Airman Certification Standards
ACS PA.I.I
Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine
Knowledge
The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
a. Size and location
b. Protected and unprotected areas
c. Surface wind
d. Direction and strength of water current
e. Floating and partially submerged debris
f. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
g. Vessel traffic and wakes
h. Other characteristics specific to the area
i. Direction and height of waves
Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
Operating restrictions at various bases.
Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
Naval vessel protection zones.
No wake zones.
Risk Management
Local conditions.
Impact of marine traffic.
Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.
Skill
Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)10
Identify marine navigation aids.
Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)11
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.