# When Maritime Meets Aviation: The Safety of Seaplanes on the Water
## 3 Results
### Analysis of the Survey Responses
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline
**Theme** & **Key Findings** \\ \hline Training issues & Need for real-world flying experience; decline in basic skills due to overreliance on advanced systems. \\ \hline Overreliance on technology & Excessive dependence on avionics (e.g., G1000) risks \\  & eroding fundamental flying skills. \\ \hline Hazards from boats and jet skis & Unpredictable behavior creates collision risks; calls for regulatory right-of-way rules. \\ \hline Misuse of radios during recreational operations & Lack of communication increases collision risks; “silent operations” culture persists. \\ \hline Environmental and fauna awareness & Weather unpredictability, wildlife strikes, and challenges of glassy water conditions. \\ \hline Mechanical reliability and safety & Concerns about engine failures; need for regular maintenance and high-quality equipment. \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 6: Summary of the main areas of concern (themes) identified by seaplane pilots and other safety professionals. ing. Pilots recounted near-collisions and emphasized that many boat operators are unaware of the risks that they pose to seaplanes, particularly during critical flight phases. To mitigate these hazards, pilots often delay landings or choose less congested areas, although these strategies are not always feasible. The presence of boats and jet skis adds considerable stress and anxiety to seaplane operations, leading to calls for regulatory adjustments to prioritize aircraft during take-off and landing. Additionally, pilots highlighted the importance of understanding maritime regulations to navigate busy waterways safely. For seaplane operations on the water, the lack of consistent radio use among pilots poses significant risks. Pilots often fail to announce their intentions and positions, leading to missed communications and increasing the likelihood of misunderstandings and accidents. This issue is exacerbated by a culture of \"silent operations\", particularly among older pilots who are unaccustomed to relying on radios. The absence of proper radio communication heightens the risk of collisions, especially in areas with mixed traffic, as it becomes difficult to coordinate with other seaplanes and watercraft. Furthermore, the lack of radio use reduces situational awareness, with pilots recounting incidents where unannounced aircraft suddenly appeared during critical flight phases, endangering operations. Environmental awareness also plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of seaplanes on the water. Unpredictable weather conditions pose significant challenges, requiring pilots to have strong forecasting skills and the ability to adapt to sudden changes. Wildlife hazards, including birds and marine animals, are another notable concern during take-off and landing, as wildlife strikes can be dangerous and demand constant vigilance. Additionally, glassy water conditions present unique difficulties, such as misjudging distances and visual references, which can lead to errors during landing. These environmental factors emphasize the need for heightened awareness, thorough training, and careful planning to mitigate risks in seaplane operations. Finally, for mechanical reliability and safety, pilots highlighted that engine failures, especially during take-off, represent a significant hazard, emphasizing the importance of dependable engines. Maintenance lapses exacerbate safety risks, underscoring the need for diligent upkeep. Reliable equipment is essential, as failures can lead to severe consequences. To ensure safety and instill pilot confidence, the participants emphasized that operators must prioritize regular maintenance and invest in high-quality, dependable equipment.