Tips for first time on floats
06-01-2004, 02:17 PM
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Tips for first time on floats
Hi ,just recently aquired a float plane(gift) Been flying for a short time but picked it up fast.Just wanted if anyone could share some tips for the first time on water. Also if anybody can identify this plane. Runs well no problems. I installed new flight pack and ready to run... Any help greatly appriciated. And I Love this $#@#$%^ Hobby
06-01-2004, 02:58 PM
#4
RE: Tips for first time on floats
Brad, as far as takeoff goes, not much is different. About your biggest concern is to track in a straight line, and keep the wings level. If a wing dips, it adds drag to the float on that side, causing a turn.
And to make landings really nice, try to come in just above stall speed, and just before it touches, add about 2 clicks of throttle. If you time it right, the extra rpm won't have time to affect the speed, but will give it a little more power to overcome the drag of the water.
And one last piece of advice... Have a BOAT ready! Even if all goes well, a dead stick out there can really suck if you have to swim!
And to make landings really nice, try to come in just above stall speed, and just before it touches, add about 2 clicks of throttle. If you time it right, the extra rpm won't have time to affect the speed, but will give it a little more power to overcome the drag of the water.
And one last piece of advice... Have a BOAT ready! Even if all goes well, a dead stick out there can really suck if you have to swim!
06-01-2004, 07:06 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Float flying is not that much different than flying a wheeldragger. Big differences: You get to line up into the wind instead of the runway, and it's just really inconvenient to walk out and pick up your plane if the engine quits.
Once the plane is flying, it flies pretty much the same except withyours you will probably notice improved inverted flight.
When you taxi, if you just chop the throttle to idle it will probably point into the wind. If you hold full up and add about 4 clicks of power, it will go downwind better. Cut back a click or 2 while holding up elevator and holding the upwind wing down and you can taxi crosswind. Taxiing crosswind is the most dangerous thing 'cause the upwind wing can catch wind, the downwind wing will get dunked, and the plane will pivot around the dunked wingtip to point downwind, the tail will catch wind, and the whole thing goes over on its back.
You need to have access to a boat. If you don't, when you have a deadstick, the plane will blow into the most inhospitable, god-forsaken brierpatch on the whole lake.
Your wheel landings will get a lot better after you practice doing float landings for a while.
Once the plane is flying, it flies pretty much the same except withyours you will probably notice improved inverted flight.
When you taxi, if you just chop the throttle to idle it will probably point into the wind. If you hold full up and add about 4 clicks of power, it will go downwind better. Cut back a click or 2 while holding up elevator and holding the upwind wing down and you can taxi crosswind. Taxiing crosswind is the most dangerous thing 'cause the upwind wing can catch wind, the downwind wing will get dunked, and the plane will pivot around the dunked wingtip to point downwind, the tail will catch wind, and the whole thing goes over on its back.
You need to have access to a boat. If you don't, when you have a deadstick, the plane will blow into the most inhospitable, god-forsaken brierpatch on the whole lake.
Your wheel landings will get a lot better after you practice doing float landings for a while.
06-02-2004, 07:44 AM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Thanks for the tips,,, I really appriciate your help.. Ill let you know how it goes.Ill bring a video camera in case things go well...or not..lol. But if things horribly wrong..oh well Im having fun.. Brad
06-02-2004, 10:02 AM
#7
RE: Tips for first time on floats
You will have fun, I went a while ago for the first time. LOVED IT. I made a vid too if you really wanted to see it I can post the link.
I have not gone back, but sure want to. I have a Byron Husky I want to make a float plane.
I have not gone back, but sure want to. I have a Byron Husky I want to make a float plane.
06-02-2004, 10:20 AM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
That looks like my Gee Bee Sea Hawk Seaplane Kit .20-.40,50"
I love the way this plane flys and if the wind and rain ever stop here in Michigan, I hope to get some video with the new onboard camera I installed.
I love the way this plane flys and if the wind and rain ever stop here in Michigan, I hope to get some video with the new onboard camera I installed.
06-04-2004, 05:29 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Had My first flight today. went pretty good.First time she took right off,hadled prett good needed some trimming.Decided to land it because she seemed too rich. Landing was ok little hard and fast,but she handled it well.Staled the damn thing,so off in the boat.Second time she flew alot better,plenty of power.She liked being inverted. So the second landing........was not as good ...again a little fast. I think I need to keep more up elevator to keep the floats from catching,because I nosed her in the drink.She uprighted herself and stayed above water.So off in the boat we go... Look forward to my next flight
06-04-2004, 05:54 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
The floats on that plane looked a little far BACK; if I'm not mistaken, you supposed to have @ 1/3 of the float in front of the prop...
(that should get some fingers typing!)
EDITED! Sorry...
(that should get some fingers typing!)
EDITED! Sorry...
06-04-2004, 05:57 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
That would do it,but your confusing me with your words..lol
ORIGINAL: TNRabbit
The floats on that plane looked a little far forward; if I'm not mistaken, you supposed to have @ 1/3 of the float in front of the prop...
(that should get some fingers typing!)
The floats on that plane looked a little far forward; if I'm not mistaken, you supposed to have @ 1/3 of the float in front of the prop...
(that should get some fingers typing!)
06-08-2004, 07:52 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Well Im not flying anywhere yet.. I'm going to be a member at a club in westboro with my brother dennis. But i flew my float plane at Cedar meadow in Leicester(friends house with boat.lol)
Where do you fly.. Is there anyplace in the brookfields. If you know of anyplace please let me know
Brad
Where do you fly.. Is there anyplace in the brookfields. If you know of anyplace please let me know
Brad
06-08-2004, 08:11 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
i thought you were dbcherrys brother.
we fly in sturbridge
http://www.hogheavenhobbies.com/main.htm
there are directions to the feild here.
its a lot closer than the westboro feild.
we fly in sturbridge
http://www.hogheavenhobbies.com/main.htm
there are directions to the feild here.
its a lot closer than the westboro feild.
06-08-2004, 08:19 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Thanks..That sit is a little outdated. But another question? Who do you see about membership..And is it possible to check it out sometime.. Brad
06-08-2004, 08:32 PM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
http://www.hogheavenhobbies.com/lawndarts.htm
here is a better page. saturdays and sundays and evenings are a good time to stop by and meet everyone. there is no gate here so access is always open. hog heaven is the best place to join, its only 25 per year to join. your welcome to check the feild anytime.
here is a better page. saturdays and sundays and evenings are a good time to stop by and meet everyone. there is no gate here so access is always open. hog heaven is the best place to join, its only 25 per year to join. your welcome to check the feild anytime.
06-21-2004, 11:55 AM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
Can't wait to float fly, I ordered the Aero-Phibian from hobby people , it is on sale for 119.99 so I figured that is a good time to try it... hope I will have fun.
06-28-2004, 09:28 AM
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RE: Tips for first time on floats
I have a 40 size stick plane,It has a la 46 on it with a 10-6 prop. I took it to the lake and after a few try's it flew twice. I had a blast, It was getting dark so I charged it over night to fly the next day. The next morning I tried to fly it and a I havent been able to get it off the water since. Anyone have any idea what the problem might be. Does the floats have to be angled a certain way or in a certain spot.. HELP!!!
