Floatplanes and the speed limit

DBreskin · 08-18-2013, 07:55 AM

It is my understanding that floatplanes must follow boating laws whenever they are in contact with the water, even if they are on step about to become airborne. In the FAA Seaplane handbook (found here: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...-8083-23-2.pdf) I found this sentence: "Seaplanes operating inshore of the boundary line dividing the high seas from the inland waters must follow the established statutory Inland Rules (Pilot Rules)."

Floatplanes must comply with boating right of way rules, and if they are considered boats when in contact with the water I assume they should also be subject to the Lake Winnipesaukee speed limit. If they can't go faster than 45mph when in contact with the water, how can they legally take off?

My brief search hasn't uncovered a definitive answer. Can anyone here offer an educated opinion or point to a documented answer?

08-18-2013, 07:55 AM	#1
DBreskin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wolfeboro NH Posts: 283 Thanks: 143 Thanked 121 Times in 76 Posts	Floatplanes and the speed limit It is my understanding that floatplanes must follow boating laws whenever they are in contact with the water, even if they are on step about to become airborne. In the FAA Seaplane handbook (found here: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...-8083-23-2.pdf) I found this sentence: "Seaplanes operating inshore of the boundary line dividing the high seas from the inland waters must follow the established statutory Inland Rules (Pilot Rules)." Floatplanes must comply with boating right of way rules, and if they are considered boats when in contact with the water I assume they should also be subject to the Lake Winnipesaukee speed limit. If they can't go faster than 45mph when in contact with the water, how can they legally take off? My brief search hasn't uncovered a definitive answer. Can anyone here offer an educated opinion or point to a documented answer?