Very nice... Congratulations Vishal 

That was AWESOME

Excellent, Vishal 

Nice landings!

Love the final bit- the dedication 

How was the drag in the air due to the floats? Are the floats from thermocol?

Brilliant Vishal.. The plane is really cool and the take off and landing were perfect.
Shreekant

Congrats vishal well done

Awesome work Vishal sir.

 

gr8 job vishal

Awesome...

Awesome ...Vishal sir

  thanks vishal for the wonderful start

Thank you Girish, foolsworldus, Sanjay Sir, rcparkjets, Shreekant, Abhishek, rcrcnitesh, ponappa, Gusty Sir, topalle, Avadhut10001, Rajaram

Float planes are absolute fun. I'm sure many will soon roll out here having tasted the initial success. We had been planning this since long time as there are plenty of water bodies here. Finally the day arrived and the joy was just indescribable, at least to those who watched as I was trembling all the while 

The risk of course is there, as our second attempt resulted in a tip over. But it was a learning experience.

The floats were built using plan from:
http://www.seminolerc.com/EZ-Float-Design.html

Some points to keep in mind while flying in water:

1. Keep the down thrust to zero. My plane had plenty of down thrust. During second attempt in the afternoon, it was windy and the currents were bit strong. To do a immediate takeoff, I gave throttle immediately. The down thrust from the motor caused the front of the floats to sink in and resulted in a tip over.
2. Have a flat wing. Polyhedrals are dangerous if it's windy. Your plane can easily roll over if caught in a cross wind.
3. CG is critical. Avoid nose heavy planes. Mine was nose heavy due to bigger motor. Couple that with plenty downthrust and the result is disaster.
4. Do the initial flights in calm water.
5. Check the plane attitude while take off. The front of floats should rise sufficiently. If it's just above water, increase float depth and check CG. Also, I believe giving plenty of elevator while take off, will help in keep the front of the floats raised.

Will modify the floats a bit and will post the final dimensions.

QuoteLove the final bit- the dedication  Giggle Giggle

How was the drag in the air due to the floats? Are the floats from thermocol?

Seriously Sanjay sir, my son used to consider my planes as step sons  Now he has slowly started accepting them as my obsession is too strong to let go. Our home was a mess as there were planes/material everywhere; under the cot, over the cot and some balsa sheets in between the bedding too  After having shifted everything to the shop, there is some respite. Half of the Sundays is reserved for flying too. The other half am too tired for any activity with family. Our family deserves more.

Regarding drag in the air, I didn't notice anything. May be I was too excited. Even if it's there I guess it really wouldn't matter as most of the fun is in taking off and landing.

The floats were built from 5mm Biofoam and then covered with packing tape. Hollow construction, like an inverted fuselage.

Vishal..

Can't wait to lay my hands on her..