Robert11 wrote:
Hi,

Probably a silly questio, but I was wondering about how seaplanes land in a
sea with waves running fairly close together ?

e.g., does the pilot try to put down parallel to the wave motion (this would
be along the trough of the wave) or does he
attempt to go perpendicular to the trough on landing ?

My "guess" is that the first is correct, but if so, wouldn't this tend to
flip him over easily) ?

The second would be analogous to the term "pitch-poling" used for sailboats
if they are flipped fore and aft by heading directly into a breaking wave.

Any explanations would be appreciated.

Thanks,
bob



Short answer? Most seaplanes except for big stuff like the Short
Sunderlands, Bv's, And perhaps the Martin Mariners, & Grunman Albatross
couldn't handle open sea landings. Calm waters were prefered for the
reasons you describe.There is a rec.aviation.seaplane group that might
give more detailed answer to your question.