DIY Network

Model Seaplanes -- Flying Tips From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-209

The Piper Cub is one of the most famous aircraft in the world, and one of the most recognizable seaplanes. Our host takes a ride in a Piper J-3 Cub.

In this segment, Chris Chianelli goes to Inglewood, Florida to give a seaplane flight demonstration and offers tips and advice for flying these versatile RC aircraft.

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of these particular models. There are variations in assembly and operation for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is one of these particular models or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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Seaplane Flying Tips

Before showing off his RC seaplane flying skills, Chris Chianelli visits a real seaplane flight school -- Jack Brown Seaplanes in Winter Haven, Florida -- and takes a ride in the famous Piper Cub (figures A and B). The Piper J-3 Cub was first built in the 1930s and was used as a trainer. Because of its lightweight construction and slow 75 mph cruise speed, the Piper became extremely popular as a premiere trainer. It remains popular today among antique-airplane buffs and pilots all over the world, and it remains one of the simplest airplanes to fly.

Figure A

Figure B

Now for the RC variety of seaplane. Chris demonstrates some of the basics of radio-controlled seaplane flight.

Once your plane is prepped and ready for flight (figure C), get the plane out into the water and facing into the wind (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Hold full-up elevator and slowly apply the throttle (figure E). Keep the airplane going straight with the rudder control.

When the plane starts to comes up on-step, release the elevator. Apply full throttle and let the airplane fly off the water (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

Gain a little altitude before making any turns. After that, flying the seaplane is just like flying any other RC airplane. With some experience you can do aerobatic maneuvers as with other types of planes (figure G). Because of the extra weight and drag, stalls and spins are a little more difficult. Get a fair amount of practice with ordinary flying before you attempt these kinds of moves.

When landing a seaplane, a gentle rate of descent is especially important (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

Gentle descent means you'll need to keep the air speed up as you descend, but utilize the controls to set the airplane into the water gently (figure I and J).

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

Failing to maintain a gentle rate of descent will produce less desirable results (figure K).