EASA Seaplane Flight School
SEP (SEA) / SET(SEA)
Professional seaplane training in Europe -
from the first familiarization flight to class rating and renewal.
Our services
SEP (Sea)
SET (SEA)
SEP (Land)
Intro flight
EASA SEaplane Ratings
flight school
BALTIC SEAPLANE - EASA ATO AND CAAT- FTO
Baltic Seaplane GmbH is an approved training organization (ATO) of the Schleswig-Holstein Aviation Authority (DE.SH.ATO.004) for EASA-compliant licenses and ratings as well as an approved flight school (FTO 0036) under the Thai aviation authority CAAT.
Our focus is on professional seaplane SET (Sea) Caravan 208 training under real coastal and open-water conditions. The basic training takes place mainly on our Cessna 172P Amphibian (floatplane). In addition, we also offer training on the Lake LA-4 Buccaneer flying boat. We see ourselves as a competence center for modern seaplane operations – from the classic SEP (Sea) authorization to preparation for commercial missions.
Company Background & Operational Authority
Baltic Seaplane GmbH is an operationally driven seaplane operator and training provider based in Northern Germany, with roots in commercial seaplane operations dating back to 2001.
Established in 2015 in Flensburg, the company builds on the operational experience and personnel of earlier seaplane activities in Germany and has since developed into a combined AOC operator and Approved Training Organization (ATO) with a strong focus on real-world seaplane operations.
Operational Experience
Baltic Seaplane operates in complex and demanding environments, including:
- Coastal (saltwater) operations in the Baltic Sea
- Inland water operations across Northern Germany
- Mixed-use maritime environments with:
- Commercial vessel traffic
- Recreational boating
- High-density seasonal traffic (events, regattas)
Operations are conducted under full integration of:
- Aviation regulations (EASA / LuftVG)
- Maritime rules, including COLREG (KVR) and national shipping regulations
This dual-operational framework reflects the real nature of seaplane operations:
Seaplane operations are not purely aviation – they are the integration of aviation and maritime operations.
Regulatory Framework & Compliance
Baltic Seaplane operates under:
- EASA Approved Training Organization (ATO)
- Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial operations
All operations and training activities are based on:
- EASA regulations (Part-ORA / Part-CAT)
- German Aviation Law (LuftVG)
- Maritime regulations (KVR, SeeSchStrO)
The company maintains comprehensive Operational Manuals, defining:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Safety and risk management processes
- Communication procedures in mixed traffic environments
Close cooperation with:
- Aviation authorities
- Waterway and shipping authorities
ensures regulatory compliance and operational integration.
Our services
Extension and renewal of seaplane licenses
Open-water training under coastal conditions
Revalidation and renewal of EASA authorizations
Support with license transfers (e.g. FAA to EASA)
Integration of customer aircraft into our ATO structure
Operational Philosophy
Baltic Seaplane applies a strictly safety-driven, decision-based operational philosophy:
“A landing is only performed when it is fully assessed as safe. If safety cannot be assured, the operation is discontinued.”
This reflects a core principle of seaplane operations:
- Continuous environmental assessment
- Dynamic decision-making
- Adaptation to traffic, weather, and water conditions
Seamanship Integration
A defining element of Baltic Seaplane’s operations is the integration of seamanship into pilot qualification and daily operations.
Key aspects include:
- Understanding of wind, drift, and current effects on water
- Low-speed maneuvering and docking procedures
- Situational awareness in vessel traffic environments
- Application of maritime right-of-way rules
Operational experience shows that:
Pilots with a maritime background – particularly sailing experience – demonstrate significantly enhanced capability in water handling and decision-making.
This insight directly influences the company’s training philosophy.
International Operational Contribution
Baltic Seaplane has actively contributed to the development of seaplane operations in emerging markets.
In cooperation with:
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
- Experienced operators from the Maldives (one of the world’s most advanced commercial seaplane environments)
Baltic Seaplane supported the introduction of structured seaplane operations in Thailand.
This work included:
- Transfer of operational know-how
- Support in regulatory and procedural development
- Alignment with established commercial seaplane models
Notably, Maldivian seaplane operations are characterized by:
- Airline-level operational standards
- High-frequency, scheduled operations
- Structured SOP-driven environments
This perspective strongly influenced Baltic Seaplane’s own approach:
Seaplane operations are not “bush flying” – they are structured, repeatable and scalable commercial operations.
Relevance for Training Concept
The training concept developed by Baltic Seaplane is not based on theoretical assumptions, but on:
- Real AOC operations
- Open-water and saltwater experience
- Regulatory interaction in complex environments
- International operational development projects
This provides a unique foundation:
The training is designed from operational reality – not adapted from conventional flight training models.
Make a training request
Let us know which training course you are planning. We will get back to you personally and discuss the most suitable implementation.
- Certified Training Organization (ATO) - Training according to EASA standards
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