Written for pilots who want to transition from land-based aircraft to seaplanes, this guide is designed to teach the special maneuvers that are required for the FAA's seaplane rating and also gives insight into the important practical differences between flying landplanes and seaplanes. Each step of flying a seaplane is presented in logical order, starting with preflight and proceeding through taxiing, takeoff, landing, and postflight procedures. Special attention is given to the issues involved in handling an aircraft on the water, such as conditions for takeoff and landing, and docking, beaching, or ramping a seaplane. This new edition includes a special emphasis on safety and the kinds of pilot decision-making processes that keep seaplanes flying well and safely.