i just flew the most amazing plane the other day......a PA-18 super cub with a 180HP engine. You dont have to get it onto step to get it off the water, just hold back on the stick and put full power on, and it just pulls itself off. Even at gross weight ( plus maybe an extra, oh, 200#) its off the water as quick as an empty Beaver. Simply an amazing plane!!
Flew one of those years ago on wheels. Towed gliders with it. First flight of the day was a test flight with no glider. Power in and never got a chance to lift the tail before it came off the ground. Quite a machine!
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"The ability to ditch an airplane in the Hudson does not qualify a pilot for a pay raise. The ability to get the pilots, with this ability, to work for 30% or 40% pay cuts qualifies those in management for millions in bonuses."