Design of a Single Seat Light Sport Aircraft Seaplane

Abstract

In between World War 1 and the 1960’s there was a period of extensive research and design work on seaplanes until they were made obsolete by longer range airplanes and more airports. It wasn’t until relatively recently that design started to pick up again in the 80’s with the Dornier advanced technology amphibious aircraft and are starting to make a comeback especially in the Light Sport Aircraft specification because of their versatility, relatively low price, and ease of obtaining a license. The aim of this paper is the use of a combination of modern methods and past research to do the preliminary design, sizing, performance, and stability analysis of a single seat seaplane. The aircraft must conform to the specifications laid out by the FAA for light sport aircraft for the maximum takeoff weight, speed, and stall speed while incorporating the other specifications in its design for propeller, and landing gear.