Why aren't there any more flying boats?

[Razgriz4]

Those Are Epic Aircraft

[Razgriz4]

Those Are Epic Aircraft.

[Tupac]

Flying boats/amphibs have a minor identity crisis. They aren't very good boats, and they aren't very good planes. They can do both, albeit less efficient and much more costly than their conventional counterparts. They were designed when runways were few and far between, and lakes/bays/large bodies of water were convenient and accessible. My DPE for my PPL checkride has a super cub on floats and told me it costs him almost 5k/yr just to insure it.

[Volron]

Made me think of this:
(Image removed from quote.)

 

[AAJagerX]

There was also some guy working on a light sport seaplane.

This one?  Icon A5

[cpxxx]

As someone said, before WW2 there were few long runways and flying boats seemed to be the future. But once all those long wartime runways were built. The poor economics of flying boats alongside landplanes became obvious.

Dornier still have a flying boat:When I win the Eurolotto I might buy one!

But really I'd love a Catalina. There's a crashed and dismantled one sitting at an airport here. I had a good look over it. I reckon it's restorable. Another plan for the lotto win.

There are plans for a seaplane service to and from the town I live in. So far it's only a website, aspirations and some proving flights in Cessna 172 floatplane. But I have my resume in with them. I'd fancy seeing out my career flying seaplanes.

[icepac]

Flying boats disappear because they operated largely in salt water.

This ensures complete destruction in a short amount of time.

[Karnak]

This aircraft had the same maximum speed as a B-17 on 50% more power, though it did climb better and have longer endurance.  The speed bit is really the efficiency indicator:

[saggs]

There are still lots of Grumman Gooses and Widgeons flying up in Alaska.

[B4Buster]

There's plenty of float-fitted planes here in Maine. Nothing I would consider "flying boats" though. In fact, I nearly got in a mid-air with one a few weeks ago. It's the perfect place for them. You can't go anywhere in this state without being within 20 miles of a sizeable lake. I'd love to have myself a Dehav. Beaver 

[Volron]

This aircraft had the same maximum speed as a B-17 on 50% more power, though it did climb better and have longer endurance.  The speed bit is really the efficiency indicator:
(Image removed from quote.)

Makes me wonder how much faster and what it's payload would be if you changed it from a float plane to a "true" bomber.

If we get the Emily, the Mavis shouldn't be too far behind.

[Babalonian]

Year old thread is year old.

[BaDkaRmA158Th]

seven people who still think it relevant. 

[Shuffler]

Floats









I took these at the pacific museum in Fredericksburg Texas.