After 370 hours experience flying the Super Petrel LS here in Australia, i think i some knowledge into the nuiances of seaplane flying. First up,it would be generally agreed that the skill level of flying any sort of seaplane is far greater than any other aircraft including multi engined. The fact that your aircraft becomes a hi speed boat on touchdown means that a new set of skills have to be learnt and practiced, apart from just remembering to "gear up on water".
However my point is, that after training 4 students on the super petrel for their waterhull endorsements, i have come to the conclusion that seaplanes arent for rank amatuers, in fact i will only take on students with at least 200 hours and good landing techniques. Moving on, I am dismayed as to the number incidents and accidents inlcuding the three deaths in recent months, which leads me to the conclusion that the level of training is far below that required. i regret now not bringing my students well above the minimum standard, however all are still alive, just.
The disturbing fact is that these guys were well experiennced, but in my opinion pushed the boundaries and perhaps complacency may have crept in.
Its not for the lack of skill, or the quality of aircraft the takes the pilots life, its how much he cuts his margins......