Questions tagged [seaplane]
An airplane designed to take off and land on water. This include floatplanes and flying boats.
66
questions
4
votes
1
answer
481
views
Does a single-engine-land license plus a multi-engine-sea license allow you to fly multi-engine-land and single-engine-sea?
I have a single-engine land PPL. I'm looking at getting training in a multi-engine seaplane. Does the fact that I already have a land airplane rating allow me to fly a multi-engine land plane?
(I did ...
- 28k
7
votes
2
answers
193
views
What class are amphibious aircraft? [duplicate]
Are amphibious airplanes considered land or sea planes for pilot certification? Can an ASEL-only pilot fly an amphibious single-engine plane if (s)he only takes off and lands on land? Can an ASEL-only ...
- 28k
1
vote
1
answer
119
views
How are floatplanes deiced?
If a floatplane, seaplane, or flying boat has ice on the wings, how is the ice removed before takeoff? Can it be done while keeping the plane in the water?
- 122k
1
vote
1
answer
398
views
What is this seaplane shown in this photo?
While searching I noticed a seaplane page and found a particular seaplane photo that I have never seen before. While the other images showing other seaplanes do have the name, the description of this ...
- 323
0
votes
0
answers
110
views
Sea-Going Ground-Effect Vehicle
Is a Ground-effect vehicle (a.k.a. ekranoplan) practical in seas near the coast (e.g. the US East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico)?
I'm looking for a practicality answer, like, nope, cannot be ...
13
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What is this old seaplane floating on its wing?
I found this picture today in an old set of drawers that bought at an estate sale over 40 years ago.
- 122k
16
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Do flying boats carry anchors?
Inspired by the first comment here, and considering they are called "boats", do flying boats (or seaplanes) carry anchors?
CommunityBot
- 1
19
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Why doesn't the US Navy utilize seaplanes?
I understand that seaplanes are usually prop planes but for cargo planes it would be beneficial in times where large cargo supply operations need to be carried out on non-carrier operations.
- 3,118
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why do tail dragging seaplanes not exist?
I am in the process of starting to build an ultralight that will be a tail dragger with floats, and in my conversations with the fellows I'm building it with, we've realized we've never seen a plane ...
- 1
4
votes
2
answers
322
views
What advantage might interplane-strut mounting offer to ailerons, on the Curtiss Model F?
Glenn Curtiss's 1912-1918 Model F biplane flying boat has large ailerons on the struts between the wings, not contiguous with any other flying surface. Did this aileron position have any advantage ...
- 20.3k
3
votes
1
answer
514
views
Why does the Cessna 208 Amphibian have extra tail surfaces?
Mark Harkin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I've seen extra tail surfaces that look like additional vertical stabilizers on the C208 Amphibian. Why is there a need for this? I can't imagine that ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
176
views
Would it be practical that nuclear-powered seaplane (only flying low over the sea) or hovercraft can be an alternative to cargo plane or ship? [duplicate]
Would it be feasible that nuclear-powered seaplane (only flying very low over the sea) or nuclear-powered hovercraft can be an alternative to cargo planes or ships? The aircraft speed can reach 200 mi/...
- 27
1
vote
1
answer
198
views
Where are the seaport conventions for VFR charts explained?
VRF charts contain information about seaports. For example, 00 - 50 in the formation block for HNL seems to be for a waterway:
...
- 549
16
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can anyone Identify this FLY FAIR seaplane?
This photograph, from my family's collection, of a high-winged, dual rotary engine, amphibious airplane, probably in the 1930's, appears to be an excursion plane at a fair since it has "FLY FAIR&...
- 20.3k
32
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Why did flying boats in the '30s and '40s have a longer range than land based aircraft?
I just learned that until shortly after world war 2, flying boats had a longer range than land based aircraft
In the 1930s, a flying boat route was the only practical means of transatlantic air ...
- 1,368
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is there a modern day "replacement" for the de Havilland Beaver?
Is there a modern day equivalent or replacement for the Beaver's Payload, STOL and floats capabilities? By replacement, I mean that it can fly into the same airstrips under the same weather with the ...
- 405
4
votes
1
answer
178
views
Do you need to have a raft if you're in a seaplane?
One of the basic rules of flying over water is that you need some kind of raft if you're out of power-off glide range from land. Does that also apply to seaplanes or amphibious planes?
