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Seaplane Skiplane Flying Menu > Seaplane Operations ? Landings >Postflight
Procedures >Anchoring
Anchoring is the easiest way to secure a seaplane
on the water surface. The area selected should be out of the
way of moving vessels, and in water deep enough that the seaplane
will not be left aground during low tide. The holding characteristics
of the bottom are important in selecting an appropriate anchorage.
The length of the anchor line should be about seven times the
depth of the water. After dropping the anchor with the seaplane
headed into the wind, allow the seaplane to drift backward to
set the anchor. To be sure the anchor is holding, watch two
fixed points somewhere to the side of the seaplane, one farther
away than the other, that are aligned with each other, such
as a tree on the shore and a mountain in the distance. If they
do not remain aligned, it means that the seaplane is drifting
and dragging its anchor along the bottom. The nautical term
for when two objects appear directly in line, one behind the
other, is “in range” and the two objects are called
a range.
When choosing a place to anchor, think about
what will happen if the wind shifts. Allow enough room so that
the seaplane can swing around the anchor without striking nearby
obstacles or other anchored vessels. Be certain the water rudders
are retracted, as they caninterfere with the seaplane’s
ability to respond to wind shifts.
If anchoring the seaplane overnight or for
longer periods of time, use a heavier anchor and be sure to
comply with maritime regulations for showing an anchor light
or daytime visual signals when required. [Figure 6-8]
Figure 6-8. Anchoring.
When leaving the seaplane anchored for any
length of time, it is a good idea to secure the controls with
the elevator down and rudder neutral. Since the seaplane can
rotate so that it always faces into the wind, this forces the
nose down and reduces the angle of attack, keeping lift and
wind resistance at a minimum.
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