FAQ & ABOUT

Frequently Asked Questions

How far out should I schedule?

We’ve been extremely busy, so as soon as you know your preferred training dates, please reach out to us. Ask about our cancellation list for earlier openings. You can reserve your spot by contacting our office Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by email. To complete your reservation, we’ll need your name, phone number, email address, weight, training aircraft preference, and the level of ASEL on your pilot certificate. Once we have your details, we’ll send a secure link to submit your deposit.

If you’re scheduling a dual flight or refresher training, we can often accommodate you on short notice. We recommend reaching out at least 24 hours in advance for availability—but if you stop by, we’ll do our best to get you flying!

What do I need to bring?

U.S. Pilot Certificate (credit card style or temporary airman certificate).
Current, valid FAA or Military medical, or your Basic Med documentation, which is the Certificate of Completion and a valid US Drivers’ License.
Valid Driver's License or Valid Passport. Your passport must match the Nationality listed on your Pilot Certificate. If it does not match, you must visit a FSDO to have it changed.
IACRA registration information: FTN number, username and password.
Logbook if you keep one.
Course guide.

I'm a foreign pilot, what do I need to do or bring?

New TSA and FAA policies affecting foreign pilots training in the US were implemented after September 11, 2001. A letter of verification from the FAA is now required for pilots holding a US certificate based on their foreign and for pilots seeking a foreign license conversion. The application for the verification letter must now be started in IACRA. When issued, it is only valid for six (6) months. The letter of verification MUST verify your foreign medical. If it does not, you must obtain an FAA medical prior to the ASES rating or license conversion. Foreign pilots seeking the ASES rating must also meet the foreign pilot flight requirement hours.

What is your cancellation policy?

For the ASES Course we require 7 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled reservation. Any refund issued will be less the $50.00 cancellation fee.

Do I need to bring my own headset?

You can bring your own headset if you'd like, but we have loaner headsets for you to borrow for training.

About Us

Jack Brown's Seaplane Base was started, in 1963, by Jack Brown. His fondness for seaplanes began at an early age, flying an Aeronca C-3 Float plane on the Kanawha River in West Virginia. This continued during WWII when he flew the Grumman "Flying Boats" and PBY's. Following the war, Jack was a civilian instructor and test pilot for the U.S Air Force station in central Florida. He put down roots here and became the fixed base operator at the Winter Haven Airport, now Gilbert Field.

Jack's affection for seaplanes gave him a grand vision for an overgrown area on Lake Jessie, located just southwest of the Winter Haven Airport. Jack launched a Piper J-3 Cub on floats to introduce a friend to the freedom of float flying, and a seed was planted for Jack Brown's Seaplane Base.

In 1975, Jack Brown passed away. His oldest son, Jon, carried on what his father started, and over the 42 years that followed he established the solid reputation the base has today. In 2018, Jon's son-in-law, Ben Shipps, an instructor at the base, became an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. In early 2019, Jon sold the business to Ben to carry on a legacy of sharing the wonderful world of floats.

History is one of the many things that sets our school apart, not dwelling in it, but building upon it. With over 57 years of specializing in seaplane training, certifying more than 22,000 pilots from around the globe, and thousands of hours logged each year, we constantly are seeking ways to improve our operation and enhance customer/student experience. Our mission is to provide clear, concise, objective based seaplane training that not only will challenge you but improve who you are as a decision maker and pilot. We take pride in offering personalized seaplane instruction, in a friendly atmosphere, to the highest standard.

Along with Jon and Ben, you will find family working in the office, with old friends, and past students always dropping by to say "Hello". As much as this is a business, it is also a place where you will come as a stranger, leave as a friend, and know you are always welcome back!