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1. How do I know what size float I need?
Determining the gross flotation capacity of each particular model of Full Lotus floats you need only follow these simple calculations. We are going to use the FL1220 for this example, however the process works the same on all of the Full Lotus Floats. Take the float model, in this case FL1220, multiply 1220 x 2 (because 1220 is for a single float displacement) which gives you 2440 now divide it by 1.8 (this allows for a large safety margin) this gives you 1355.55lbs, this figure is the gross weight that you should not exceed when using the FL1220. Below you can see this calculation method without the comments: 1220 x 2 = 2440 / 1.8 = 1355.55lbs |
Of course it is always better to be over floated then to be under floated. In some case's even though the floats are the correct displacement a longer float is necessary i.e.: for pusher configurations, where the weight of the engine is in the rear it would be better to have the FL1260's even though the FL1220's will carry the aircraft. However the above method of calculations will give you a good idea and starting point, to go into more detail please contact us and we would be more then happy to work with you on your particular project.
2. What sizes does Full Lotus make?
Dual float systems are currently offered in displacements 950, 1220, 1260, 1450, 1650 and 2150. The 950 and the 1450 are our newest sizes.
3. How much do they cost?
Place your cursor on the PRICES tab above and click on the appropriate link of the secondary menu for details; you may e-mail or call us with any additional pricing questions. Our e-mail is: [email protected] and our phone number is 705-526-4537.
4. What colors do they come in?
Colors available are yellow, blue, and gray.
Dual float systems are currently offered in displacements 950, 1220, 1260, 1450, 1650 and 2150. The 950 and the 1450 are our newest sizes.
3. How much do they cost?
Place your cursor on the PRICES tab above and click on the appropriate link of the secondary menu for details; you may e-mail or call us with any additional pricing questions. Our e-mail is: [email protected] and our phone number is 705-526-4537.
4. What colors do they come in?
Colors available are yellow, blue, and gray.
5. Does Full Lotus have amphibs available?
Since the spring of 2014, Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Ltd is offering a new amphibious system for Full-Lotus floats based on technology borrowed from well-proven ZENAIR FLOATS; this system includes stream-lined main-wheels integrated inside the body of the float, providing improved looks and performances. The new Full-Lotus amphibious floats are built tough and use large wheels, making the floats ideal for rough fields, grass or gravel. Note: Not currently available for all Full-Lotus float sizes. Click here for details.
6. Does Full Lotus have mounting kits?
Aircraft Floats Mfg. now offers generic RIGGING KITS for all sizes of Full-Lotus floats. These kits include streamlined spreader bars and struts, top-of-the-line machined aluminum fittings and aircraft-grade hardware. Click here for more information and/or to view the various rigging components we offer. When ordering individual components, please state what you need by part number so we can quote you accordingly.
7. Does Full Lotus have rudder kits?
Full Lotus offers both single and dual rudders for assistance in helping you steer your plane while in the water. We supply the rudder(s) but as there are too many variances in installation, customers do have to formulate their own cable system to control the rudder. Please click here to view our rudders.
Since the spring of 2014, Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Ltd is offering a new amphibious system for Full-Lotus floats based on technology borrowed from well-proven ZENAIR FLOATS; this system includes stream-lined main-wheels integrated inside the body of the float, providing improved looks and performances. The new Full-Lotus amphibious floats are built tough and use large wheels, making the floats ideal for rough fields, grass or gravel. Note: Not currently available for all Full-Lotus float sizes. Click here for details.
6. Does Full Lotus have mounting kits?
Aircraft Floats Mfg. now offers generic RIGGING KITS for all sizes of Full-Lotus floats. These kits include streamlined spreader bars and struts, top-of-the-line machined aluminum fittings and aircraft-grade hardware. Click here for more information and/or to view the various rigging components we offer. When ordering individual components, please state what you need by part number so we can quote you accordingly.
7. Does Full Lotus have rudder kits?
Full Lotus offers both single and dual rudders for assistance in helping you steer your plane while in the water. We supply the rudder(s) but as there are too many variances in installation, customers do have to formulate their own cable system to control the rudder. Please click here to view our rudders.
