A question for any floatplane pilots...
I’m interested in setting up a floatplane operation in SE Asia. The vast majority of my customers would be European couples, occasionally with one child. Only local sightseeing flights, so minimal fuel required, and no need to carry baggage.
An aircraft like the Caravan is simply unjustified (with only 2 pax) so I am considering a 180 hp Cessna 172, or a 206.
I’ve flown 206 landplanes and would prefer to operate 172’s because of the lower operating costs, and the smaller noise footprint, especially on Take-off.
(Also the 206 has a complicated cargo-door opening procedure, in an emergency, if flaps are down)
I know pilots always want more power, but would the performance of a 180hp 172 floatplane be satisfactory, with 3 adults on board? (Typical OAT is about 30* C)
Any ideas or opinions welcome…
Thanks,
Duck Dodger.