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JimCasey -> Best Float flying technique? (8/16/2003 7:19:09 AM)
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Takeoff:
Point the plane into the wind.
Note: If you can't tell which way the wind is blowing, take up roller skating or something. Hold full up elevator. Advance the throttle. This will help initially keep the prop out of spray and help you get up on step. The plane will first make a lot of wake, it will nose up, then the nose will drop as it gets up on step. This part only takes about 2 seconds or less. Neutralize the elevator. Let the plane accelerate and gently ease back on the stick. It'll lift off when it's ready. DOn't haul back on the stick so far that the heel of the float digs in. That will just slow you down and if it does lift off, it'll probably stall back in.
Landing:
Set up for a glide from the downwind direction. . Watch with your peripheral vision for the shadow crossing the opposite bank. Only then, let it down below the tree line. As it gets close to the water begin your flare. Watch for the reflection of the plane in the water. Try to fly two inches off the water. Instead of hauling back on the stick, add a coupla' clicks of power to control the rate of descent. When the reflection meets the airplane, you have landed. (watered?) If you do it right, the airplane will not skip after it touches.
Next time you fly with wheels, you will notice your landings are better.
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