Tristan starts teaching me how to take care of the airplane right away. We removed the tie-downs; discussed what the wind was doing; and then started out from shore.

We flew from pond to pond working on my landings. I thought they were great, but he thought I could be smoother. I spent the entire day with the seat too low, as I discovered the next day, and having no visibility kept me from getting as smooth as he wanted. I hope to fly with him again to show him I did get it – after raising the seat.

We headed back to Cherry Pocket for Docking practice and fuel, as well as to give me a rest after over an hour of introductory float flying. Docking was my biggest worry, but that went well with the instruction I’d received.

This rating is all about judgement. Give yourself enough time to figure out landing distances; docking speeds; wind direction and speed; and other important factors.

Leaving the Pocket – we head for a lakeside lunch in Sebring Florida. Landing in a dozen lakes along the way and performing glassy water T/O and landings; landings to a step taxi; step turns; rough water landings (land as slow as possible with power as necessary); rough water takeoffs (like a soft field T/O); etc., etc.

We had a great lunch, and departed Sebring in search of softer landings for Tristan, which I don’t think I delivered that day. We eventually landed back at the Pocket before dark, and I called it a day. Exhausted.

You are working your right arm pulling up the water rudders; and your left arm holding full up elevator for takeoff and landing; and all forms of taxi.

In Brian’s words – Sunday started out slowly but got moving smartly once it came together. Tomorrow would be similar.

By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.