What is a seaplane?

A seaplane is a type of aircraft that can land and take off on water as well as float on water - this can be either the sea or a lake. The seaplane was first built in 1911 for the First World War. Seaplanes are usually divided into two categories, which is based on their technological characteristics: floatplanes and flying boats. Flying boats tend to be larger and carry more passengers/cargo. A floatplane is similar, but is usually smaller and it's belly is used as a pontoon or floats.

Many civilian flight operators have a floatplane variant for commercial flights , as well as private charter operators, as the aircraft provide an easier transportation option to scenic tourist lakes and other remote areas. Seaplane operators can be found in areas with a large number of lakes convenient for takeoff and landing, such as the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness in North America, and Scotland in the U.k Examples of Seaplane airline companies include Alaska Seaplanes and Harbour Air Seaplanes.

How do seaplanes work?

Seaplanes float, take-off and land on water through a wide range of structural components. These help them to remain buoyant, stable on water and reduce drag when landing on the water surface. They are also built in a way to prevent flipping or tipping over in the water.

Search and book seaplane flights

Alternative Airlines is an online flight search and booking website, which makes it easy to book flights on over 600 global airlines, including airlines operating seaplane flights. Simply type in your chosen departure and arrival destinations into the search-bar at the top of the page to begin your search.

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FAQs

Are seaplanes safe?

Yes, seaplanes are as safe if not safer than any other aircraft used for commercial use. Seaplanes go under regular maintenance to the highest of standards. Additionally, seaplane pilots require more advanced piloting skills than regular pilots do in order to qualify for flying.

Can seaplanes land on land?

Some seaplanes are only able to take off on land and land on water - especially 'floatplanes', which are particularly adapted to exclusively land on water. While others have additional landing gear built into the aircraft which makes it possible land on land. There are also a number of seaplanes that can take off and land both on land and water. Airlines that operate scheduled passenger flights might have planes that can both land on land in water, as this is more suitable for commercial flights

Can seaplanes land on any body of water?

Seaplanes have the ability to land on any body of water. If you were to be flying privately, whether you're legally allowed to land on a specific body of water will depend on the rules of the territory you're landing in, and whether the land is privately owned. Most operators will fly to lates, as large waves and unpredictable weather can be a problem, making it harder to land on the sea.