Caravan Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 3200; Flight Crew Type 20
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter FOD
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Airfield operations have found 5 amphibian float plugs on the runway over a 3 month period. We operate Wipair amphibian floats with rubber sea & air removable plugs. We have replaced the removable plugs with permanent ball valve type plugs and used adhesive to prevent separation from the aircraft. The cost was substantial to replace all plugs. Recommend tracking at airports with heavy seaplane use to determine if float manufacturer should design a system that will be less susceptible to FOD hazards. We are not the only amphibian operator at this airport but hope to mitigate the possibility of leaving FOD on the runway.
The reporter stated that the 2' plugs are removed prior to each flight in order to pump the float compartments dry. Because the plugs may be removed several times a day; they must be easily installed and removed. The reporter suggested a threaded plug with a half twist to secure. Occasionally a plug will pop out sitting on the ramp as air in a compartment expands during the day. Airfield Operations is concerned because his company's float planes land on the same runways as air carrier jets and if a plug pops out on landing that can be FOD.
Reporter stated five Wipair amphibian rubber sea and air float plugs were found as FOD on the airport's runway. The rubber plugs were replaced with permanent ball valve plugs secured with adhesive which allows the float compartments to be pumped dry prior to each flight.