Advanced SEAPLANE checkride oral questions.

Preflight Considerations - what are considerations are made for preflight, post flight & care of seaplanes? 

Factors to check include float size, spreader bars, rust & corrosion, leaks, and sinking.

Docking Procedure - When docking, which side of the dock should you use? Which way should the nose be pointed?

Use the side with access to the door and point the nose into the wind when docking.

Beaching Process - Explain the beaching process

Sail into strong wind or at a 45-degree angle on the pilot door side, then turn the plane considering wind conditions.

Ramping with Crosswind - When ramping with a cross-wind, how should you approach the ramp?

Approach the ramp with crosswind correction, adequate power, and ensure water rudders are down.

Dock Hazards -  Discuss dock hazards and aircraft safety including propeller and control surface issues.

Be cautious of propeller and control surface issues during beaching, ramping, and docking to avoid damaging the aircraft.

Seaplane Landing Areas

Seaplanes can land in emergencies anywhere safe, but not in reservoirs or boat-free lakes.

Restricted Areas

Landing in restricted or wildlife areas is prohibited, but taxiing is allowed.

Identifying Seaplane Bases

Seaplane bases can be identified on charts using FAA-H-8083-23, Fig 1-2.

Publications for Seaplane Bases

Use sectional charts, chart supplements, and SPA/WSPA websites for information on seaplane bases and services.

Seaplane Base Beacon Color

A seaplane base beacon is typically white/yellow, or white/white/yellow for military bases.

Required Aircraft Documents

Required documents include airworthiness certificate, registration, and operating limitations, as per FAR 91.9 and 23.1589.

Maritime Rules

Discuss collision avoidance rules and definitions of vessels and seaplanes as per COMDTINST:DOHS USCG Nav Rules & Regs Handbook.

Marine Buoys

Important marine buoys can be identified using FAA-H-8083-23, Fig. 1-3.

Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way rules for seaplanes are outlined in FAA-H-8083-23, 1-2, and AIM 7-5-8 b.

Taxiing Power Setting

A power setting below 1,000 RPM is used during taxiing to protect the prop from water damage and reduce noise.

Water Rudder Effectiveness

Higher power settings during taxiing reduce water rudder effectiveness due to stern churning water.

Turning Out of Wind

Methods include Idle/Displacement Turn, Plow Turn, Momentum Turn, and Sailing.

Plow Taxiing Risks

Plow taxiing is discouraged due to potential prop damage, instability, and noise.

Sailing Control Inputs

Use rudder to the side of the desired direction, aileron opposite, and adjust water rudders, doors, elevator, and flaps as needed.

Aileron Use in Taxi Turns

Position ailerons into the wind during taxi turns and level them when aligned with the wind.

Dangerous Step Taxiing Turn

The most dangerous turn is from downwind to upwind; avoid it if possible.

Go-Around Procedure

Execute a go-around by applying full power, maintaining a flat attitude until Vx or better, then climb.

Handling Strong Winds

Manage strong winds during landing, takeoff, taxiing, beaching, docking, and anchoring by adjusting techniques accordingly.

Minimizing Noise

Limit take-offs and landings in populated areas, reduce RPM after takeoff, and maintain altitude above shorelines.

Engine Failure Over Glassy Water

The best landing spot is near the shoreline or straight ahead for better visual reference.

Engine Failure After Takeoff

Establish best glide speed, land straight ahead, and follow the A.B.C. procedure (Airspeed, Best Place to Land, Communicate).

Float Parts and Functions

Different parts of the floats serve specific functions, as outlined in FAA-H-8083-23.

Step Portion of Float

The step reduces hydrodynamic drag during takeoff and landing.

Water Rudder Attachment

Water rudders are connected via cables and springs, ensuring rudder authority even if one is stuck.

Skeg Function

The skeg acts as a chock on land, preventing the plane from tipping back.

Water Rudder Down Position

Down springs keep the water rudders in the down position.

Float Compartment Water

Any amount of water that impairs performance or indicates damage is too much in a float compartment.

Engine Specifications

Refer to the POH for the specific engine type and size on your floatplane.

Usable Fuel Capacity

Check the POH for usable fuel capacity in gallons and hours, and plan fuel for long cross-country flights.

Oil Capacity

Refer to the POH for the oil capacity in quarts.

Electrical System Voltage

14V DC

60A belt drive alternator

12V battery.