av8rps(at)tznet.com
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 Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:13 am Post subject: Last call for Sport Pilot Amphib comments! |
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Tomorrow is the deadline for us to send in our comments regarding adding
amphibians to the Light Sport Aircraft rule. We've had a good number of
positive comments so far, but it would be great to see more. So if you can
take the time to fill out an internet or fax response to the FAA, I would
really appreciate it. This could be important to any of us that might one
day want to fly an amphib LSA. But it is particularly important for the
older seaplane pilots that have been flying amphibs for years, but are tired
of paying thousands to maintain their medicals. So lets see what we can do
to help them, as well as ourselves.
The Seaplane Pilots Association has very good information with all the
necessary links to the FAA. You can find that at
http://www.seaplanes.org/index.htm It also shows some very interesting
accident statistics of light verses heavy amphibians that is worth reading.
The FAA is specifically looking for comments as to why having amphibious
capability is safer, and how it may impact things economically.
Here is a just a brief list from my point of view after operating straight
floats and amphibs for years:
Safety - An amphibious aircraft can get fuel at airports. That is a huge
safety advantage. Non amphibious seaplanes are many times flying around low
on fuel because they can't find aircraft fuel on water. And if they choose
to haul additional fuel in cans as many do, they increase risk of explosion
or fire during even a minor impact or accident.
Safety - An amphbious aircraft is more likely to be maintained better than a
water-only seaplane. The amphibian can be kept in a protective hangar
minimizing weather related airframe and engine deterioration, and damage.
And when needed, it can be more easily repaired at an airport repair
facility that is properly staffed and equipped. A non-amphibious seaplane
is limited to dockside maintenance or repairs. That creates poor access to
many areas of the aircraft, less than ideal working conditions, parts
availability issues, and makes it difficult to find qualified repair
personnel to do the work. An amphibious aircraft avoids all these issues,
as it can be maintained and repaired just like any other land based
aircraft.
Safety - In the case of an engine failure in a light aircraft, having the
ability to land in water or on land provides the best chances of surviving
an emergency off airport landing.
Safety and Economics - Being able to utilize airport services and facilities
such as fuel, maintenance, weather computers, etc. provides the amphibian
pilot with all the advantages associated with airport facilities.
Economics - Because the amphibian pilots will be using airport facilities,
just like land based pilots they will be supporting the facilities
economically.
Economics - Manufacturers of light sport aircraft that are amphibious will
see more sales revenue than those that offer only non-amphibious seaplanes.
The majority of the population does not have access to waterfront property
in which to keep a seaplane. For this reason, few float manufacturers today
offer straight (non-amphibious) floats.
Thanks for your support!
Paul Seehafer
Central Wisconsin
Kitfox IV 912ul Amphib
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