Float flying in heavy winds
 

The winds were gusty, high winds, but the big Stik on floats and Miss Grandin managed each a flight at Hydro Bay in Northern Ontario last Saturday. It was very risky with such high winds, but once airborne, the aircraft both flew great, in spite of the heavy bouncing around. One dead stick did not cause any undue harm as the aircraft came within 30 feet of shore, where the wind was relatively calm. Taxiing into the wind was impossible because trying to get to the far side of the lake was impossible as the wind would topple the aircraft as soon as it got 50 feet away from shore. The real wind challenge made it really satisfying, especially flying from water. Hovering was a simple task.

Has anyone else flown on water in high winds and had a blast like I did?

Re: Float flying in heavy winds
 

If the floats are big enough to handle the chop...why not! One day I'm going to fly out of my inlaw's 50' pond. Just give me 25 clicks right down the pipe.

Re: Float flying in heavy winds
 

I have flown my 8' Norseman many times in high winds and high chop. It is a long drive to the lake for me, and when you get there, sometimes it is windy and choppy. I have no problems with wind and chop, though flaps really help get airborne quickly out of the chop and make landings slow and the last 3 feet into the swells an easy plonk into the water.

As you have already noticed, high winds are no big deal as long as it is a shore breeze. Once you are aloft, strong steady winds are no problem, you will realise you are flying is smooth air even though it is moving quickly, it is not difficult to fly in. Its gusts that can mess you up, but a steady breeze is easy to manage.

Re: Float flying in heavy winds
 

The Big Stik is a 60 size with a 90 four stroke, Miss Grandin is about a 7 foot wingspan with a two stroke Thunder Tiger 75. This last aircraft is built a bit heavy, but solid as a rock in gusty and high winds. The Big Stik on floats sits higher in the water, and more susceptible to flipping over (which it did once) when the wind lifted the tail. Miss Grandin was given to me by my late RC instructor Bob Prine, who dies last year at 90. It's a precious gift.