8. I'm having problems getting on the step and lifting off the water. Why?
If you are about to install your floats, or perhaps you already have, give consideration to the following points.
CENTER OF GRAVITY
It is VERY important where the Center of Gravity ( C of G) of the aircraft (loaded to full gross) is with respect to the float; specifically with relation to the step. (Note - the best way to determine where the step is, since it's a bit hidden away under the float, is to take a length of wood such as a 2"x4" and place it flush to the back of both steps bridging the two floats).
For locating C of G relative to the float, some aircraft manufacturers will tell you that the step should be a given distance from a fixed point on the aircraft such as the main gear. This is fine for initial positioning and when you first fly the aircraft it may be prove to be spot on (lucky you). However, even with the same make, the actual C of G will vary somewhat aircraft to aircraft, so you should determine the ACTUAL C of G of your machine and then measure from this point on the aircraft to the step. Measure with a plumb bob with the aircraft level. Generally, the C of G of the aircraft should be 4-8" (10-20 cm) ahead of the step depending on the size of float. (See Full Lotus operator's manual.)
When you first fly the aircraft at full gross weight, given adequate power and thrust, the aircraft should move onto the step (planing) fairly quickly (5-6 seconds typically). Excessive control stick movement should not be needed. But IF LOTS OF FORWARD CONTROL STICK OR YOKE IS REQUIRED, this means that the aircraft needs to move forward on the float. Move in 1" (2.5 cm) increments until no forward stick (neutral) or minimal forward stick gets the aircraft onto the step quickly. When you have moved the aircraft forward on the float, fly it first solo making sure that there is adequate forward buoyancy at this new position. Then do the same test at gross weight.
IF LOTS OF AFT STICK IS REQUIRED ONCE ON THE STEP, this likely means the aircraft is too far forward on the floats. Move the aircraft back in 1" 2.5 cm) increments until only slight back stick is required. Also read section following re porpoising.
PORPOISING ONCE ON THE STEP
Given that the floats are at proper pressure, porpoising can be caused by either lack of lift from insufficient angle of attack of the wing or two much angle of attack. Adjust your rigging to vary the angle of the wing (in 1/2 degree increments) until the tendency to porpoise is eliminated or greatly reduced. This change in wing angle should make your aircraft more willing to fly off the water, i.e. - it should reduce your take off time.
If too much back stick is required after getting on the step, this can be caused by insufficient angle of attack or improper C of G positioning relative to the float (see C of G section). Always experiment first with C of G before changing angle of attack.
THRUST
There is an old adage that a seaplane can never have enough power. Given the power that you do have, you want to ascertain that you are converting that power into thrust as efficiently as possible.
In this regard, we recommend you perform a thrust test. This will tell you if you have adequate poop to get good float performance. Record the thrust number in your aircraft log book. This number is valuable baseline data should your aircraft's performance change in the future, i.e. - you can compare back.
The best place to do this test is in the water (no wind, no water current). Run a rope from a secure point (e.g. - the hard points where the struts attach) and back to the tail. Lash the rope up to the tail making sure the tension in the rope is ALL taken up by the forward attach points. Do not attach the rope lower down, for e.g. to the floats themselves, since you will not get an accurate reading. (You will be below the thrust line.)
Use a rented crane scale (like a big fish scale) to measure thrust. You may wish to check the scale's accuracy first against a known standard. If the scale only goes up to 250-300 lbs (114-136 kg), use a pulley to halve the load to the scale and then multiply your reading by two.
A Rotax 582 with a 3 blade prop should pull 375 lbs (170 kg) or better. A Lycoming 0-320 with a medium pitch prop should pull 510 lbs (230 kg) or better.
THRUST LINE OF ENGINE
Check to ensure that the thrust line meets the aircraft manufacturer's specifications.
PARALLEL FLOATS
If your floats are pigeon toed or splayed out you will be paying a performance penalty. You will also notice you are the recipient of rude jokes. To correct both situations, get parallel. Also make sure those parallel floats are also perfectly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
BLADDER PRESSURE
Check to make sure all bladder compartments have the correct air pressure.
