SPONSONS

Definition

• Short, winglike projections from the sides of the hull near the waterline of a flying boat. Their purpose is to stabilize the hull from rolling motion when the flying boat is on the water, and they may also provide some aerodynamic lift in flight. Tip floats also are sometimes known as sponsons.

References

• Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2024