We operate out of the Big Lake airport (PAGQ) for wheel instruction and Big Lake itself for float training.

FLI Hangar address is 4046 Taxi Way Big Lake AK 99654.

Float training will be from the dock at the Big Lake Lodge, 15328 Big Lake Lodge Rd Big Lake AK 99654.

We use a 1976 F19 Taylorcraft for tailwheel endorsements and ski training, and a 1946 BC12D Taylorcraft on EDO 1320s for float training. Taylorcrafts are widely known as exceptional trainers with docile characteristics and simple operation. The side by side seating allows a comfortable learning environment for both student and instructor.

The amount of training required varies greatly between students depending on recency of experience and past history.  I find an average pilot with current Private Pilot skills can usually become safe and competent enough to receive their tailwheel endorsement, or signoff to take their Single Engine Sea check ride in  6-10 hours.  While the tailwheel endorsement only requires our logbook signoff, the SES rating will require a final check with a Designated Examiner, their rates vary and are not included in our pricing. 

For tailwheel instruction, I highly recommend The Compleat Taildragger Pilot by Harvey Plourde. Available from Amazon, Aircraft Spruce, and other sources, it is an excellent training guide to understand the geometry and explain the differences between nose wheel and tailwheel aircraft.  Chapters 3-7 are vital to understanding the concepts, highly recommend reading prior to training.

For float training, Notes of a Seaplane Instructor: An Instructional Guide to Seaplane Flying. by Burke Mees is the hands down best training manual for understanding float operations.  Available from Amazon, Aircraft Spruce, and other outlets, this guide is the basis for our float plane training syllabus.

Other training resources available in the Flat Lake Instruction library.  This library includes official FAA documents on tailwheel transition, float flying, ski flying, and resources from EAA and Canadian publications on ski flying as well.

Each three hour block includes a 30 min preflight brief, approximately 2 hrs of flight time, and a 30 min debrief.  Please show at the hangar or at the Big Lake Lodge at the scheduled start time, and as always, prepare to delay or cancel a flight depending on weather conditions. For floats, bring hip waders. For winter flying, dress appropriately. A noise-cancelling headset is recommended. Fly safe!

Please use the online training scheduler to book your training dates. I suggest booking 5 days in a row if possible, or a block of two days and a block of three.  We will likely only need four rides, but use the fifth for additional training or for weather makeup flights. If you need to cancel a flight, use the link on the introductory scheduling email you received when booking to cancel the meeting as soon as you know you can’t make it.  

Our typical instructor at FLI has been flying in Alaska over 30 years in every aircraft, configuration, and Part 91/135/121/military environment you will encounter in this state. We pride ourselves in bringing the absolute best instruction to achieving your flight goals.