{"id":9337,"date":"2023-10-24T15:40:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T14:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=9337"},"modified":"2023-10-24T15:40:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T14:40:16","slug":"can-you-land-a-float-plane-on-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/can-you-land-a-float-plane-on-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Land A Float Plane On The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is a Float Plane?<\/h2>\n

A float plane is a type of aircraft which can take off and land on water. The aircraft is enabled to do this by the use of floats – pontoons which keep the plane afloat on the surface of a body of water such as a lake or the Mississippi River. Float planes are equipped with retractable wheels which the aircraft lowers prior to taking off on a body of water. Whilefloat planes are generally smaller aircraft, they can have larger payloads than fixed-wing aircraft, which can make them more versatile – they can also take off and land in much smaller bodies of water.<\/p>\n

Why Land a Plane on the Mississippi?<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is an incredibly large and diverse body of water that crosses ten states in the US. It’s over 2,320 miles long and is the fourth-longest river in the country. Interestingly it is also the second-largest river in the world when it comes to drainage area, behind only the Amazon. In addition to providing an incredible view from above, landing a float plane on the Mississippi could be useful for a number of reasons. Commercial fishermen or hunters often travel to the river for their work, and this method of transport could be used for that purpose. You could also land a float plane on the Mississippi for recreational purposes, such as sightseeing the views.<\/p>\n

Is it Possible to Land a Float Plane on the Mississippi River?<\/h2>\n

Many experts have weighed in on this question, and it turns out the answer is a bit complicated. On the one hand, float planes are engineered to make water landings and landings on small bodies of water, so landing a float plane on the Mississippi is feasible in terms of technical ability. However, it’s not as simple as just landing anywhere on the Mississippi.
\nThat’s because there are certain stipulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration that must be adhered to for any float plane landing in US waterways. This includes the Mississippi River. As part of FAA regulation 91.117, float plane pilots must obtain permission from a tower or from the Flight Service Station before landing on any body of water in the US, including the Mississippi. This is important to bear in mind, as not following this regulation could put you at risk of fines or other legal trouble.<\/p>\n

Potential Risks and Dangers of Landing on the Mississippi<\/h2>\n

Aside from the legal risks of flying on the Mississippi, there are also potential risks that come with the activity itself. For example, the turbulent water that floats down the river can create immense turbulence, which can make the landing difficult. Additionally, the Mississippi River is home to a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds, which makes it important to be aware of your surroundings while flying. Furthermore, recreational use of the Mississippi is subjected to state regulations, so you’ll need to be aware of any local laws and regulations before attempting a landing.<\/p>\n

Safety Precautions for Landing on the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n