Engine Size For Champ on Floats

[powers]

Whats the minimum engine size for a Champ on floats?

[Mikek]

Whats the minimum engine size for a Champ on floats?

The TC for the S7AC shows A65 but you need to look at: where, when, how, you are going to fly it. The 65 HP in most Champs with or without floats, on short, soft, or hot days loaded will get you up but it take time and distance.


Mike K

[powers]

Oh yeah. I've got about 900 hours of float time. I was just wondering if it was legal to use such a configuration. Thanks for the info.

[joea]

Legal is one thing, safe and prudent is another! Personally I would like to see an 85 hp or more engine on a float plane unless you have several miles of lake to take off from. Floats are fairly heavy and more power would sure help.

[big chief 48]

several miles???

[joea]

several miles???

Have seen tired 65 hp Aeroncas that would barely get off of the ground on a runway, so put them on floats and unless you had a lot of water in front of you it would be fun to get in the air.

[jkvincent]

....quite-awhile-back, I flew "floats" (part 135) in south Louisiana, getting off the water was only half of it, clearing the trees was another.
Throw in a (tired) loaded airplane on a warm day?? There were many days where you had to "jerk" the yoke and flap handle at the same time
to break loose of the water and then wallow around a knot or two above stall until you were able to build some speed to...clear the trees.
65 horse, is it do-able?.....sure, would it be easy to get in trouble?...yep! (how many trees do you have?) Jim

[powers]

Where did you fly float planes 135 jkvincent? I flew for Souther Seaplane for two years 04-06. They were based in Belle Chasse LA.

[jkvincent]

sky, .....late '70's, early '80, flew Cessna (straight) floats out of Westwego for a Chemical co., also flew amphibs (Cessna 180 & 185) for an Oil field contractor Lafayette, La., also flew (185 amphibs) part 135 in Lafayette, La.
I have more stories flying Floats... than anything else !

Also, flew "Corporate" (piston & turbine twins) 8 years.
Continental Airlines 21 years.....retiring in 98 days..who's counting??? Jim

[WWhunter]

Having recently moved from Georgia......the state sucks for seaplane friendliness.

[Nathan K. Hammond]

no kidding.

nkh

[joea]

sky, .....late '70's, early '80, flew Cessna (straight) floats out of Westwego for a Chemical co., also flew amphibs (Cessna 180 & 185) for an Oil field contractor Lafayette, La., also flew (185 amphibs) part 135 in Lafayette, La.
I have more stories flying Floats... than anything else !

Also, flew "Corporate" (piston & turbine twins) 8 years.
Continental Airlines 21 years.....retiring in 98 days..who's counting??? Jim

Jim,

You ever run into someone named Hal Dean? I flew with him years ago in a Learjet and he left the company to go to Continental. Always wondered how he was doing. As well how about Don Jones out in Guam? Also flying for Continental and a big Aeronca fan...

Joe

[marklamon]

sky, .....late '70's, early '80, flew Cessna (straight) floats out of Westwego for a Chemical co., also flew amphibs (Cessna 180 & 185) for an Oil field contractor Lafayette, La., also flew (185 amphibs) part 135 in Lafayette, La.
I have more stories flying Floats... than anything else !

Also, flew "Corporate" (piston & turbine twins) 8 years.
Continental Airlines 21 years.....retiring in 98 days..who's counting??? Jim

Jim, Did you ever cross paths with Dick Maddux during your hitch with Continental? Also I'm getting that glass out to you. Mark

[jkvincent]

hey guys, ...don't recognize those names but Dean & Maddux sounds familiar. I'll look later in Company file photos.
(server's down now) but I'm sure I've seen them. (I'm same base, same equip as Dean) Jim

Mark, thanks on the glass.

[gcgilpin]

Don't even bother with the 65HP.

85 HP would be bare minimum.

I'd go with a 90 or 115 Lycoming.

The 90 will be a noticeable improvement over the 85.

Make sure you use the right prop.