Q-106: I have an advanced ARF electric trainer that I would love to be
able to fly on floats off of a lake where I vacation every summer. Can you steer
me in the right direction? Where can I buy a set of floats and how can I learn
how to install them properly on my particular aircraft?
A-106: This is a timely question! I’ve been running a series in the AMA
on-line magazine, Sport Aviator, concerning the popular Hobby Lobby
International advanced electric ARF trainer called Bonnie 20. I have already
referenced the first two articles in a previous FAQ column. They cover the basic
aircraft assembly and flying and the retrofitting of Li-Poly batteries for
improved performance.
Several weeks ago I obtained a set of fiberglass twin floats for use with my
Bonnie 20. That article in Sport Aviator can be found at
www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=2&ID=56&index=3.
As you will find out while reading that article, Hobby Lobby offers five
different sizes of floats to handle just about every size of model aircraft from
3 to 15 pounds. You can look at the Hobby Lobby Web site www.hobby-lobby.com/floats.htm
to obtain more detailed information.
I found that adding these floats to my Bonnie didn’t add much extra weight. You
have to remember you are removing the wheels and substituting the floats. The
one key item to note in my article is the location of the floats on the
aircraft. The traditional step on each float should be roughly lined up with the
aircraft's CG. Essentially the top of the floats should be parallel to the datum
or reference line of the fuselage. Look up the suggested article; I’m sure it
will answer all of your questions.
I encourage you to try “water flying.” It will be a tremendous new experience.
Also when flying electric power, you can do your flying quietly early in
the morning when no one is on the lake. And your motor isn’t likely to die on
you out in the middle of the lake. Get the drift?