Floatplane vs. Seaplane

Anyone know the difference? Trying to decide between two excursions in Ketchican and both sound the same outside of the plane that's used.

Thanks in advance.

Do both planes land on the water? If so - they're the same thing - just different names.

Do both planes land on the water? If so - they're the same thing - just different names.

Sounds logical....but there are two separate excursions. The only difference is the plane type.

A seaplane is primarily built to land and takeoff on water, while a float plane is generally regarded to be a land plane equipped with floats for water landings. So, if it's a flying boat (boat hull for water landings/takeoffs) it's a seaplane, if it has pontoons it can be considered as either.

If it is an excursion plane, it's probably a pontoon equipped plane either way. I don't think there is much use for a true seaplane for most Alaska flying needs. It's easier to re-equip a plane with pontoons with skis or conventional landing gear, and I would imagine safer in tricky bush flying.

A good example of a seaplane is the Grumman Goose (WWII vintage) still used between Florida and the Bahamas. The airplane's fuselage is actually a boat hull.

You will never see these used in Alaska, at least not on excursions, because they are very expensive to maintain and operate and are gradually disappearing as the years go by.

Instead, you will see two types of float planes, which are actually land planes fitted with pontoons. The most commonplace flown by smaller operators are deHavilland Beavers that can comfortably hold 6 people including the pilot. These are high-wing, radial engine monoplanes of some vintage. You will also see high-wing single-engine Cessnas such as the C207 used in similar activities.

Larger operators, those who service the cruise lines, often will use deHavilland Twin Otter aircraft, also fitted with pontoon floats. T.O.s have twin prop-jet engines and can hold quite a few more people than the single-engine aircraft described above. Never having been on the latter, I can't say how they compare, but the Beaver that we were on out of Ketchikan was a great experience.