Airplanes have changed the way in which we travel. Since their origins in the early 20th century, they’ve opened the doors to faster and more convenient transportation. While most airplanes have a wheel-based landing gear system that requires them to take off and land on a runway, however, seaplanes do not.
Overview of Seaplanes
Seaplanes are airplanes that are designed to take off and land on water. Also known as floatplanes, they feature pontoons or floats. A typical seaplane has two pontoons or floats: one below each side of the fuselage. The buyout properties of these pontoons or floats prevent seaplanes from sinking. They will keep the seaplanes afloat so that they can safely take off from or land on a body of water.
How Seaplanes Differ From Traditional Airplanes
The main difference between seaplanes and traditional airplanes is that they can take off and land on water. Traditional airplanes, on the other hand, require a runway. Some traditional airplanes can take off and land on dirt runways, whereas others require a paved runway. Regardless, traditional airplanes take off and land on “land.”
Seaplanes are designed differently than traditional airplanes. They typically feature more rugged and durable construction. This allows them to withstand the impact of landing and taking off on water. Seaplanes also feature a more streamlined design to minimize water resistance during takeoffs and landings.
Most seaplanes are smaller than traditional airplanes. You can find them in different sizes. A typical seaplane, however, only features about two to 20 seats. Traditional airplanes, in comparison, may have hundreds of seats.
Uses for Seaplanes
You might be wondering what seaplanes are used for. Like with other fixed-wing aircraft, they are commonly used for transportation. Seaplanes, though, are used for other purposes.
Some seaplanes are used for search-and-rescue missions. The Coat Guard and other organizations may fly them to remote areas to quickly rescue lost, injured or incapacitated individuals. Even if a remote area doesn’t have a runway or cleared path where a traditional airplane can land, it may have a nearby body of water.
Firefighters use seaplanes as well. There are special types of seaplanes that are designed to collect and release water. Pilots can fly them directly over the surface of the water to collect water. After ascending back to an appropriate altitude, pilots can release the water to assist in extinguishing fires.
