Flying safely with floats

Floatplanes often operate in remote areas, on lakes and in open country. Use these tips to stay on track, and on time, during every stage of flight.

Flight preparations

Prepare yourself:

Review rules for aircraft maneuvering on water: Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 602.20 and RAC 1.9 of the Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM
Think of yourself as both a sailor and a pilot
Know your aircraft: be trained on type and current
Don’t forget insect repellent

Prepare the aircraft:

Check that your fuel is clean, and that you have enough of it
Pump the floats, note leaks, and repair if needed
Bring:
- life jackets
- refueling hand pump, filters and fuses, paddle, float pump
- survival gear
- a couple of 50’ x 1/2” wing lines and a 30’ throw line
Place a red-lined prop arc on floats, and a danger placard inside your doors

Prepare your flight plan:

File your flight plans with air traffic control, the flight service station or/and share with a responsible person
Do a thorough review of terminal area (VTA) and visual flight rules (VFR) charts to locate power lines
Assess the forecast and allow for weather changes en route, at the destination and during the return trip
Plan for daylight VFR, as float flying is day VFR flying
Avoid pressing the weather and darkness
Leave yourself an “out”: have an alternate plan

Prepare for flight:

During pre-flight, complete all the checklist items
Make sure the load is secure and within limits
Carry only approved external loads and keep wake turbulence in mind to avoid blanking your tail feathers

Before you leave:

Do a passenger safety briefing
- Include the location and use of life jackets, seat belts and door releases
Note the wind and currents
Plan engine start, cast off and takeoff before leaving the dock
Know your takeoff distance requirements
Check for other aircraft, boats, deadheads and other floating debris
When taxiing, don’t bury the outside float in the upwind turn: allowing the aircraft to weathercock is the safest way
Don’t take off across the entrance to small bays or coves, as boats may suddenly appear

Use these tips to stay on course:

When you’re ready to land, circle at least 3 times in order to:

Assess the wind strength and direction
Check the landing run area for floating obstacles, submerged deadheads and boaters
Check the approach for obstructions, including trees, buildings and wires (usually between islands and the mainland)
Check the departure area for obstructions
Remember that landing distance doesn’t guarantee enough takeoff distance
Know your glassy water procedures

On the water:

Observe the wind, current and other aircraft in the docking area
Brief passengers on the unloading procedure, particularly the “prop strike” threat
Be wary of “helpful” individuals on board and ashore

Once you’ve completed your flight, be sure to close your flight plan.

Here are the top 10 occurrences that relate directly to the pilot, and happen most often during takeoff and landing:

Engine failure or malfunction, usually from fuel mismanagement
Loss of control in flight (mush or stall) due to choosing an unsuitable takeoff or landing area, improper loading and overloading
Dragged wing, float or pod due to unfavorable wind or water conditions
Nose over: glassy water and too flat a hold-off attitude are often factors
Loss of control on the ground or in the water due to rough water and crosswinds
Hard landings caused by an improper landing flare, crosswind or glassy water
Collision with deadheads or other obstacles during takeoff or landing
Overrun due to excessive airspeed and not enough landing area
Wheels down on the water: this occurs with amphibious aircraft
Injuries from propeller contact, usually due to inattentive passenger handling or improper briefings