Advanced Pilot Training

Yes, FAR 61.31(i) requires a tailwheel endorsement to act as pilot in command of a conventional-gear airplane. There is no FAA minimum hour requirement and no checkride; it is proficiency-based, commonly taking eight to fifteen flight hours, and once earned the one-time endorsement does not expire.

A rating, such as Single-Engine Sea or multi-engine, is added to your certificate and usually requires training, a knowledge or practical test, and an FAA record. An endorsement, such as tailwheel or high-performance, is a logbook sign-off from an instructor that authorizes a specific privilege without a separate checkride.

You complete float training with a seaplane instructor covering water handling, sailing, docking, and confined-area work, then pass a practical test to add the Single-Engine Sea rating to your certificate. Studying the knowledge first, such as with the Gleim online course, lets you spend float time flying rather than learning theory.

Common next steps include the instrument rating, a tailwheel endorsement, mountain flying training, or specialty add-ons like seaplane. The right choice depends on what and where you want to fly. Many pilots also pursue upset recovery or spin training to sharpen handling and confidence beyond the standard syllabus.

Aerobatic, spin, and upset-recovery courses are flown with a qualified instructor in an approved airplane and typically recommend that you already hold at least a Private Pilot certificate. They build unusual-attitude recovery skills and confidence, and study materials in this collection help prepare the knowledge side before you fly the maneuvers.