PA.IV.G.R2eFAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management
e. Water surface/condition
Effects of: e. Water surface/condition
Bottom line
A seaplane that lands into a stiff breeze on water with small waves might be more difficult to leave the next morning when winds are calm and the water is glassy. Water sloshing in the floats can create substantial CG changes as the seaplane is brought onto the step or rotated into a climb attitude. Before landing on water, carefully inspect the landing area for shallow areas, obstructions, or other hazards, and consider the wind and surface conditions expected when it is time to leave.
FAA references
- SEA ch. 5 (p. 5-1) — FAA-H-8083-23
- SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-8) — FAA-H-8083-23
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- SEA ch. 4 (p. 4-16) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AIM 7-6-14 (Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-12) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 9 (pp. 9-37–9-38) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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