helicopter or sea plane - what is easier to board?

[ehobbs1970]

Hello mother uses a cane and has some minor mobility issues. what is easier to board sea plane or helicopter. planning ketchican and our cruise golden only had sea plane in that lcoation but think that helicopter might be better and easier boarding. any experiences thank u friends as always

[Kamloops50]

Hello mother uses a cane and has some minor mobility issues. what is easier to board sea plane or helicopter. planning ketchican and our cruise golden only had sea plane in that lcoation but think that helicopter might be better and easier boarding. any experiences thank u friends as always

 

Helicopter would be easier to board than a seaplane. A seaplane to tied up to a floating dock. Both the plane and dock are moving. Depending on her mobility issue , she might not be able to climb into the helicopter. She should be able to step up about 18 inch to climb in .

[Genessa]

also, not sure if it would be a concern and not sure if it holds true of all sea planes, but the sea plane excursion I did in 2003 had what I would call sling seats, not hard seats.

[Budget Queen]

With your "minor" claim, frankly EITHER would be an option.

 

I fly seaplanes several times a season, and the "dock moving" above, simply is a matter of taking the step. They move together. There could be an issue with low tide, especially in Ketchikan, where going down, or up, the ramps to the dock, can be very steep.

 

I strongly suggest, you book DIRECT and not use a ship excursion or booking agent. You need to fully disclose, exactly what your needs are to the vendor, so they can have it set up for you.

 

The vendor I use in Ketchikan, is extremely accommodating, they also have a ramp that eliminates the plane steps.

 

If you have no experience with small aircraft, they are extremely tight spaces, with issues not just about getting on and off. You have to be able to sit squarely in the seat, and able to bend the legs etc. It can be a "challenge" for those over sized.

 

Ketchikan does have a helicopter vendor.

 

Making all your issues known, with the vendor will give you accurate information and the best excursion.