FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How long should a float set be for my airplane?
A: Please use our Float Calculator to determine the correct size. Normally floats can range from 70-75% the length of the airplane. The shorter the float the less weight (and drag) you have to carry around, but you will also loose some pitch stability on the water and will risk an easier tip/flip over. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the floats extend just beyond your airscrew and the float step is just behind your aircrafts Center of Gravity (CG).

Q: How do I know when my floats are mounted correctly?
A: Place the beginning of the step just behind your CG, and when the aircraft is floating in the water ensure the rear of the floats are NOT submerged. If they are, slide the floats back until the rear of the floats are above the water (or opt for a longer set). Sliding them back will reduce your frontal area, and decrease pitch stability on the water, so slide them the minimum you need to so your tail is safely out of the water. You should be able to tap your tail and have it return to its position without taking a dip. If the tail tap fails (the tail hits the water and remains) then you should seriously consider a longer set of floats. Ensure your hard point mountings are stiff and reliable. For heavier aircraft consider inserting vertical wooden pins or similar devices to increase the shear strength of your float hard points. The floats must also be level with your wing (zero Angle of Attack (AoA)) or with a slight 1-3 degree AoA (achieved by the rear float strut being slightly shorter than the main strut).

Q: How does flying with floats affect my airplane?
A: Floats add both weight and drag to your aircraft, which will require more power and speed to maintain flight (another reason why our lightweight floats are essential). Floats also add allot of low CG to the aircraft that can cause a "pendulum" effect when turning too abruptly. Although the lower CG will also help to stabilize the aircraft. Float flying with your aircraft should only be attempted after you have mastered wheeled flight with the aircraft.

Q: Got any tips on float flying?
A: Have a recovery method ready be it a boat, r/c boat, fishing pole, or swim trunks. MASTER wheeled flight and perfect landings with your aircraft before attaching floats -- it is much more challenging.
___First Flight: If you have an aircraft capable of being hand-launched (and you have a good person to throw it) it can be a good way to ensure you have the power and that the aircraft is trimmed correctly with the floats attached. Hand launch it (full throttle) near the shore (not throwing it over the water) and fly it about while trimming the aircraft for stable flight. When it seems well trimmed, land it in the water (land into the wind). Now you should be ready for a water take-off. On the other hand if you don’t have an aircraft capable of being hand launched you must be as cautious as possible on the first flight. The most dangerous error is the aircraft stalling on take off from to much up elevator -- be ready to give downward pitch right after take off to ensure you achieve altitude as quick as possible. Be aware they can "leap" from the water sometimes, and will require you leveling the nose ASAP before a stall sets in.
___Taking Off: Always take off into the wind. Often positioning yourself so the wind is at your back is good, as a weathervaning aircraft will then point towards the shore for an easy taxi home. Advance the throttle slowly (but not too slow). Watch the water wake around your floats. If you see allot of cavitation near the fronts of your floats they might be a bit short, you might not have enough AoA on the floats, or you could have an out-of-balance aircraft -- taxi it back to shore and adjust. Slight up elevator will help keep your float noses out of the water as you build up speed and the aircraft rotates onto step. Once the aircraft is "on step" and accelerating pull back on the stick and break free from the water -- again be careful to keep the nose level immediately after breaking free from the water. Altitude and speed are your friends.
___Landing: Land into the wind. Take a wide final turn into a long patch of water and slowly reduce the throttle while keeping the nose level. Allow the aircraft to sink in under some power rather than gliding in or coming in to slow. You can flare the aircraft when it is very close to the water, but be sure you have the correct power setting to flare and the aircraft does not suddenly gain altitude when you pull the nose back and enter the flare. Once you touch down keep your elevator back to keep your float noses out of the water as the aircraft slows to a stop. Practice makes perfect. Failure to land correctly can be -- soggy. Good luck!

Q: If I do end up crashing or flipping over in the water is it going to hurt my plane?
A: Keeping your electronics as safe as possible from a flip-over or nose-in is important. Consider getting some water protection around your receiver, speed controls and other sensitive electronics. Also consider moving them to a point in your airframe that would be safely above the waterline should the aicraft flip over. Electric motors don’t mind too much being waterlogged but be sure to blow dry all your electronics after a tip-over (an air compressor and hot sun work great) before turning them back on.