SEAMANSHIP EXAMS (PPL and ATPL/CPL)

Cambrian Aero Training is recognised by the CAA for seaplane training, specialising in theoretical knowledge courses for the written Seamanship Examinations. This is provided via a ONE DAY ground seminar available for either the Professional Seamanship or Private examinations. The written papers consist of multiple-choice questions :- 20 (Private) or 30 (Professional) covering-:
* Symbols and abbreviations used in Admiralty charts and plans which are of importance to seaplane pilots
* The regulations for preventing collisions at sea
* Lights and shapes to be carried by ships and aeroplanes
* Sound and light signals of distress (ships)
* International Association of Lighthouse Maritime Buoyage - Region A
* Knowledge of tides and tidal definitions in general use

It is recommended that ground training for the Seamanship examinations is undertaken prior to starting any practical seaplane flying. The ground school and examination is also required if you are converting from a foreign rating. Prior study will leave time to make best use of your practical flight training, and ensure this is a more enjoyable and stress free experience.

Although the written exams are fairly straightforward, there is a considerable amount of material to become familiar with - making self-study hit and miss - without guidance. We provide all the infomation needed on our ground school course, which also offers an interesting and enjoyable day out. "Fail to Prepare = Prepare to Fail" really does apply here.

However, if you are undertaking the NPPL/PPL sea rating (rather than adding to a CPL) then you can complete our home study package which includes everything you need, as well as sample exam paper(s). In this case attendance is optional.

The examination pass mark is 75%, and must be obtained within 12 months prior to application for the rating. The Professional Seamanship CPL examination has to be taken at a CAA Regional Test Centre (eg Oxford or Gatwick), whereas the Private Seamanship examination can be taken at anytime up to and including the seaplane skills test. Our students regularly achieve a score of over 90% on the ATPL/CPL exams.

If you intend to do the seaplane rating in the US, Canada or other ICAO contracting state (including JAA) you will need to have passed the UK seamanship exams before making an application to the UK CAA. Also contact us if you are interested in obtaining a free copy of our float plane Training Video.

Note: We provide all the documentation and advice you will need to convert Foreign (ICAO) Seaplane Ratings.

REFERENCES and RECOMMENDED PRE-COURSE READING
SEAMANSHIP GROUND SCHOOL (NB: All essential materials are included in our training packs)

1. Essential Seamanship Exam & Revision Notes (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
2. Admiralty Charts, International Chart Series, Hydrographic Office (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
3 . Symbols and Abbreviations Used On Admiralty Charts - Chart 5011(available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
4 . IALA Maritime Buoyage System - ANP735 (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
5. Collision Regulations (Seaplanes) Order 1990 (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)

SEAPLANE FLYING & OPERATIONS

1. Seaplane Operations by Dale DeRemer and Cesare Baj (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
2. Practical Floatplane Flying, (our own guide based on extensive floatplane experience in North America - highly recommended!- available from (www.cambrian-aero.co.uk), £8.00 post free
3 . FAA Flight Training Handbook - Seaplane Operations (download free from Seaplane Pilot’s Association, www.seaplanes.org)
4 . How To Fly Floats by J J Frey (available from www.cambrian-aero.co.uk)
5 . Microlight & Small Seaplanes (2007) by Anna Markey.

All books and pilot equipment available at CLUB prices from top quality suppliers:
or - .... Order through us and save.. !

LICENCE COMPLETION & CONVERSIONS

NPPL(Microlight), UK PPL (Microlight), or Glider (BGA) to NPPL (SEP)
We can convert your NPPL (Microlight) or UK PPL (M) licence (without restrictions) to an NPPL (SEP). You will need to complete such flying training in a simple single-engine piston aeroplane as is judged necessary by our FI/Examiner to achieve the required standard to take the NPPL (SEP) navigation and general handling skills tests.
You will also need to have at least 32 hours total flight time, which may be a combination of both Microlight and simple SEP flying, and obtain a pass in the JAR-FCL PPL (A) theoretical knowledge examination (Aircraft Technical), together with a valid NPPL Medical Declaration or JAR-FCL Class 1 or 2 medical certificate. We can also convert licence holders of a PPL (M) with operating restrictions, and offer Progress Reviews for current PPL students. Contact us for full details of these programmes.

FOREIGN LICENCES TO JAR - PPL(A)
We can convert all foreign licenses. This can be an FAA (USA), or from any other ICAO State of the world - to the JAR PPL(A). You can even finish your license with us if you have started in any other ICAO country - not many schools offer that!!
General requirements:
You need 100 hours of total flying time, which can include the training hours towards your PPL(A) licence, and a valid medical class 2 (JAR). You will normally have to do the following two written tests:
* Human Factors and Perfomance, and
* Air Navigation Law

If you have less than 100 hours you have to do all SEVEN written exams. We have the instructors and the examiners to do this - contact us for more information! The CAA will charge their standard fee for issuing the licence. We advise you about appropriate reference materials, and how to do the exams. You also have to pass a flight test (we will tell you the requirements). You can then apply for a PPL-JAR licence issued by the CAA (UK Flight Authorities) accepted in more than 30 countries.

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