How long does it take to get a float rating in Alaska?

Our Just Floats course takes 3-4 days and includes 8 hours of dual instruction plus 3 hours of ground school. The Floats and Fly extended course takes 4-5 days with 10 hours of flight time.

What are the requirements for float plane training?

You need a Private Pilot Certificate or higher. No prior float experience is required for our courses. A valid medical certificate is also needed.

Where is Alaska Float Training located?

We are located at Scout Lake in Sterling, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula. Sterling is approximately 150 miles south of Anchorage.

How much does a float rating cost?

Our Just Floats course starts at $3,500. The Floats and Fly extended course is $4,500. A $500 deposit is required to reserve your dates. A 3.5% credit card processing fee applies. The examiner fee (~$800) is separate.

Alaska Float & Tailwheel Training

Fun Flying

Schedule an Appointment

Alaska

Alaska is a beautiful setting to take to the air and spread your wings for flight training. While on vacation or just an excuse to venture north, explore the Kenai Peninsula while gaining experience as a float pilot in a Piper PA 18 or honing your piloting skills with a tailwheel endorsement in a Cessna 140. Alaska is an excellent place for float-plane training.

COURSES

Fun Courses

We have designed our courses, so the student has the time to enjoy the experience of flight training in Alaska. Along your educational journey, you will experience beautiful lakes, mountain ranges, icy glaciers, and much more. You'll love float plane training in Alaska.

Piper PA-18 Super Cub on floats during training flight over Kenai Peninsula glaciers and mountains Alaska — Alaska Float Training

Student pilot practicing water landing in float plane at Scout Lake Alaska, SES seaplane rating course — Alaska Float Training

COURSES

Dedicated Instructors

We know that learning is easier when you have an excellent teacher. Our CFI's are professional educators who are passionate about flight instruction and bring this enthusiasm into each lesson. We love sharing the adventure of float plane training in Alaska.

ABOUT US

Float Courses

PA-18 Super Cub on floats at Scout Lake, Just Floats SES seaplane rating course at Alaska Float Training — ser_13

Tailwheel Training

Cessna 140 tailwheel aircraft, flight review BFR and tailwheel endorsement training at Alaska Float Training Alaska — 2

Fun Flying Courses

Fun flying adventure course over Alaska wilderness, scenic bush flying lessons at Alaska Float Training — ser_06

Mountain Flying

Adventure Flying

Combo Courses

Combo float and tailwheel training package, PA-18 Super Cub and Cessna 140 courses at Alaska Float Training — 1111 (2)

Float Refresher

Fun flying adventure course over Alaska wilderness, Adventures in Fun Flying at Alaska Float Training — 1111

Commercial & Instrument

Commercial and instrument flight training in Cessna 172M, advanced aviation courses at Alaska Float Training — 4

Train in your Plane

Photo Gallery

These are just a few of our favorite places.

Custom flight training in your own airplane, personalized aviation instruction at Alaska Float Training Sterling Alaska — rw_03

Float plane flying over Kenai Peninsula mountains, aerial photo gallery at Alaska Float Training — Alaska Float Training

Alaska wilderness scenic flight, bush flying adventure from Scout Lake Sterling Alaska — Alaska Float Training

Float plane water operations on Alaska lake, seaplane training at Alaska Float Training — Alaska Float Training

Kenai Peninsula mountain landscape from training flight, Alaska Float Training aerial view — Alaska Float Training

PA-18 Super Cub float plane on lake, Alaska float plane training scenic photo — Alaska Float Training

VIEW GALLERY

Reviews

Alaska bush flying scenic route, glacier and mountain views from float plane training flight — Alaska Float Training

Alaska Float Training

I started flying with Tammy due to scheduling issues with a previous instructor and I wish I would have flown with her sooner. Scheduling was a breeze, instruction was good and the experience was all around pleasant. If you want more than just an airport to airport Alaskan experience, fly with Tammy!

Chad - Student

Alaska Float Training

Trained with Tammy for my Private Pilot Tailwheel license and I could not be happier with my time. Tammy is attentive, fair, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. She will work around your schedule and has no problem with odd hours. Working toward your first license can be intimidating but Tammy eases all your woes and ensures you are ready for each step. My check ride, as well as one pre-check ride review flight, was completed with Darlene. Darlene as well is extremely knowledgeable in her craft and cares for you as a pilot with a great focus on safety. I fully recommend both of these pilots to cover any of your training needs!

Jordan M - Student

Alaska Float Training

I have been working toward my private pilot certification for about a year now with Tammy. She is very knowledgeable, patient, and willing to work around your schedule. I highly recommend Tammy at AK Float and Tailwheel. Truly a fantastic CFI.

Terry Hensley - Student