![]() ![]() A typical Super Cub with floats is hard pressed to fly much faster than 80 mph in cruise as compared to 90-100 mph for the land plane Super Cub. Because the floats are long and roughly aerodynamic, they will affect the stability of the plane, along with creating a good deal of parasite drag. Most floatplanes augment the vertical surface area of the land plane with fins, so it is common to see Super Cubs and Beavers (and others) with ventral fins located on the tail or vertically, from the horizontal stabilizer. ![]() Once airborne, the float plane will fly like a land plane, roughly, but it will be slower and have less stability. Given the vast majority of recreational float planes as opposed to true sea planes, let’s consider the float plane that most recreational pilots will fly. ![]() Once again, many neophytes just assume all float or seaplanes have wheels for landing on land, and this is not true. Both types can be amphibious aircraft and both types can be strictly limited to water operations. The vast majority of the water flying world settles for float planes because of their relative economy. In strict terms of water performance the sea plane is always preferable to the float plane, but true sea planes are rare, usually expensive and most are rather large, complicated birds. ![]()
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