A Seaplane question

[InTheAir]

Why do a lot of seaplane models have throttle controls hanging of the ceiling?

[Notso Fantastic]

Because they have high wings (as they are not hydrofoils) and the engines are mounted high up on the wing or fuselage so the cables are already up thar! Might as well run 'em along the roof and straight down to the throttle quadrant. Makes life easy for the manufacturer. Some high wing land planes have a similar arrangement.

[Noah Zark.]

Also helps to prevent rust by keeping them clear of the water when things aren't going too well! :}

[Lu Zuckerman]

Having the throttles and engine and prop controls mounted on the overhead frees up the space in the cockpit allowing access to the bow of the seaplane. This access is necessary when attaching the bow to a buoy or to facilitate beaching of the aircraft. If the engine controls were mounted as on a conventional multi engine aircraft access to the bow would be severely limited.

:E :E

[victor two]

The twin otter ( and I think standard otter) is an example of a plane with overhead throttles, used both on land and on the water. Engine cables run pretty much straight to the engines. The DH Caribou also had overhead throttle levers although they were a ground based animal. Planes like the float equipped 208 caravan etc and the other standard cessnas with floats still have the engine bits on the front panel usually.
A mate of mine who now flies jets reckons the best flying job he ever had was flying a small cessna float plane. Lots of getting wet but just great fun.

cheers

Vic