- 52.9k
1
vote
1
answer
329
views
What were the common crew ranks on WWII US Navy flying boats and bombers?
I have been trying to figure this out for some time, but have not had much luck elsewhere. I have found info on USAAF bombers, and what ranks the crewmembers often had, but nothing for larger navy ...
- 5,264
1
vote
0
answers
253
views
During WWII, what did internal bomb bays and turret layout look like on flying boats?
I am writing an alternate WWII story, and I was wondering if you fine fellows on this site could help me. I am trying to make a fantasy bomber version of the USN Boeing C-98 Clipper, AKA the Boeing ...
- 16.4k
5
votes
1
answer
278
views
Is it possible to increase available take-off distance for a seaplane by turning?
In the video below an A5 had an accident after takeoff. The final cause of the accident seems to be a sharp increase of AOA above stall.
Do sea planes have an ...
- 122k
2
votes
1
answer
343
views
Are there all terrain landing gears for planes?
Is there a landing gear set up that will allow a single engine plane (also, allowing for tundra tires than what is not available for current water skids) to land on rough grass and water?
The wheels ...
- 122k
13
votes
6
answers
6k
views
Are there any remaining flying boat or seaplane airliners in operation?
Is there anywhere in the world that still offers scheduled air carrier service using flying boat / seaplane types of aircraft - something akin to a proper airliner? Or are they all limited to charters ...
- 295
23
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Has anyone considered putting a hydrofoil on a sea plane?
One of the main problems with water landings is that you need a bigger engine to counter the various drags caused by the pontoons. The specific case of "run[ing] across our own wake to be able to get ...
- 219
46
votes
4
answers
5k
views
What is the offset in a seaplane's hull?
I noticed there is a little offset in a seaplane's hull (highlighted in the following picture). I suppose this is useful as it exists in all the seaplanes I know.
It appears to be neither a ...
CommunityBot
- 1
41
votes
9
answers
8k
views
Why was the boat mounted this way on the underside of the wing on the "Landseaire" flying yacht?
After seeing the below image of the "Landseaire" flying yacht here I was curious to know why the small boat mounted to the underside of the plane was mounted the way it was. At least to me (and @Dave ...
- 9,947
71
votes
3
answers
10k
views
Why would seaplanes use a curved takeoff run?
I came across this interesting factoid in another SE Aviation answer (How flat does a runway need to be?):
seaplanes often use a curved takeoff run.
I'm trying to imagine why but cannot come up ...
CommunityBot
- 1
33
votes
8
answers
12k
views
Do any aircraft carry boats?
A small boat could be part of general cargo, but that would typically just mean it's unloaded at an airport and transported to the nearest body of water by land infrastructure. This is not what I'm ...
CommunityBot
- 1
3
votes
1
answer
348
views
Does an uncovered naval aircraft suffer any weathering affects?
This question is for WW2-era naval aircraft.
I noticed that some cruisers and battleships carried a couple seaplanes, launched by catapult and recovered with cranes.
Obviously these are unprotected ...
- 8,520
20
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What is this flying boat being restored at the Udvar Hazy Center?
I am fortunate to live ~20 minutes from the Smithsonian Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. At the back of the Museum is there restoration hangar, surrounded on two sides by a second level glass enclosed ...
- 32.2k
19
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Do seaplanes need to get clearance for takeoff?
Do seaplanes need to get clearance for takeoff? Do they have ATC? How do seaplanes get clearance to takeoff?
- 99.2k
1
vote
1
answer
251
views
Do I need a license to flight test a homebuilt seaplane at very low altitude?
I am asking this because me and my friends are building a homemade seaplane or boat whatever you want to call it. It's not designed for long-range or high-altitude flights. We're not going to fly at a ...
- 71.3k
11
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Where can I rent a float plane?
Is it possible to rent a float plane with a private pilot's license?
Flying floats is one of the main attractions for me to learn to fly. However, after some searching on the internet I can only ...
0
votes
1
answer
719
views
What flying boat has the highest maximum takeoff/landing sea state?
I assume that flying boats have limits on the sea states they’re certificated to take off and/or land in (for instance, hitting a ten-meter wave head-on in a five-meter wooden plane is probably ...
- 99.2k
0
votes
1
answer
125
views
How can I recognize Taylorcraft BCS-12D-4-85?
I'm perfecting my logbook and can't name the subtype of the aircraft I've flown. Some directories says it was built in 1946 and is a BCS-12D on floats. Others say it is a BCS-12D-4-85 which according ...
- 6,008
9
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Has there ever been a seaplane with inflatable airbags rather than traditional pontoons?
Traditional pontoons are big and cause a lot of drag. It would be nice to retract them like normal landing gear but they are just too big.
Has there ever been a seaplane with inflatable airbags ...
CommunityBot
- 1
6
votes
2
answers
974
views
Do seaplane bases ever have marked "runways" or approach lighting?
Some seaplane bases have prescribed areas for landing, but are the landing areas marked by buoys or lights? If so are "runways" outlined in the water or just a general area?
Do they have IFR ...
- 122k
30
votes
5
answers
45k
views
If I have a float plane, can I land on any body of water?
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 ...
- 21
6
votes
1
answer
771
views
How does a jet fighter with water-skis land safely?
I just read about the Convair F2Y on the obvious encyclopedic site. It's a delta wing jet fighter from the 1950's, with hydroskis so it can take off and land on water.
Can such a landing be made ...
CommunityBot
- 1
15
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Do floatplanes land on rivers?
I'm sitting here in a coffee shop on the local river and I noticed it was just wide enough to facilitate a landing. There is no chop on the river, but it does move pretty switfly, and there are ...
- 18.2k
2
votes
3
answers
371
views
What are the drawbacks for manufacturing a large airliner capable of water landing?
Emergencies are rare but still occur. Apart from weight and extra fuel costs, What are the drawbacks for manufacturing a large airliner capable of water landing in case of an emergency?
Assuming the ...
- 5,856
2
votes
1
answer
281
views
Why choose a seaplane for crew rotation at sea, supply of spares to ships, long-range search and rescue and surveillance?
The Indian government has been discussing with Japan since on buying Shinmaywa US-2 aircraft which would be used for various roles such as crew rotation at sea, supply of spares to ships, long-range ...
CommunityBot
- 1
13
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Do seaplane have designated landing areas?
Do seaplanes have to land in particular places or are they allowed to land pretty much anywhere there is room to land safely?
CommunityBot
- 1
17
votes
5
answers
5k
views
What's a similar looking aircraft to this illustration?
There is this crazy picture of a plane or a boat or both...?
This is just a drawing, I know, but if this aircraft does not exist, is there perhaps a similar looking one in reality?
- 26.1k
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What is the optimal time to get from ASEL to ASES certification?
I am currently a ASEL pilot, in process of studying for IR, and will then be proceeding to AMEL. I know that if one holds ASEL & IR, and takes AMEL with instrument maneuvers included in the ...
- 11.8k
26
votes
4
answers
6k
views
How to slow down a seaplane on water?
A seaplane cannot use brakes to slow down, like a land-based aircraft. So how does one slow it down?
I am asking this in the context of landing, taxiing, aborted takeoff etc., as long as the plane is ...
CommunityBot
- 1
4
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Can a seaplane make a long distance sea voyage on the sea?
In general, if a seaplane can fly X distance, can it travel that distance on the surface of the water as if it was a boat or ship? In other words, this would be equivalent to taxiing all the way to a ...
- 60.8k
4
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Where is the landing distance for seaplanes specified?
I need to know, is there a specified distance for the landing areas of seaplanes? In airports, we have generally distances are defined according to the flight requirements. I need to know whether ...
CommunityBot
- 1
54
votes
4
answers
11k
views
How do seaplanes do run-up checks without brakes?
Usually on run-up you want to check the response of the motor when changing for example the carb-heat (if existent). At least we did so on my intro flight (yey!). To prevent us from rolling onto the ...
- 8,492
7
votes
1
answer
411
views
Operating a floatplane/seaplane on water through a drawspan?
Lets say that you were in a floatplane (whether it be Terry's floating Cub or a big ol' Martin Mars) and the only otherwise-reasonably-suitable landing spot in the waterway where you are trying to go, ...
- 697
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Were stub wings on early flying boats designed or able to exploit ground-effect lift?
I came across a link to the Dornier Do X, and the Boeing 314 Clipper in another question, both aircraft have similar short wings/floats low on the fuselage, described in one wikipedia article as "stub ...
- 226k