Seaplane Facts

Our aircraft will always be thoroughly washed and cleaned before and after every single flight.

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is less noisy than a typical speedboat.

Some flying boats have “sponsons”, which are short, wing-like projections from the sides of the hull near the waterline. Their purpose is to stabilize the hull from a rolling motion when the flying boat is on the water, and they may also provide some aerodynamic lift in flight. Tip floats are also sometimes known as sponsons.

The tide is a variable element that needs to be monitored when the seaplane is beached or moored close to shore. A descending tide may leave the seaplane stranded on the sand, while a rising tide could take the plane out to sea. These elements are always to be considered to ensure a proper operation in all conditions.

There is minimum surface noise pollution, thanks to the highly efficient turbine powered aircraft producing 30% less noise than conventional large transport aircraft. Seaplanes only require a short distance for take-off and landing.

Both seaplanes and helicopters may take you to the resort without your feet getting wet. However, for those who love water activities, most seaplanes can carry more cargo or your water sport equipment like scuba gear or surfboards.

During the1930s, the Chao Phraya river was used as a water aerodrome for commercial flights since Bangkok as Don Mueang airport was mostly for military use. That part of the river was wide enough, with a 2 km long runway and no heavy water traffic. Still today, it is called 'Sanambinnarm' sub-district, which means 'water aerodrome'.

Similar to boats, seaplanes have retractable water rudders which are used at slow speeds on the water.

There are as many as 114 seaplane bases in Alaska. Lake Hood in Anchorage is the world's largest and busiest seaplane base: in 2015 it accommodated an average of 197 daily takeoffs and landings, with nearly 600 on peak summer days.

There are 4 different ways to offload passengers once a seaplane gets to the destination. 1. By docking, this method ensures a safe and stable transfer of passengers directly to the ground. 2. Mooring & boat transfer is a combination of two methods where the plane is anchored in the sea and the passengers are picked up by boat. This method is used when there is not enough water depth. 3. Floating platform: this type of platform rises and falls along with waves and tides. It is similar to docking. Another easy way to transport passengers. The platform will be carefully designed for the stability and safety of the people on it. 4. Last but not least, beaching is one of the easiest methods, but must be carried out carefully as it might conflict with others such as swimmers. It also depends on the firmness on the shoreline.

Once the seaplane operates on water, whether powered or not, it is required to comply with all relevant maritime and water navigation laws and policies - just like boats.

Using the full capacity of its PT6 engine, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX uses reverse to add additional braking capacity resulting in a shorter distance required to land on land or water.