Floatplane

Well I guess there is some truth there by design, however I've no intention to land in conditions (in either floating hull or floatplane) where this will ever be an issue - your talking about major waves in excess of 3' and trust me, unless it's a forced landing you'd want to avoid. It's like landing in a cross wind 2 times your a/c demonstrated limit, when there is a perfectly good runway pointing into wind! If waves are that bad you simply don't land or find a sheltered spot where it's calm. In Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay it happens a lot, I just go somewhere smooth :-) I've seen 2 Buckies that broke in half doing just that, became so rough that the engine pod fell off and went through tail section still turning! No thanks. Rgs FP

Hi Jaba-who I guess there just might be someone that has ditched a Jab considering their poor engine performance as of late :-) But honestly provided it's done right you should (like most fixed gear) be able to simply stall the thing onto the water, if your unlucky to screw that up, than yes, it just might flip over onto it's wings. It's something one can't practice, theory only :-) Guess the best way is to have floats when crossing then remove them once back home, much saver option or I guess take a jet :-). Clamar are offering quick conversions for jabs or any LSA plane?? check out their web site. rgs FP

Sorry, you talking regarding diching? or actually land on water with floats attached? rgs FP

Yes you can, we've had heaps of "spash-ins" there over the years FP

Here you go Regards FP

Funny thing, I've actually crossed Bass Strait at 'NIGHT" in a C210! what was I thinking, back then being 22, one doesn't consider the 'what ifs' If you ever want to chat about floats, yell out as I might have several suggestions ok. regards FP

Totally agree FP

Och

Hi there, I fitted an external plug to my Rans, (mine is VH exp) used an automotive one for around $40 just incase I needed a jump start on the beach or wherever. I hear the Jab's could be difficult so fully recommend it. If you PM me, I can send some pic's but most auto-electric's places should know what you require. (about 3"x2"x2" thick - both ends come with it, so have the male end configured for the jumper leads and leave rolled up in baggage area or wherever) Rgs FP

Hi there Terry! That's a brave move in a Thruster so well done :-) I've flown a drifter and I can't see how that would float, so I'm impressed others have crossed BS most definitely, where as myself, I'd need something with a glide ratio of 1000:1 or fly at a flight level or something that will float, yep I'm a chicken for sure :-) Here's a great idea, hire a lift raft and strap to rear seat, "if needed" you simply inflate prior touchdown and bingo :-) all you'll need is a martini and a blonde Rgs FP

Post deleted :-) FP

Yes Rgs FP

I agree with Ian, very sad indeed

Count me in - done it tons of times, provided you prepare it's achievable and very satisfying indeed FP

Hi Baphomet Firstly you'd have to decide what sort of float/seaplane you like? As I operate/owned both I'll personally give my views: Seaplane - Advantages - Great feeling of speed on the water itself, low and fast; easier to land than a floatplane by a smidgeon; most have false floors thus don't worry about leaks :-) Disadvantages - Carrying a lot of weight when not heading to the water, thus a trip to the centre isn't practical; you can't simply drop your draws (whilst on the water) and take a dip, because even if you could clamber back into the cockpit you'd be dragging heaps of either salt/fresh water back in as well which isn't really recommended Floatplanes - Advantages - Can have either straight or amphibious configuration, gives 2 planes for the price of one (most fixed wings can be converted) as removing floats takes me only 2 1/2 hours thus that trip to the centre is now realistic plus selling is definitely easier too; want to have a swim? Easy and sun baking a bonus! Easier to get out off the water in some conditions; float maintenance is way earier tha having the a/c submerged in water too;I recently saw a floatplane crash in Florida due engine failure after take-off and if it wasn't for those floats the pilot would have died, it's like a bullbar I guess.; Disadvantages - If you simply don't like them Now before those monohull guys start repling - :yuk: , it's simply my opinion "but if you were to give me a Catalina style plane and someone else maintains it, my arm could be twisted :thumb_up: Regards FP

Interseting, have you read their actual By-Laws? you may find there isn't any restrictions, however some in Victoria only allow emergencies landings for aircraft, except for Sydney's Rose Bay as it's still used today for RPT operations. Regards FP

Where you operate waterplanes I won't start stating reg's from hundreds of council By-Laws, Marine/Port Authories along with CASA regulations, as it'll confuse the best of us, but if I was to say simply - "you can operate anywhere motor boats are allowed" should for now if anything get the taste buds going. Of cause there are certain regulations one must follow, and there have been pilots in the past that abused or disregarded basic rules which resulted in either banning or amendments of certain regulations. Flying is a great sport, boating is too and probably why we combine both Hope this helps Floatplane