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Float Plane Flying in 2024
In strict terms of water performance the sea plane is always preferable to the float plane, but true sea planes are rare, usually expensive and most are rather large, complicated birds. The vast majority of the water flying world settles for float planes because of their relative economy. Both types can be amphibious aircraft and both types can be strictly limited to water operations. Once again, many just assume all float or seaplanes have wheels for landing on land, and this is not true. Given the vast majority of recreational float planes as opposed to true sea planes, let’s consider the float plane that most recreational pilots will fly.
Once airborne, the float plane will fly like a land plane, roughly, but it will be slower and have less stability. Most floatplanes augment the vertical surface area of the land plane with fins, so it is common to see Super Cubs and Beavers (and others) with ventral fins located on the tail or vertically, from the horizontal stabilizer. Because the floats are long and roughly aerodynamic, they will affect the stability of the plane, along with creating a good deal of parasite drag. A typical Super Cub with floats is hard pressed to fly much faster than 80 mph in cruise as compared to 90-100 mph for the land plane Super Cub. The speed difference can be even more pronounced in other planes.
Learning to fly seaplanes presents a unique set of challenges distinct from conventional land-based aircraft. Mastery requires not only proficiency in basic flight principles but also a deep understanding of water dynamics, wind patterns, and the complexities of landing and taking off on water surfaces. Pilots must navigate the intricacies of waterborne operations, such as managing swells, waves, and water currents, which demand heightened situational awareness and precise control inputs. Additionally, the transition from land-based flying to seaplanes involves mastering amphibious characteristics and adjusting to the lack of conventional runway infrastructure. Aspiring seaplane pilots face a steep learning curve, requiring patience, practice, and a keen sense of adaptability to navigate the challenges inherent in this exhilarating yet demanding realm of aviation.
Float plane flying off the water is not difficult. The plane is given take-off power and typically, full back pressure is maintained on the elevator until the plane gets “On the step.” The step being referred to is like a boat, it refers to when the hull is supported on top of the water surface as opposed to plowing through it. Turns can be made while the plane is on the step and is an integral part to most float plane instruction. This allows the pilot to take off from crooked lakes or rivers and is, for lack of a better term, a helluva lotta fun to do. Landings are much like regular land plane landings, except most float planes will have steeper approaches.
Most of the instruction for the seaplane license (whether float plane or seaplane) will deal with water operations and of this, most will be devoted to landing and taking off. One good seaplane practice that differs from land planes (and is not universally followed) is not to fasten seatbelts until just before the take off. This is because if the pilot needs to get out of the plane quickly, for whatever reason, it’s better to be able to jump right out of the plane than it is to struggle with the seatbelt while being submerged. Of course needing to get out of land planes quickly is something most land plane pilots never think about, but it takes on added dimensions on the water. Most pilots are able to make seaplane transitions with 5-10 hours of instruction and many pilots do this while vacationing in Canada, Alaska, or even places like the Bahamas.
Float Plane Flying in 2024
In strict terms of water performance the sea plane is always preferable to the float plane, but true sea planes are rare, usually expensive and most are rather large, complicated birds. The vast majority of the water flying world settles for float planes because of their relative economy. Both types can be amphibious aircraft and both types can be strictly limited to water operations. Once again, many just assume all float or seaplanes have wheels for landing on land, and this is not true. Given the vast majority of recreational float planes as opposed to true sea planes, let’s consider the float plane that most recreational pilots will fly.
Once airborne, the float plane will fly like a land plane, roughly, but it will be slower and have less stability. Most floatplanes augment the vertical surface area of the land plane with fins, so it is common to see Super Cubs and Beavers (and others) with ventral fins located on the tail or vertically, from the horizontal stabilizer. Because the floats are long and roughly aerodynamic, they will affect the stability of the plane, along with creating a good deal of parasite drag. A typical Super Cub with floats is hard pressed to fly much faster than 80 mph in cruise as compared to 90-100 mph for the land plane Super Cub. The speed difference can be even more pronounced in other planes.
Learning to fly seaplanes presents a unique set of challenges distinct from conventional land-based aircraft. Mastery requires not only proficiency in basic flight principles but also a deep understanding of water dynamics, wind patterns, and the complexities of landing and taking off on water surfaces. Pilots must navigate the intricacies of waterborne operations, such as managing swells, waves, and water currents, which demand heightened situational awareness and precise control inputs. Additionally, the transition from land-based flying to seaplanes involves mastering amphibious characteristics and adjusting to the lack of conventional runway infrastructure. Aspiring seaplane pilots face a steep learning curve, requiring patience, practice, and a keen sense of adaptability to navigate the challenges inherent in this exhilarating yet demanding realm of aviation.
Float plane flying off the water is not difficult. The plane is given take-off power and typically, full back pressure is maintained on the elevator until the plane gets “On the step.” The step being referred to is like a boat, it refers to when the hull is supported on top of the water surface as opposed to plowing through it. Turns can be made while the plane is on the step and is an integral part to most float plane instruction. This allows the pilot to take off from crooked lakes or rivers and is, for lack of a better term, a helluva lotta fun to do. Landings are much like regular land plane landings, except most float planes will have steeper approaches.
Most of the instruction for the seaplane license (whether float plane or seaplane) will deal with water operations and of this, most will be devoted to landing and taking off. One good seaplane practice that differs from land planes (and is not universally followed) is not to fasten seatbelts until just before the take off. This is because if the pilot needs to get out of the plane quickly, for whatever reason, it’s better to be able to jump right out of the plane than it is to struggle with the seatbelt while being submerged. Of course needing to get out of land planes quickly is something most land plane pilots never think about, but it takes on added dimensions on the water. Most pilots are able to make seaplane transitions with 5-10 hours of instruction and many pilots do this while vacationing in Canada, Alaska, or even places like the Bahamas.