seaplane

Quiz: Seaplane Skills Challenge

1 min read

So you’ve mastered the art of flying a land-based airplane and want to advance your skills. Or maybe you’re a long time floatplane jockey and want to confirm your time-tested knowledge. Even if you’ve never set foot in an airplane, get your feet wet and take our quiz to see how you measure up on what it takes to be the pilot-in-command of a seaplane.

What are the three positions used by seaplanes to taxi around on the water?
What are the three positions used by seaplanes to taxi around on the water?
Correct! Wrong!
How many watertight compartments must be built into each float on a seaplane?
How many watertight compartments must be built into each float on a seaplane?
Correct! Wrong!
When in the water, a seaplane will rotate around its _______.
When in the water, a seaplane will rotate around its _______.
Correct! Wrong!
When considering float design, what is the purpose of the step?
When considering float design, what is the purpose of the step?
Correct! Wrong!
During a glassy water takeoff, what maneuver will reduce water drag and shorten the takeoff distance?
During a glassy water takeoff, what maneuver will reduce water drag and shorten the takeoff distance?
Correct! Wrong!
When determining landing direction, streaks in the water are an indication of what?
When determining landing direction, streaks in the water are an indication of what?
Correct! Wrong!

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Test your seaplane flying knowledge You got out of 6 right!

Want to learn more about seaplanes? Check out Sporty’s “So You Want To Fly Seaplanes” course.
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Chris Clarke
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4 replies
  1. George Hill says:

    Perhaps my thinking is processed differently but #6 is always wrong on your question. The streaks move with the wind no matter the velocity therefore the wind is NOT parallel to the streaks but perpendicular to the streaks.
    Seaplane Rated – Air Traffic Controller – 30 year US Navy Sailor – Navy Diver

    • Jim Macklin, ATP CFI ASMEIL ASES says:

      If the wind is blowing from the south, draw several arrows then any streaks will be parallel with the shafts on your arrows. If the wind blows a while and is strong enough, waves with crests and troughs will form which are perpendicular to the wind.
      On a large body of water you can have swells develop from one direction with a local wind causing waves and white caps at an angle to the swells.
      If there is a river with current or some other force such as a tidal rip seaplanes should avoid landing.

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