Why Get Your Seaplane Rating?

It’s Incredibly Fun
Ask anyone who’s earned a seaplane rating, and they’ll likely tell you—it was the most fun they’ve ever had in aviation. From the unique takeoffs and landings to the sense of freedom that comes with water-based flying, earning your seaplane rating is as exhilarating as it is rewarding.

Expand Your Horizons
Even seasoned ATP-level pilots discover something new with seaplane flying. It enhances your skills in low-altitude flight, precise control, and situational awareness. Unlike traditional land-based flying where runways are uniform and predictable, water landings vary with every flight—requiring pilots to evaluate water conditions, wind, boat traffic, water depth, and surrounding obstacles. It’s a true test of a pilot’s adaptability and judgment.

Stand Out from the Crowd
Fewer than 3% of pilots hold a seaplane rating. Earning yours sets you apart in the aviation community and demonstrates your commitment to mastering diverse flying environments. Employers, fellow pilots, and aviation professionals recognize the added skill and discipline required—and respect those who take on the challenge.

Pure Adventure
Seaplanes unlock access to the 80% of Earth covered by water. Unlike traditional aircraft, they don’t need a runway. Lakes, rivers, and coastlines become your destinations. Whether you're flying to a remote wilderness lake or landing next to a beachside cabin, seaplane flying brings a sense of freedom and discovery that’s hard to match. It’s the ultimate way to explore the world from above—and beyond.

Learn unique water takeoff and landing techniques  

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Enhance your airmanship with advanced stick-and-rudder skills   

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Boost your resume as a pilot

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Train in cutting edge

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Sport Pilot Sea Endorsement

Sport pilots can operate Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) on water after receiving proper training and endorsements from seaplane-rated CFIs.

To earn the endorsement, you must:

  • Get a logbook endorsement from a CFI verifying your knowledge and flight proficiency.
  • Pass a proficiency check with a different seaplane-rated CFI.
  • Submit FAA Form 8710-11 to the CFI who conducted your check.
  • Receive a final logbook endorsement from that CFI confirming your eligibility for sea operations.

Is It Hard to Get a Seaplane Rating?

Not really. While everyone learns at their own pace, most pilots find the transition to seaplane flying enjoyable and manageable. Those with strong stick-and-rudder skills—especially from tailwheel, stick, or aerobatic aircraft—often pick it up quickly. With the right instruction and enthusiasm, earning your seaplane rating is a rewarding and fun experience.

FAA Single Engine Sea Rating Requirements

Most pilots earn a Single Engine Land (SEL) license first, then add the Single Engine Sea (SES) rating. The FAA does not require a minimum number of hours—proficiency is the key. On average, 5–7 flight hours are sufficient for most pilots, though actual time may vary based on individual skill level and instructor expectations.

Introductory flight

Get ready for 60 minutes of pure excitement! Our ICON A5 flight isn’t just a ride—it’s your gateway into the adventurous world of amphibious aviation, crafted especially for thrill-seekers like you.

This unique aircraft is built for both fun and performance. Soar through the skies with the windows off, feel the breeze as you glide over sparkling waters, and take in breathtaking views from above. With expert guidance from your instructor, you’ll even get hands-on experience in controlling the plane!

Your journey includes exciting aerial turns, panoramic views, and a thrilling water landing in the beautiful Waterway—perfectly located between North Miami and Downtown Miami.

Don’t forget to bring a towel—you’re in for a splash during this unforgettable adventure in the sky and on the water!

Enroll Now

Demo Flights for Prospective ICON A5 Owners

Thinking about owning an ICON A5? There’s no better way to understand its groundbreaking design, unmatched performance, and amphibious versatility than by flying it yourself. Our personalized demo flights offer you the chance to experience the ICON A5 in action—alongside a skilled pilot who will walk you through everything this extraordinary aircraft has to offer.

What to Expect on Your Demo Flight:

  • Hands-On Flying: Take control and feel the ICON A5’s smooth, responsive handling in flight.

  • Expert Insight: Learn from a professional pilot who will demonstrate the aircraft’s key features and answer your questions.

  • Air-to-Water Versatility: Experience the seamless transition between sky and sea that defines the ICON A5.

  • Advanced Safety: Explore top-tier safety features, including the ICON Parachute System (IPS), giving you peace of mind while you fly.

Enroll Now

Earn Your Seaplane Rating
with the Icon A5

Image of Aircraft

EXPLORE MORE

Image of Aircraft

EXPLORE MORE

Image of Aircraft

EXPLORE MORE

Image of Aircraft

EXPLORE MORE

Image of Aircraft

EXPLORE MORE

Course Overview

Duration: Complete your Seaplane Rating in just 7 days

Location: 134 Air Museum WaySevierville, TN 37862

Eligibility:* Must have at least a Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)

What You’ll Learn:*  

  - Water Takeoffs & Landings  
  - Glassy Water & Rough Water Operations  
  - Docking & Beaching  
  - Emergency Water Procedures  
  - Regulations & Navigation for Waterways

Transition to ICON courses for
Seaplane and Land pilots

This course is designed for certified land pilots—whether holding a Private Pilot License (PPL Land) or a Sport Pilot License (SPL Land)—who are ready to expand their flying skills into the exciting realm of amphibious operations.

The TX-L Program provides comprehensive training for pilots transitioning from land-based flying to seaplane operations, specifically using the ICON A5. This state-of-the-art Light Sport Aircraft combines advanced safety features with amphibious versatility, offering a unique and rewarding flight experience.

Our specialized curriculum delivers a seamless and structured pathway to mastering seaplane flight. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency, the program equips pilots to confidently operate in both water and land environments—making the most of the ICON A5’s innovative capabilities.

Enroll Now

Pricing & Enrollment

Course Fee: $3199
Financing Options (If applicable) 
Limited Slots Available – *Reserve Yours Today!
Enroll Now

Sport Pilot License – Land, Sea, or Both (LSA Training in the ICON A5)

Start your aviation journey with a Sport Pilot License (SPL)—available for land, sea, or amphibious operations. We offer training and certification in the ICON A5, a cutting-edge Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) designed for both land and water flying.

Training for an SPL requires significantly fewer hours than a Private Pilot License (PPL), with just 7 flight hours mandated under 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart J. This makes it an efficient and accessible path for new pilots or those looking to expand their skills.

Enroll Now
What’s our customer saying

Our Customer Feedback

Dennis Mitchell
Cannot describe how awesome that was. Very comfortable airplane. Water landings are so much fun, very smooth. I have several 1000 hrs in small planes so James let me take the controls and he talked me through a water landing! Thanks so much that made this Tennessee trip very memorable.
Logan Williams
Iconic is Iconic.. I can't tell you how cool this is. James has it on lock, DO NOT DO THE HELICOPTER RIDES.. This is where it is. I'm Not gonna ruin it by trying to explain how amazing this thing is. Much more then it seems.. 5 Stars + I know what I'm talking about...

FAQ Section

How long does the course take

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Do I need prior seaplane experience? 

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Where is the training conducted?

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

What do I need to bring?

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and
typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type
specimen book. 

Take Your Flying to the Next Level – Get Your Seaplane Rating Today!

Sign Up Now
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
MAIN OFFICE
134 Air Museum Way
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 393-1712
© ICONIC AIR & SEA ADVENTURES, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Design by: FORTY-SECOND STREET, INC.
CALL US AT865.393.1712