A vast number of gigabytes have been used up debating the Visa and TSA stuff – much of which I have sadly read – and I don’t think the issue has ever been settled – beyond the banal and obviously wrong “advice” that all flight training in the USA needs both of them which a number of people have got from some ex Macdonalds worker in the US Embassy 
The last I heard is that a “rating” should not need a Visa or TSA. You should be able to pop into any Part 61 school and just do them.
I believe the first link in this article is still mostly valid, and in any case it should illustrate the things to check out.
If you decide you need a Visa, you have to use a Part 141 school because only they can issue the I-20 which you need to get the Visa.
I don’t think a seaplane rating requires TSA approval (unlike an initial PPL or IR)…. In terms of a visa, I believe there is provision in the US immigration law that allows you to undertake a short course if it is incidental to your trip – ie while you are on vacation.. I think there is a limit on the number of hours per week or something but a seaplane rating wouldn’t go near it….BUT best to check with a US Embassy…
Are any of the US places Part-141 schools? If not how do they work the visa issue, now you can’t just fly there and do a rating but need to get security clearance and a visa?
If you want to go to North America to fly floats, apparently Kenmore near Seattle is the place as they let you go solo whereas Jack Browns do not (apparently).
However if you are prepared to go to Seattle then I would recommend going to Canada because it is easy to get a temporary licence.
I went to Air Hart in Kelowna, got a temp licence from the airport (email 3 weeks in advance – send copies of licence and medical, produce originals when collecting licence).
Not only did I learn floats but mountain flying, and landing on rivers. And went solo after 5 hours. Fantastic.
not like the Fraser!
....Which when I flew from it last June was 8 feet higher than normal, and moving at 12 knots - that made the water work and ramping a challenge! BC is beautiful. The weather can be unwelcoming at times though.
Initial float flying is great, and will build your skills, even for landplane flying. You'll learn a couple of tricks which work on wheels too. It is the next phase of float training (which I'm not certain all candidates get) which is important though - where, when and how to land away from home. After 25 years of float flying, I still learn new things about that, and excite in new experiences doing it....
Hamish is probably worth the effort contacting. He's an effective instructor and very personable. Whether or not he'll be able to offer training towards a rating is another matter given his commitments. His 172 is absolutely splendid if a bit lacking in performance. Scotland is just like BC only in miniature. I went to Canada last year for training on a 180H. Flight from Glasgow-Vancouver direct for £700 return. B&B Can$575 for a week. Very pleased with training, customer service. Very friendly, and utterly stunning location. Effective hourly rate about £50/hr cheaper than here, offsetting travel cost somewhat. In Scotland you'll probably be restricted to loch operation. In bc I got coastal and lake experience, river as well. There's really only the Clyde you can operate from here. It's not a real river - not like the Fraser!
I did a few hours with Caledonian Seaplanes a few years ago - on Loch Earn.>
If this is the same company I am thinking of I believe they have stopped operating. I recently bought an Avgas bowser from a lady in Perthsire who traded as Calendonian with a Cub and a Husky on Loch Earn but stopped flying a few years back.
I did a few hours with Caledonian Seaplanes a few years ago - on Loch Earn.
Wasn't particularly impressed and the weather didn't help either. Super Cub on floats, seaplane parked on the water on a jetty a stones throw from a reasonable hotel . . .
Not Scotland but Greenville, Maine was lovely and would be a great place to do the rating.
I'd highly recommend Hamish Mitchell who has a Reims Rocket on amphibious floats, based at Prestwick.
Both the operators in Scotland (Hamish included!) are unbelievably poor at responding to emails but don't give up! IF you can manage to get hold of Hamish, he's a nice guy, you'll get some good instruction and most importantly - you'll have a lot of fun.
Neil Gregory (see previous post) is apparently also a really good guy - but is even worse than Hamish at responding to emails :)
