Student Stories from the Belgrade Lakes
Why We Took The Plunge is a summah storytelling series celebrating the pilots who chose to earn their seaplane rating with Bel-Air Seaplane Service.
Each Wednesday, we'll feature a different student, sharing what inspired them to take the plunge, what surprised them during training, their favorite moments on the water, and what advice they'd give to the next pilot thinking about earning a seaplane rating.
Their backgrounds are as diverse as aviation itself, from newly certificated private pilots to airline captains with decades of experience. Yet they all discovered something special in Maine's lakes, mountains, and quiet coves: the joy of learning something new. Pull up a dock chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us as we share the stories behind the ratings, the splashdowns, and the unforgettable moments that remind us why we fly.
A new story drops every Wednesday throughout the summah!
Jason Gerald - Summah Class of 2025
After nearly 40 years as a professional pilot, I finally had the time to pursue something I had always wanted to do: earn my seaplane rating.
Pilots are a disciplined group by nature. Earning that first certificate or rating can feel daunting, but the accomplishment validates the countless hours of study, training, and hard work. Each additional rating expands your skillset and makes you a better aviator.
The seaplane rating was different. It challenged me to think about flying from an entirely new perspective. Water introduces a new environment, new considerations, and new techniques. More than anything, it reminded me that learning never stops in aviation.
Earning my seaplane rating with Bel-Air Seaplane Service rekindled my love of flying. It brought me back to the excitement and curiosity that first drew me to aviation years ago.
One of my favorite parts of training was becoming a student again. I was excited, a little nervous, and eager to learn something completely new. What made the experience so rewarding was knowing I was in the capable hands of instructors with years of experience teaching this unique form of flying.
And then there's Maine. The combination of pristine lakes, winding rivers, and breathtaking scenery creates an unforgettable training environment. Bel-Air's instructors challenge you, build your confidence, and most importantly, make the experience fun.
For those considering a seaplane rating, preparation is key. YouTube videos can provide a glimpse into the joy of water flying and may inspire you to turn a long-held dream into reality. I also recommend Notes of a Seaplane Instructor by Burke Mees as an excellent introduction to seaplane operations. Most importantly, take advantage of the training materials provided by Bel-Air. They are concise, practical, and tailored specifically to the rating. Whether you have thousands of hours in your logbook or have recently earned your private pilot certificate, arriving prepared will help you get the most from your training.
The training is fun, but you'll still need to earn the rating by successfully completing a checkride. That challenge makes the accomplishment even more rewarding.
For me, the seaplane rating was more than another line in my logbook. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with aviation in the first place.
