Seaplane Pilot Survey

Seaplane Pilot Survey

A Survey to Inform Recommendations to Lessen the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species by Seaplanes
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is supporting a project to reduce the potential to spread aquatic invasive species via seaplanes by engaging with seaplane pilots and seaplane equipment manufacturers. Once the survey results are compiled, regional pilot and flight instructor focus groups will be convened to discuss and refine tools and information to lessen the spread of aquatic invasive species by seaplanes.

This 26-question survey is estimated to take 15-20 minutes to complete. Results of the survey will be shared in a compiled format - no personally identifying information will be made available or linked to any responses. The survey closes on May 31, 2024.

We know your time is valuable. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Email*
example@example.com

26. Is there anything else you would like to share with the project leads that are conducting the risk assessment to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species via seaplanes?
Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to complete this survey. We know your time is valuable, and we appreciate your willingness to share your perspectives. We'll be sharing the compiled results of the survey on the Seaplanes and AIS website, discussing the results of the survey in pilot and industry focus groups, and using the results to inform the development of tools and best management practices for seaplane pilots to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Safe travels!
Should be Empty:

	Not at all familiar	Somewhat familiar	Very familiar
Aquatic invasive species
Aquatic invasive species that have been detected in my state
Aquatic invasive species that have been detected in waterbodies where I generally fly
Where I can access information about aquatic invasive species in my state or region
How to inspect seaplanes for aquatic invasive species before flying to another water body

	Not at all	Somewhat	Significant	I don't know
How common are aquatic invasive species in your state?
How much of a threat do you believe aquatic invasive species pose to seaplane flying in your state?
How important is it to ensure your seaplane does not have aquatic invasive species (e.g., no plants and organisms on rudders and mooring lines, pumped out floats) prior to takeoff?
How important is it to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?
How much of a threat do aquatic invasive species pose to native fish and wildlife in your state?

	Not Likely	Somewhat Likely	Likely
Inspect floats, rudders, tow line, and other parts of the seaplane and remove any visible vegetation, mud, or organisms
Pump out floats using a filter capable of straining and capturing microscopic invasive species
Using a pressure or hot water wash to clean the seaplane

	Never	Sometimes	About Half the Time	Most of the Time	Always
Inspected and cleaned my seaplane, removing any visible signs of vegetation, mud, and organisms before landing in another waterbody.
Used a pressure washer or hot water wash to clean portions of my seaplane, such as the floats and rudders.
Pumped all water from the floats to the extent possible.
Removed my seaplane from the water (dry dock) to dry it for at least a week prior to landing in another water body.
Observed aquatic invasive species on my plane.

	Extremely difficult	Difficult	Not too difficult	Easy	Very easy
Before takeoff, inspect my seaplane and any equipment that makes contact with the water
After visiting a water body with aquatic invasive species, wash (with a pressure washer/spray nozzle or hot water) the portions of my seaplane that make contact with the water
Drain as much water as possible from my seaplane floats before leaving a water body
After visiting a water body with aquatic invasive species, put my seaplane in dry dock for at least 7-10 days before launching into other waters

	Strongly affects	Affects	Somewhat affects	Does not affect
I do not know what I need to do.
I have many pre-flight protocols, most of which are focused on safety - adding additional protocols is burdensome.
My home base does not have an easy way for me to dry dock my seaplane.
I don't have access to a pressure washer or hot wash to clean my seaplane.
When I fly, I fly to numerous locations in a short time period - it's burdensome to inspect and remove visible aquatic invasive species between water bodies.
The technology doesn't exist to make cleaning a seaplane easy.

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Neither agree nor disagree	Agree	Strongly agree
I feel a personal obligation to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species by seaplanes.
I feel guilty if I'm uncertain if my seaplane is free from aquatic invasive species.
As a seaplane pilot, I should do whatever I can to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
I can help protect the seaplane industry and outdoor recreation by following protocols that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The FAA should include aquatic invasive species prevention protocols as part of seaplane pilot training.
I would welcome instruction, as part of my pilot training, on ways to inspect and clean my aircraft to ensure I do not transport aquatic invasive species.
Whether or not a water body has aquatic invasive species factors into my decision about whether or not to fly into that location.
Aquatic invasive species don't affect me and the things I care about.
The design of seaplane equipment makes it difficult to ensure my seaplane is 100% free of aquatic invasive species (e.g., I cannot completely empty my floats).
I am very concerned about the risk of damage to our aquatic environments caused by invasive species.