I live near the Texas coast and often think for pure aerial fun, not much could beat one of the high-wing LSAs that can be equipped with floats. Specifically the CTLS with Clamar amphibs.

Plane and Pilot did an article about this a few years ago that really got me thinking about uses for a slow VFR only plane that can land in lakes, rivers and the many bays along the Texas coast. I have no seaplane rating and have never seen an LSA up close.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on seaplanes as a hobby? I read somewhere that you don't want to be landing on water larger than half the height of the floats (so 6" seas would probably be the limit), thus no open Gulf but plenty manageable on calm days to land in the back bays, etc.

How problematic are saltwater "washdowns" for composite airplanes? I am assuming there is a huge and specialized maintenance component for airplanes that actually land in saltwater, but I am not sure if it's prohibitive for a toy airplane.

What about landing regulations? If one were to land at a crowded lake like Travis or Havasu or Tahoe would they soon find themselves arrested or would they generally be treated like other watercraft? All I ever see are large Pacific Northwest or Island operations, or remote Canadian lakes. I have never seen an operating seaplane despite many hours on various lakes so I wonder if there are a host of regulations that keep them out of sight or if they are just that rare.

Lastly, I believe a CTLS on floats could be purchased for less than the cost of decent offshore center console! Hopefully the seaplane guys can chime in on both the rating and how they get used around the lower 48.

Jake,

Flying seaplanes is a wonderful hobby, it is some of the most fun and challenging flying I have done. Just think, every landing you are making your own runway. Getting the rating is straight forward, it does not require a written test or a minimum number of hours. I have had very active pilots complete the rating in 4-5 hours, some take a bit longer. It is all about takeoffs, landings and handling on the water. If you get that "pitch+power=performance" you are halfway there. There are schools all over the country, I teach for Adventure Seaplanes part time when they are in MN in the summer http://www.adventureseaplanes.com/. The challenge is finding a plane to use after you get the rating. Your insurance company will most likely require more time in the plane before you can fly it solo.

Where you can land is governed by the state and the county that you are in. Local seaplane pilots or the National Seaplane Pilots Association will be able to help answer that for your area.

I can't help on the LSA aspect of your question.

Please let me know if there are other questions I can answer for you about the process.

Steve

When I am old, I want to live somewhere on a lake with a LSA amphib on a railway in the backyard. Saw the most spectacular home in MN a couple of years ago. Bottom floor was a hangar big enough for a 182 on amphibs. Top floor was a really nice 3 bedroom home with a great view out onto the lake. I would need two places like that, one in MN lake country, the other in central FL

Florian....

You and I need to Pursue your ideas. Wanna go halfsies?????!!!!!

Welcome to The Whitefish Chain....Cross Lake MN!!!! Tony C and his Gal have been here. We can use him for the Florida location. Your welcome to check it out anytime!!!

I recently went in a CTLS. While its the winter up here, the floats are off, and it was a blast off the floats. I'm 6'2" 230, and was with the owner who is 6' 200, and we had full fuel, and were 1000' AGL at the departure end of the runway! I'd really consider it if I were you.

Tommy, I'd love to see the LSA on floats sometime. PWC is close and I love those lakes - girls spent a few summers at camp up there.

Only a few short months left til the ice goes out....

Isn't that the truth. -8F right now

Hence the winter headquarters somewhere near Leesburg, FL.

Mr. Shelton,

I wish it were mine. It is a Murphy Elite and based out of KCFE. The first pic is sitting on Buffalo lake. At the KCFE fly-in I was lucky enough to get a ride in it and go puddle jumping for about an hour. Since then, I have been doing a bunch of homework on how to get one to fit in my hangar......I will put you and Greg B first on the passenger list!
I will warn you, if you get a ride in one, you will want one

Great call on PWC! They could not have gave it a better identifier (Personal Water Craft ) I have seen a Duke coming out of there and I think I am the only one that actually signs in and out in the visitor log book.
My wifes parent's cabin is just to the east 10 min (Fifty Lakes) My good friends rental is on the north side of Trout. It is sooo easy!!!!!!

Tommy,

I will add a shameless plug for the MN Seaplane Pilots Association http://www.mnseaplanes.com/. Would love to have you join us for our safety seminar that kicks off the flying season May 16-18 at Maddens.

If you come you can add me to your ride list

How good is the turf runway at Maddens these days ?

Went in there last spring and it was good, one of our friends brought a Baron in. We will be taking the Bonanza up there for the seminar.

Plenty of parking on the beach for seaplanes, the CAP comes in and helps with tie-downs on the beach as well.

I saw the Murphy on amphibs at CFE last summer, I don't think I want a ride. I'd probably end up selling everything else and buying one.
A few of my hangar neighbors are float plane guys, and it looks like once you do it, your in it forever.
Just what I need, a more expensive habit than land planes.
Although I might go up to Maddens if I'm free.

Greg

Seaplane flying is very addicting. Its kinda like getting in a Bo for the first time.

How good is the turf runway at Maddens these days ?

We can turn it into a Bonanza fly in as well!