Flight Instructor for Airplane Category › II. Technical Subject Areas › Task L. Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)

AI.II.L.K1c

Knowledge

Characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:

Surface wind

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook p. 6-7
LANDING › ROUGH WATER LANDING
typical or ideal rough water landing procedure is impractical because of the many variables that affect the water’s surface. Wind direction and speed must be weighed along with the surface conditions of the water. In most instances, though, make…
Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook p. 3-1
DETERMINING SEA CONDITIONS
wave crests at a fixed point is the period of the wave. Waves are usually caused by wind moving across the surface of the water. As the air pushes the water, ripples form. These ripples become waves in strong ... when the wind reaches about two knots. At this windspeed, patches of ripples begin to form. If the wind stops, surface tension and gravity quickly damp the waves, and the surface returns to its flat, glassy condition. If the wind…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 7-1-56
Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 1. Meteorology › 7-1-24. Microbursts
should be prepared to apply wind shear/microburst escape procedures should they decide to continue the approach. Additionally, the surface winds at the airport for landing runway 27 are reported as 250 degrees at 20 knots. NOTE-Threshold wind ... wind shear condition that will decrease their airspeed by 20 knots and possibly encounter turbulence. Additionally, the airport surface winds for landing runway 27 are reported as 200 degrees at 15 knots. NOTE-Threshold wind is at pilot’s request…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 7-1-7
Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 1. Meteorology › 7-1-4. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
visibility, weather phenomena, and winds (including wind gusts) with AIRMETs for instrument flight rules conditions and AIRMETs for sustained surface winds of 30 knots or more overlaid. These images are presented on ten separate maps providing forecast views ... states of Alaska and Hawaii, and all off-shore U.S. territories and possessions, such as Puerto Rico. Aviation Surface Forecast FIG 7-1-3 Aviation Cloud Forecast…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 7-1-15
Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 1. Meteorology › 7-1-6. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories
which require the issuance of a SIGMET. 1. AIRMETs contain details about IFR conditions, extensive mountain obscuration, turbulence, strong surface winds, icing, and freezing levels. Unscheduled updates and corrections are issued as necessary. 2. AIRMETs: (a) Are intended to inform…
Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook p. 3-1
CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER
they affect the seaplane. As a fluid, water seeks its own level, and forms a flat, glassy surface if undisturbed. Winds, currents, or objects traveling along its surface create waves and movements that change the surface characteristics. Just as airplanes ... transmitted directly through the floats and struts to the basic structure of the airplane. Under calm wind conditions, the smooth water surface presents a uniform appearance from above, somewhat like a mirror. This situation eliminates visual references for the pilot…