COVID-19 Alert

COVID-19 Alert: We continue to serve our clients during this crisis. Read More...

  • Register / Login

July 25, 2022

Float kits (also known as pontoons) are equipment that can be added to specific wheeled aircraft to make them seaplanes. The pontoons hold the aircraft well above sea level thus making them float. Float kits are usually added when a client demands the kits for trips to remote destinations, often beaches.

Seaplanes are built in different shapes and sizes but many general aviation planes can also be converted to seaplanes thanks to modern float kits. These are considered very popular add-ons for aircraft like the Cessna 185, Cessna 180, and Aviat Husky.

The floats are mounted beneath the fuselage of an aircraft. This gives the plane the tendency to float or to rise when submerged in water. These can often replace the wheels or landing gear of land planes, but some seaplanes also have landing gears along with floats to make it possible to land them on hard surfaces and runways as well.

Also Read: How Float Kits Make A Seaplane Float

Types Of Floats

There are mainly two types of floats for planes:

  • The amphibious
  • Straight floats

The amphibious floats have retractable landing gear attached to them which allows the planes to land both on water and the runway. However, straight floats restrict the plane from landing on the water only. The floats must be able to create buoyancy to support the weight of the plane.

While both types have their advantages and disadvantages, people can choose what best suits their needs. Floating kits make planes more fun but they can also have a few shortcomings. The differences between a general plane and a seaplane are listed below.

Why Are Float Kits Important?

Float kits are very important for a certain niche of people. Floating planes are not as common as they used to be in world war eras, but they are still used for different purposes. A small plane that can land on the water can be used by hunters, explorers, and campers. Floatplanes are also considered ideal for reaching remote islands which don't have the proper land areas to land on. Floats are typically made from aluminum or other rust-resisting materials. A float contains at least four watertight compartments to keep them from sinking.

Adding floating kits can be a difficult and expensive task to do. However, you don't have to buy a plane that comes with pre-build floats. You can always opt for float kits. Choose the best-certified aviation welding technicians and hire them to add the float kits to your plane.

Seaplanes VS Landplanes

We have seen how adding float kits can convert a landplane into a seaplane. The same model of landplane configured into a seaplane using float kits can have different characteristics. Let's see how a seaplane is different from a traditional landplane.

  • The take off distance of seaplanes is comparatively longer than land planes due to the hydrodynamic drag of the floats.
  • Seaplanes are affected significantly by increases in density. Higher density altitude and greater ground speed is needed to create the required lift, which increases the water drag.
  • While flying the seaplane in the air, due to increased surface area the center of gravity will have to bear a stronger force, this makes seaplanes a bit difficult to handle by pilots.
  • The in-air speed of the seaplanes is usually lower than landplanes due to the drag of the floats.

Flying Tips For Planes With Float Kits

Once you get a float kit attached to your plane everything changes. When the plane is in the water, it’s merely at the mercy of wind and tides. Observe the direction of the wind and decide the direction of take-off. There are a few tips you can follow to avoid any possible danger while flying a floatplane.

  • Do a thorough pre-flight inspection to check if everything is working properly. Check the water rudders, cables and pulleys, lift struts, and spreader bars.
  • Always take off and land into the wind, never crosswind this can be very dangerous and you can lose control of the plane.
  • Ensure proper waterproofing, and seal the sensitive parts where water can get in.
  • Avoid dead-engine sailing, especially on high-wing aircraft, due to the danger of crosswinds.

About Acorn Welding

Acon Welding has been building certified float kits for 30 years of 182 airframes. Boasting a rich history and outstanding commitment to quality, our company stands out as the best aviation welding technician in Canada. Learn more about Acorn Welding and our excellent aviation products. Contact us now to find the perfect solution to your unique aviation needs.