane pilot. In our experience, current rated pilots are checkride ready after four hours of ground instruction and eight hours of flight instruction, which can typically take place over the course of a single week with your checkride pre-scheduled (by us) on your last day. We suggest planning on at least five days for anyone traveling to Alaska from out of state, to allow for the occasional weather delay.

Typically, Blue River Aviation’s float season starts in May and runs through the end of September. Practically, our Super Cubs trade out their wheels for floats as soon as the lakes thaw and switch back as soon as they start to freeze. Actual dates vary year to year. During these months, we have float instructors available from 6am to 10pm seven days a week, enabling us to adapt customize your training schedule.

For private pilots in Alaska? Fly fishing, bait fishing, spinning, trolling…you get the idea. Truly, a float rating gives you unparalleled access to Alaska’s backcountry, whether you are flying out to your lakeside cabin, or packing your inflatable kayaks and paddle boards to float around on a glacial lake. For those interested in making a career out of flying floats, seaplanes are essential for communities with limited road access, for tourists and commuters alike. Take Southeast Alaska, for example, where seaplanes serve a vital role in the region’s transportation system. And for anyone with a competitive edge, there is always the Fire Boss to aspire to.

Blue River Aviation utilizes two 180 horsepower Piper PA-18 “Super Cubs” on Aerocet 2200 floats. The classic “Alaska aircraft” that change landing gear with the seasons: floats, 35″ bush wheels, and straight skis.

During the season, Blue River’s seaplanes are docked at Upper Wasilla Lake; a 15 minute drive from our home base at PAAQ in Palmer, Alaska. If you’re flying in from out of state, the Mat-Su Resort is located on Wasilla Lake and our float instructors would be happy to pick you up at the dock, at least once, or make a pit-stop for lunch at their award-winning restaurant, Everett’s.

supercub landing on a lake with floats

Ready to take off?

Let’s get you flying!

Let’s check that you’re human*

Don’t just take our word for it

250+ Happy Flight Training Students

  • “Learning to fly with Blue River has been nothing short of outstanding! The staff are always so helpful and the instructors are on top of their game day in and day out.”
    – Sebastian B.
  • Truly a phenomenal organization. These folks helped me obtain my private pilot license. I flew with several different CFIs and they were all great.
    Thanks to their use of flight schedule pro, and the ability to schedule myself I was able to find times that worked for me and my busy schedule. Another great aspect is flying out of Palmer so much beautiful scenery all around. If you’re on the fence, just do a discovery flight.
    – Daniel W.
  • Absolutely thrilled with my experience at Blue River Aviation! The instructors are top-notch. Their fleet of aircraft is well-maintained and up-to-date. The friendly staff and other students also helped me find a community and build long-lasting friendships while working on my private pilot license. I would highly recommend pursuing your training with Blue River Aviation.
    – Tayler H.
04 / Our Fleet & Rentals

The best airplanes in the business.

Blue River Aviation is proud of our expansive fleet. We provide aircraft for a wide variety of training. These include: Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), Complex, Floats, Skis, Tailwheels, and Multi-Engine. Go check out the Blue River fleet!

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