ELEVATOR TRAVEL
Check that the elevator travel is correct with reference to the manufacturer's data in the aircraft manual. This may need to be adjusted.
FLAT BOTTOM AND 90 DEGREE STEP
Check the bottom of the step to see that it is functioning properly. With the plane out of the water, use a straight edge aligned lengthwise on the hull cap in the center of the high speed area of the hull cap (where the stiffener board is), to make sure the bottom is absolutely flat. The step should not be concave at all. If it is, you may have a cracked or warped stiffener board. There should also not be a "lip" at the back of the step. It should be a sharp (distinct) 90 degree corner.
If you are about to install your floats, or perhaps you already have, give consideration to the following points.
CENTER OF GRAVITY
It is VERY important where the Center of Gravity ( C of G) of the aircraft (loaded to full gross) is with respect to the float; specifically with relation to the step. (Note - the best way to determine where the step is, since it's a bit hidden away under the float, is to take a length of wood such as a 2"x4" and place it flush to the back of both steps bridging the two floats).
For locating C of G relative to the float, some aircraft manufacturers will tell you that the step should be a given distance from a fixed point on the aircraft such as the main gear. This is fine for initial positioning and when you first fly the aircraft it may be prove to be spot on (lucky you). However, even with the same make, the actual C of G will vary somewhat aircraft to aircraft, so you should determine the ACTUAL C of G of your machine and then measure from this point on the aircraft to the step. Measure with a plumb bob with the aircraft level. Generally, the C of G of the aircraft should be 4-8" (10-20 cm) ahead of the step depending on the size of float. (See Full Lotus operator's manual.)
When you first fly the aircraft at full gross weight, given adequate power and thrust, the aircraft should move onto the step (planing) fairly quickly (5-6 seconds typically). Excessive control stick movement should not be needed. But IF LOTS OF FORWARD CONTROL STICK OR YOKE IS REQUIRED, this means that the aircraft needs to move forward on the float. Move in 1" (2.5 cm) increments until no forward stick (neutral) or minimal forward stick gets the aircraft onto the step quickly. When you have moved the aircraft forward on the float, fly it first solo making sure that there is adequate forward buoyancy at this new position. Then do the same test at gross weight.
IF LOTS OF AFT STICK IS REQUIRED ONCE ON THE STEP, this likely means the aircraft is too far forward on the floats. Move the aircraft back in 1" 2.5 cm) increments until only slight back stick is required. Also read section following re porpoising.
PORPOISING ONCE ON THE STEP
Given that the floats are at proper pressure, porpoising can be caused by either lack of lift from insufficient angle of attack of the wing or two much angle of attack. Adjust your rigging to vary the angle of the wing (in 1/2 degree increments) until the tendency to porpoise is eliminated or greatly reduced. This change in wing angle should make your aircraft more willing to fly off the water, i.e. - it should reduce your take off time.
If too much back stick is required after getting on the step, this can be caused by insufficient angle of attack or improper C of G positioning relative to the float (see C of G section). Always experiment first with C of G before changing angle of attack.
THRUST
There is an old adage that a seaplane can never have enough power. Given the power that you do have, you want to ascertain that you are converting that power into thrust as efficiently as possible.
In this regard, we recommend you perform a thrust test. This will tell you if you have adequate poop to get good float performance. Record the thrust number in your aircraft log book. This number is valuable baseline data should your aircraft's performance change in the future, i.e. - you can compare back.
The best place to do this test is in the water (no wind, no water current). Run a rope from a secure point (e.g. - the hard points where the struts attach) and back to the tail. Lash the rope up to the tail making sure the tension in the rope is ALL taken up by the forward attach points. Do not attach the rope lower down, for e.g. to the floats themselves, since you will not get an accurate reading. (You will be below the thrust line.)
