Seaplane Ops

[Guest]

Hey gang,I've been wondering lately about seaplane operations. The whole concept of a plane that lands on water seems rather exciting at the start.This may sound somewhat humorous, but what are the rules regarding where you can land (is it still landing if you're not on land? :-roll )? For instance, I would be reasonably certain that I couldn't just fire up the ol' Cessna and decide to land on Lake Lanier one day without causing quite a stir (Lake Lanier is a big lake outside of Atlanta, for those who might not know). Then again, I have seen a seaplane on the lake where my uncle used to live (Briggs Lake, in Minnesota). I would think there would be some fairly stringent rules so you don't run into a boat or some swimmers.Where are the major seaplane bases found in the US? Obviously, Atlanta doesn't have any...I glanced at the Seattle sectional and found some around the city of Seattle, but no others, especially in places where I thought one would fit in (which kinda goes back to the first question). I glanced at the Florida low-level IFR chart (which does provide a seaplane base symbol in the legend), but didn't see a single base there (I would have thought that there would be some there for sure). I guess they would be much more common the farther north and farther into "the bush" you go.Anyhoo...your thoughts and input are appreciated!

[fbobum]

Matt,There's a list of the floatplane strips/bases in the United States that MSFS uses in the floatplane handbook of the library section of MSFS2K2. You might find it useful.Rick

[Guest Lizardo]

And the Seaplane Pilot's association of course: http://www.seaplanes.org/

[Guest moomox]

I'm not sure about the USA, but in Canada it's lawful to land on any water way that is not in restricted airspace, a drinking water reservoir or a spot that would endanger the safety of human life. I fly seaplanes during the summer and have the option to land almost anywhere without worry (just as long as I can takeoff again). So have fun and land it where you want!Seaplanes are considered to be a water vehicle just as motorboats are. You just use caution and common sense. Plus you can fly much lower as long as it's for the intention of takeoff or landing ;)David

[Guest iFLYrc]

How do I get to these files (floatplane handbook - library section)

[Guest dugan1]

I have no real world experience or expertise, but from some reading I've done in connection with a fascination with water scoopers (the planes that skim water from lakes to drop on forest fires), I understand that the Forest Service at least makes an attempt to clear target lakes of obstacles before clearing a plane to scoop water. I've read that in the absence of such coordination (or even with it, perhaps), the first plane in is required/advised to make at least one initial surveillance pass before coming back for a "touch and go."The opening scene of the movie "Always" is an apparent violation of this policy, staged for dramatic effect.Incidentally, the obstacles you need to worry about are not just boats and swimmers, but logs and other floating debris.

[Guest Jeff S KDTW]

There are a number of seaplane bases in the US--all of which are listed at the seaplane.org link provided above. Seaplane.org is the quintessential seaplane site.I got my seaplane license last fall down in FL (Winter Haven to be exact) and enjoyed the heck out of it.If you'd like to read about my experience, you can read it here: http://www.studentpilot.com/interact/forum...771&action=viewI also have photos for viewing here:http://www.pbase.com/jlsphoto_____________________________http://home.comcast.net/~jsnyder99/sigs/nameavsim.jpg