A float plane is a type of seaplane. Float planes land on extended floats like a normal airplanes landing gear, as opposed to boat-hulled sea planes. Float planes are usually land airplanes which have been converted to land on water, although some aircraft are specially designed for this purpose. Some aircraft like the Cessna Caravan are available in float-plane configuration straight from the factory, but most float-planes are modified land-planes.
Float planes may or may not have the ability to extend wheels from their floats to land on land. It is a common feature, but not all float planes are so equipped.
If you were on a plane and had no weight to you you would float in the plane like there was no gravity, even though there is but if the plane was angled precisely you can float in the plane as if gravity was turned off. But this only lasts a few minutes as you come closer to land.
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Henri Fabre in 1910
A hovercraft or float plane would be my guess
Float Plane
It would float away into space and implode.
Everyone pick up their seats to keeps plane float.
Between 85 (737-100) and 215 (737-900).
A float plane is one of the most versatile ways to experience both travel and exploration in coastal regions. These aircraft are designed to take off and land on water, opening up access to destinations that may be difficult to reach by road or ferry. With Harbour Air, travelers can use a float plane Nanaimo to Vancouver route to cut down travel time while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, islands, and mountains. Beyond transportation, float planes are also ideal for sightseeing tours, wildlife viewing, and connecting remote communities—making them a practical and memorable choice for coastal journeys.
Sea planes are designed to take off and land on water. To do so, they have special floats on their struts. These are called pontoons and they are what makes the plane float on the water.
The purpose of fitting a float plane is to enable it to take off and land on water instead of traditional runways. Floats, or pontoons, are attached beneath the fuselage to provide buoyancy and stability, allowing the aircraft to operate on lakes, rivers, and coastal inlets. This design is especially useful in regions with vast waterways and limited airport infrastructure, such as coastal British Columbia. A Harbour Air float plane is a perfect example of this innovation in action. These aircraft connect remote communities, islands, and urban harbours efficiently—offering direct access to destinations where building runways would be impractical or environmentally disruptive. Beyond practicality, float planes also offer a unique perspective of the landscape, blending transportation with a scenic experience. In essence, fitting a float plane transforms air travel into a versatile and adaptable mode of transport, ideal for regions defined by water and wilderness.
The purpose of filling a float plane generally refers to fueling and preparing the aircraft for safe operation before flight. Proper fueling ensures the plane has the necessary range to complete its journey, while maintaining a balanced weight distribution for safe takeoff and landing on water. Along with fuel, “filling” can also involve loading essential supplies, passenger baggage, and ensuring the plane’s systems are fully checked before departure. At Harbour Air, every Vancouver to Nanaimo float plane undergoes careful preparation before boarding begins. Pilots and crew inspect the aircraft, verify fuel levels, and ensure all safety equipment is in place. This meticulous process helps guarantee reliability and smooth performance during the short but scenic flight across the Strait of Georgia. In essence, filling a float plane is about readiness—making sure the aircraft is fully equipped, balanced, and safe for a seamless coastal journey.