ATP multi-land today... ATP multi-sea tomorow?

[skycowboy]

Theoretically speaking if you obtained your multiengine ATP land rating today, and had never flown a seaplane in your life, could you start a multiengine seaplane course tomorow and take an ATP checkride when you finish your 6-12 hours in the airplane?

[averyrm]

Yup, and if you had an MEI you'd be an instructor in it too.

[Polymox]

As long as you meet the posted minimums for ATP you can take the checkride in whatever category and class you want. Of course, you're going to have to be highly proficient in the checkride aircraft to have any chance at passing. I took and passed an ATP multi ride holding a commercial single with no multi priveleges at all.

[Fly4Pay]

Originally Posted by Polymox

As long as you meet the posted minimums for ATP you can take the checkride in whatever category and class you want. Of course, you're going to have to be highly proficient in the checkride aircraft to have any chance at passing. I took and passed an ATP multi ride holding a commercial single with no multi priveleges at all.

Apparently that's fairly common. When I did my ATP (at ATP, btw), both my instructor and my evaluator kept forgetting that I wasn't required to do some of the ME items since I already had my multi. I guess they get enough SEL only types that they just do it out of habit.

[cezzna]

Most seaplane checkrides require a checkbook and that's all. There is limited liability in giving a seaplane checkride. Nobody will let you fly a seaplane without a thorough checkout, if you can even find one to rent. I don't think there is a multi-seaplane for rent anywhere.

That being said, they are way more fun than their land counterparts. Too bad you can't make a decent living in one.