Use a rented crane scale (like a big fish scale) to measure thrust. You may wish to check the scale's accuracy first against a known standard. If the scale only goes up to 250-300 lbs (114-136 kg), use a pulley to halve the load to the scale and then multiply your reading by two.
A Rotax 582 with a 3 blade prop should pull 375 lbs (170 kg) or better. A Lycoming 0-320 with a medium pitch prop should pull 510 lbs (230 kg) or better.
THRUST LINE OF ENGINE
Check to ensure that the thrust line meets the aircraft manufacturer's specifications.
PARALLEL FLOATS
If your floats are pigeon toed or splayed out you will be paying a performance penalty. You will also notice you are the recipient of rude jokes. To correct both situations, get parallel. Also make sure those parallel floats are also perfectly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
BLADDER PRESSURE
Check to make sure all bladder compartments have the correct air pressure.
ELEVATOR TRAVEL
Check that the elevator travel is correct with reference to the manufacturer's data in the aircraft manual. This may need to be adjusted.
FLAT BOTTOM AND 90 DEGREE STEP
Check the bottom of the step to see that it is functioning properly. With the plane out of the water, use a straight edge aligned lengthwise on the hull cap in the center of the high speed area of the hull cap (where the stiffener board is), to make sure the bottom is absolutely flat. The step should not be concave at all. If it is, you may have a cracked or warped stiffener board. There should also not be a "lip" at the back of the step. It should be a sharp (distinct) 90 degree corner.
9. Can you use Full Lotus floats on snow?
Although our floats have been used on occasion to take off on snow, ice and wet grass, they were not originally designed for this use. Their wide footprint can allow for landing on softer snow or taking off on wet surfaces (other than water) and can get you out of a bind if needed but their main use is for a water application and your float will last longer if used accordingly.
10. Does Full Lotus make floats for certified aircraft?
Full Lotus floats are not certified for general aviation aircraft (see here for additional information). They are designed for kitplanes, homebuilts, ultralights and aircraft in the experimental or amateur built category. It may be possible to obtain field certification for the floats on a one time installation basis. Please contact your local aviation authority for information in this regard.
11. Can you buy parts and components for the floats?
Yes, the floats are designed so that you can buy replacement parts for them providing the existing parts are in good shape. The hull cap which is the black under piece can be replaced at any time and so can the top shell portion (the colored section of the float). The internal bladders, the SACS system and the stiffener plates can also all be replaced if needed and can be priced as separate components. You can view the full list of parts and prices by clicking on the appropriate LINKS above; contact us directly if you cannot find the Full-Lotus part you need.
Although our floats have been used on occasion to take off on snow, ice and wet grass, they were not originally designed for this use. Their wide footprint can allow for landing on softer snow or taking off on wet surfaces (other than water) and can get you out of a bind if needed but their main use is for a water application and your float will last longer if used accordingly.
10. Does Full Lotus make floats for certified aircraft?
Full Lotus floats are not certified for general aviation aircraft (see here for additional information). They are designed for kitplanes, homebuilts, ultralights and aircraft in the experimental or amateur built category. It may be possible to obtain field certification for the floats on a one time installation basis. Please contact your local aviation authority for information in this regard.
11. Can you buy parts and components for the floats?
Yes, the floats are designed so that you can buy replacement parts for them providing the existing parts are in good shape. The hull cap which is the black under piece can be replaced at any time and so can the top shell portion (the colored section of the float). The internal bladders, the SACS system and the stiffener plates can also all be replaced if needed and can be priced as separate components. You can view the full list of parts and prices by clicking on the appropriate LINKS above; contact us directly if you cannot find the Full-Lotus part you need.
12. What is a SACS system and do all floats come standard with them?
The Step Anti-Compression System (SACS) helps the float resist collapsing or deforming when planing. The SACS bladders are two higher pressure bladders that support the step area of the float. They are installed inside the float at the step area. The reinforcement plate is a formed aluminum plate that fits underneath the float stiffener tubes and supports the top of the SACS bladders. Years ago the original Full Lotus company only installed the SACS system in the larger 1650, 2150, 2250 and 2600 floats but as of December, 2002 we felt it was important to standardize this also for the smaller 1220 and 1260 floats and of course our new 1450's so all our floats have the SACS as standard equipment. Anyone that does not have the SACS system in their float can contact us to order them.
