31
$\begingroup$

What are the rules with regards to landing a float plane on a body of water? Can I land anywhere (non-emergency, obviously) that would also accommodate the take-off? If not, how do I determine which bodies of water would allow it and which would not?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Are you asking legally, or technically? If you're asking for regulations, you should specify which jurisdiction. $\endgroup$
    – falstro
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:41
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I'm asking about the regulations (legally) in the United States. Whether FAA or local. I realize there are considerations to see if you can do it technically (trees on the end, more length to take-off then land, wind, etc.) I'm just wondering if you would get in trouble from the authorities. $\endgroup$
    – Canuk
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:50
  • $\begingroup$ Ok, then I would suggest adding the faa tag, as I'm pretty sure the lba will cut your ears of if you land anywhere except a designated airfield... :) $\endgroup$
    – falstro
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:51
  • $\begingroup$ What does ases mean here? $\endgroup$
    – Danny Beckett
    Commented Apr 18, 2014 at 6:15
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ ASES = Airplane Single-Engine Sea. The FAA divides stuff into categories and classes. In this case, the Category is Airplane, then the class is Single-Engine Sea. I've seen it used to shorthand refer to "floatplane"-related stuff. Contrasted with ASEL (airplane single-engine land) for "regular" airplane (private and single-engine commercial "land planes"). $\endgroup$
    – Canuk
    Commented Apr 24, 2014 at 7:16

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
16
$\begingroup$

It really depends on the state, though you can't land in National Parks (the National Park Service regulates that, not the FAA). The FAA doesn't care where you land it, though if you ball it up due to poor choice of landing area then they'll have something to say.

Some states don't really care where you land (like Oregon), others don't let you land anywhere (like New Jersey). You should contact your state and get the regulations from them.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
12
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Any idea generally which state agency you would ask? $\endgroup$
    – Canuk
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:52
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I'd start with the state department of transportation. If they have a specific aviation department then they'll direct you to it. $\endgroup$
    – Khantahr
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 19:00
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ The AIM specifically says request and it also says it's the park/forest service that is making the request. It's very rare that that phraseology is used. Requests are not regulatory and never have been. I'm aware of may certificate actions referring to the AIM, I'm not aware of a single one that refers to part of the AIM that is including a request from a separate government entity. In fact, I'm not aware of any legal cases of any nature that are based on a statement that "requests" unless accompanied by stronger language. $\endgroup$
    – Khantahr
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 21:11
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ I was soo confused what "USPS" was referring to - I wasn't sure what the Postal Service was doing renting ice cream stands. For the record, I can't find an official abbreviation but most of the time it seems to be called U.S. National Park Service $\endgroup$
    – SSumner
    Commented May 13, 2014 at 0:41
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ @SSumner it seems to be NPS, a la their website and stuff on info page: nps.gov/aboutus $\endgroup$
    – Nick T
    Commented Mar 28, 2016 at 21:40
9
$\begingroup$

This is handled on jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. While sea plane "bases" are marked on the sectional, this only means that the location has been registered with the FAA.

The air space over the water is handled federally. The water itself is handled locally. When the aircraft is on the water, it is generally considered a boat under the law, except where a jurisdiction has chosen to single out sea planes.

Unfortunately many jurisdictions have done just that. Any little mud puddle can potentially be banned for sea plane operations by the local community.

There is an association of sea plane pilots who involve themselves in advocacy to keep waters available. They publish some useful materials on this subject.

If you plan on going for your sea plane endorsement, your instructor will give you the pertinent details. If you would like to fly locally, you will need to check out your local codes. If operations have not yet been banned, it would be sensible to join the association, and take an active role in keeping local waters open to sea planes in your area.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ On the water, considered a boat, there may be local speed limits which you have to take into consideration as well. $\endgroup$
    – ghellquist
    Commented Jun 19, 2018 at 19:56
3
$\begingroup$

States with coastlines often manage this through a "port authority" association, like Massachuesetts.

Sometimes it is a joint association, like in the case of the PA-NY-NJ Port Authority.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
$\begingroup$

According to my research. It comes down to the owner of the body of water. Please read this link as it will explain everything in detail. When it comes to landing a plane and a body of water the FAA has Little to no say. There are some inspections that have to be performed. You have to consider the zoning, other traffic, possible hazards, neighborhoods and flightpath, The amount of traffic and whether or not there is a viable airport within 5 miles. Of course it also depends on the state.

https://www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org/resources/faq/facilities-landing-areas/

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Welcome to aviation.SE. Please consider putting relevant information (e.g. regulation quotes) here rather than behind a link. $\endgroup$
    – Federico
    Commented Oct 24, 2018 at 5:11
1
$\begingroup$

Drawing on some personal observations, many float-plane sites around Seattle are marked on maps.

Kenmore
Lake Union
Rosario

But I've also observed float planes taking off and landing at sites that are not appropriately marked on the map.

I cannot cite regulations, but my eyeballs suggest that any safe place may be legally okay.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .