Rates without Lodging
RATES – SUMMARY OF RATES:
2021 Menu of Bush Flying and Seaplane Lessons without Lodging
2022 Rates Coming Soon…
Please call (435) 574-9065 or email flyscenicmountainair@gmail.com for details.
Examiner Fee:
“Depends on Examiner” about $800 – Initial Private, Commercial or SES
Optimal Float Backcountry Course
Plan 3-4 Days , (might need extra day if poor wx)
Up to 8 hrs of flight time ,
1 hr of orientation with Vern,
Ground school: $50 per hr, Arranged and paid to the instructor
extra aircraft time A/C @ $350 per hr,
checkride fee NOT included, (examiner fee $800)
lodging NOT included.
This is our most popular course. It’s more fun and no pressure.
“With approximately 10,000 hours and a lot of flights, this flight I just took was a flight of a lifetime.” Chris, 2011
This course is for the pilot who wants to earn a Single Engine Sea Rating, have fun, without the pressure or time constraints of the Basic Course. If you want to have more fun and take a little extra time to pass “just the minimum” skills required by the FAA’s PTS or if you want to concentrate on the mountain flying aspect of our location and experience the challenges that the other exciting lakes in the area offer, then this is the course for you.
Adventure Bush Flying Course
Plan 5-6 Days, (might need extra day if poor wx)
Up to 12 hrs of flight time ,
2-3 hrs of ground school orientation,
extra ground school: $50 per hr, paid to instructor
extra aircraft time A/C @ $350 per hr,
check ride fee NOT included, (examiner fee $800)
lodging NOT included.
This is even better — time for exploring, fly-in fishing, and aerial photography.
Justin took this course and earned his rating. He’s a fairly low-time pilot.
“I really enjoyed the small group atmosphere as it made me feel like I was part of the family. In interacting with the instructors, they were very professional while still being pretty down to earth.” Justin, 2011
NOTE: This is not a “guaranteed rating,” you have to earn it.
You may begin your lessons any day of the week. We will start your lessons at any time it is convenient to fit your schedule. Plan on 3-4 days. If you are current and very proficient, you can plan on 2-3 days. Checkride on last day. Examiners (DPE’s) must be scheduled 24-48 hours in advance as FAA has some new advisory requirements.
At Lake Hood we start when you want. (depending on Instructor availability) Be sure to read my letter to pilots regarding training at Lake Hood at the bottom of my home page. It starts out… Please read this Really Important message to Alaska pilots about flying at Lake Hood, When you email or call us, be sure to mention if you want your SES lessons, refresher, or BFR out of Lake Hood in Anchorage, or Trail Lake, Moose Pass.
You will not have the experience of mountain flying instruction out of Lake Hood, the mountains are too far away. Some weeks completely booked. Please call us for open dates.
Alaska Floatplane Safari
Customized Itinerary. This is the best of the best.
3-4 days,
10-15 hours of flight time,
2-3 nights in a lodge
Price… depends on Itinerary, total aircraft time @$350, lodge cost, etc
This is the best of the best. This is the Adventure Course to explore Alaska. First, you’ll do a refresher on floats, and then head off. There could be an incremental fuel surcharge when flying in the bush. Bear-viewing charges are additional.
Float and/or Mountain Refresher Course
1-2 Days
3 hours of flight time
This is for you if you already have your SES, or just want mountain instruction.
This course is for a pilot who has a Single Engine Sea Rating, but wants to get current on floats and experience real Alaska bush and mountain flying. Add extra time or buy two courses if you want to fly more.
Flight Review (BFR)
1 .5 hour of flight time
Instruction at Lake Hood in our C-172
Introductory float lessons, single engine sea ratings, flight reviews.
All the above prices are based on 2021 fuel cost. Any fuel surcharge added will be determined upon each fuel delivery.
Regarding insurance: This is Alaska. Alaska Float Ratings, Scenic Mountain Air, Inc., and Vern Kingsford do not carry insurance on our training aircraft. Hull insurance alone for three Super Cubs would add approximately $600 per rating. The cost is prohibitive.
Safe flying has allowed us to operate for nearly 27 years without a training accident or ever hurting anyone, other than their feelings if they bust the checkride.
Some students tent camp, rent a motorhome, stay with friends or family, or in other accommodations nearby.
This flying experience is for the pilot who wants to earn a Single Engine Sea Rating and practice what he/she learned, or perhaps already has a rating and wants more fun float hours, or to meet insurance requirements. If you want to have time to get the most benefit and value from your Alaska Bush flying lessons, this course is for you.
You will get a float refresher course plus an introduction and practice in mountain flying techniques, then take our instructor/guide with you to explore and photograph the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield, and Prince William Sound, or stop and fish or practice landings at the many other beautiful lakes in our area beyond the seven we use for your lessons.
Dual in Your Airplane
You must provide proof of insurance or a liability release.
This is a C-172 with a 180 hp engine and constant-speed prop on PeeKay floats. Fly out of the largest seaplane base in the world. Ground school is $75/hour.
SES (add-on) in your seaplane
4 hrs ground Pre and Post Flight
* My definition of “the basics” as used here is (as required by the PTS):
• An understanding of fundamental aerodynamics.
• An understanding of what each control surface does and why.
• The ability to coordinate with the rudder.
• An awareness of the nose attitude and the ability to use it and power to control speed.
• An awareness of where the airplane will go if a given trend continues (planning ahead).
• The ability to use the rudder to control torque and similar effects (P-factor, etc.).