FAQ4: What is different when Flying from Water?

The biggest difference is that no matter what, ready or not, your plane will be moving when it is in the water.  If the motor is idling, the plane will be taxiing at a good walking speed.  If the motor quits, the plane will drift with the breeze.  You had better be ready or the plane will magically taxi into the God-Forsaken Snake-Infested Swampy Briar Patch.  A water rudder is generally useful in establishing additional influence over where your plane goes. Since the plane is designed to use the air, consider that you are sailing whenever you are on the surface fo the water.   Until you get comfortable with it, it's best to put the plane in the water and to take off as immediately as possible.  Likewise, land upwind from your position if possible so the plane will drift back to you if the engine quits.  

The second biggest difference is that you can't just walk out and pick up your plane.  You have to drive it back to the beach or retrieve it some other way.  

The plane stays really clean.  Dirt does not get kicked up by the wheels and propblast.  You still get oil on the plane (except electrics) but there is no silt in it.