AA.I.H — Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.I.H.K1The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
  • AA.I.H.K1aa. Size and location
  • AA.I.H.K1bb. Protected and unprotected areas
  • AA.I.H.K1cc. Surface wind
  • AA.I.H.K1dd. Direction and strength of water current
  • AA.I.H.K1ee. Floating and partially submerged debris
  • AA.I.H.K1ff. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
  • AA.I.H.K1gg. Vessel traffic and wakes
  • AA.I.H.K1hh. Other characteristics specific to the area
• AA.I.H.K2Float and hull construction and its effect on seaplane performance.
• AA.I.H.K3Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
• AA.I.H.K4How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
• AA.I.H.K5Operating restrictions at various bases.
• AA.I.H.K6Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
• AA.I.H.K7Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
• AA.I.H.K8Naval vessel protection zones.
• AA.I.H.K9No wake zones.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• AA.I.H.R1Local conditions.
• AA.I.H.R2Impact of marine traffic.
• AA.I.H.R3Failure to follow right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
• AA.I.H.R4Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.I.H.S1Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
• AA.I.H.S2Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
• AA.I.H.S3Locate seaplane bases on charts or in directories and identify any restrictions.
• AA.I.H.S4Identify marine navigation aids.
• AA.I.H.S5Describe what naval vessel protection zones and no wake zones are.
• AA.I.H.S6Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
• AA.I.H.S7Perform correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.