Hydroplane

[pipsqueak]

Just wondering if any of you have ever hydroplaned your bird. I wonder how slow you can get before the wheels will penetrate the water and you go butt over head. I have seen cubs do it, but never thought it worth the risk.

Barney

[NC36061]

Re: Hydroplane

I believe that the FAA, which surely monitors our forum, would consider that to be "reckless operation."

[VictorBravo]

Re: Hydroplane

Then the FAA should surely purchase a copy of the video "Big Rocks, Long Props", and they'll have a field day carting off the two guys on the video in leg irons

All kidding aside, those two guys are the cat's ass in my book. They've developed exceptional skills and my hat's off to them.

There is in reality a method for using controlled hydroplaning to land an airplane safely on gravel bars and sandbars that would not otherwise be usable. I know the guys from points north do this on a daily basis. The Taylorcraft is not as commonly used in that environment as the Cubs are. But the expert pilots up yonder in the vast north country do it all the time.

The FAA should be more concerned about people engaging in reckless airport closures.

[N96337]

Re: Hydroplane

Don't know about a Tcraft, but we used to do that in the single Otter with a full load of people, and it would get down to about 40 and still be really solid.
JH

[LLBOYD]

Re: Hydroplane

In the 1960's we had a PA-18 with the Whitaker tandem landing gear. I flew many hunters and fisherman into Mexico on very remote strips or sandbars. With this configuration it was like short floats. The only problem I experienced was that if the tires started to turn they tended to ride lower in the water, this addition drag made for a little excitement at times. I just rode the brakes a little until I saw the sandbar go under the nose then release them. This worked well as the water was shallow and we would just roll up on the beach. Ground roll was short when you are running about 45 to 50. In most cases the takeoff was more of a challenge as the 8:00/4's did not have the shock absorbing ability of the tundra tires of today. We kept increasing the HP of the engine and finally ended up with a 0-360/180 which really made this type of operation feasible. As a downside back in those days this mod resulted in a Experimental Airworthiness. Unfortunately the Cub met it's demise in the mountains of northern Mexico when its future owner learned the density altitude lesson of a lifetime.

[jgerard]

Re: Hydroplane

I have been told by multiple reputable sources that there are no FAA regulations against hydroplaning. It's the local law enforcement that can ticket you for reckless endangerment.

[dedrekon]

Re: Hydroplane

It's common here when landing on sand/gravel bars in the Willamette/Columbia rivers. The standard Tcraft is a little low on HP for this type of operation, but I assure you it can be and is done. Bigger tires are better too. It's a little like water skiing barefoot.

I agree if you haven't seen "Big Rocks, Long Props", you MUST see it. Those guys are amazing!

vincent

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Hydroplane

Is it necessary to set the brakes? I have done it in the Cub , brakes set!
ski a bit then up again......
I flew the Super Cub with the main gear backwards and a retractable ski that was in the center up front and had a lever to allow it to go out and under the prop. I have no picture of that but would like one....

[pipsqueak]

Re: Hydroplane

I could care less if the FAA was reading this, there are no FAR's that mention any thing about this topic. Do they apply in AK? Just kidding. Part 91.119 refers to minimum safe altitudes, the first line says ( except when necessary for take off or landing) They do not say published rwy or sandbar or the technique to use for landing. So as long as you are not putting any persone or property in risk...I know a lot of people that use this technique and it is pretty neat to say the least. I am still interested if any of you have done it with a T. Thanks for the input.

[N96337]

Re: Hydroplane

Is it necessary to set the brakes? ..

I've seen it done both ways...but in the Otter, the mains just barely rotated with the brakes off....didn't seem to bother.... but I don't remember anyone trying it the other way, so maybe that's better?
JH