For instructions on retro-fitting a SACS system into older Full-Lotus floats, please read the instructions in the Bulletin Section (Bulletin #1).
13. Domestic and International shipping?
Full Lotus ships worldwide and we have shipped to almost every country. The shipping method will vary depending where you live and what size of float you have ordered. Whatever way we ship, we handle all the logistics and make it as easy and economical as possible. For our US customers, our aircraft floats are duty free due to the NAFTA agreement between Canada and the US so the price quoted plus freight is what you will pay. For our Canadian customer, BC, Ontario, (effective July, 2010) NS, NB and NFLD are charged the HST and for all other provinces we bill you the GST. Our international customers will be billed applicable duties and taxes by customs as per the country's laws for importing aircraft floats. Once the order ships, we will give you all necessary tracking information so you know when to expect your order.
14. How do I pay for my order?
Full Lotus accepts Visa, M/C, bank wire, money orders or certified funds for your order. To secure your order, we would normally require a 50% deposit on your float order but we can discuss that with you at the time of the order. If the item is in stock, then it will normally ship within 2 - 3 days, if it isn't in stock, then the delivery will normally be 1 - 3 weeks. When you place your order, we can let you know what the delivery time is and also confirm price and payment method. See here for details.
15. If I need tech support what is the best way to contact you?
With every float we ship, we provide you with a detailed manual for the installation and general operation of your floats, so most of the information is in the manual. If you are not clear about a process, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the floats first. If still unclear, you may contact us via e-mail or phone. We are available from 8 - 2:00 PM EST to handle tech questions and available throughout the day, to reply to e-mails.
The Step Anti-Compression System (SACS) helps the float resist collapsing or deforming when planing. The SACS bladders are two higher pressure bladders that support the step area of the float. They are installed inside the float at the step area. The reinforcement plate is a formed aluminum plate that fits underneath the float stiffener tubes and supports the top of the SACS bladders. Years ago the original Full Lotus company only installed the SACS system in the larger 1650, 2150, 2250 and 2600 floats but as of December, 2002 we felt it was important to standardize this also for the smaller 1220 and 1260 floats and of course our new 1450's so all our floats have the SACS as standard equipment. Anyone that does not have the SACS system in their float can contact us to order them.
For instructions on retro-fitting a SACS system into older Full-Lotus floats, please read the instructions in the Bulletin Section (Bulletin #1).
13. Domestic and International shipping?
Full Lotus ships worldwide and we have shipped to almost every country. The shipping method will vary depending where you live and what size of float you have ordered. Whatever way we ship, we handle all the logistics and make it as easy and economical as possible. For our US customers, our aircraft floats are duty free due to the NAFTA agreement between Canada and the US so the price quoted plus freight is what you will pay. For our Canadian customer, BC, Ontario, (effective July, 2010) NS, NB and NFLD are charged the HST and for all other provinces we bill you the GST. Our international customers will be billed applicable duties and taxes by customs as per the country's laws for importing aircraft floats. Once the order ships, we will give you all necessary tracking information so you know when to expect your order.
14. How do I pay for my order?
Full Lotus accepts Visa, M/C, bank wire, money orders or certified funds for your order. To secure your order, we would normally require a 50% deposit on your float order but we can discuss that with you at the time of the order. If the item is in stock, then it will normally ship within 2 - 3 days, if it isn't in stock, then the delivery will normally be 1 - 3 weeks. When you place your order, we can let you know what the delivery time is and also confirm price and payment method. See here for details.
15. If I need tech support what is the best way to contact you?
With every float we ship, we provide you with a detailed manual for the installation and general operation of your floats, so most of the information is in the manual. If you are not clear about a process, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the floats first. If still unclear, you may contact us via e-mail or phone. We are available from 8 - 2:00 PM EST to handle tech questions and available throughout the day, to reply to e-mails.