Fixed-wing amphibious aircraft are seaplanes (flying boats and floatplanes) that are equipped with retractable wheels, at the expense of extra weight and complexity, plus diminished range and fuel economy compared to planes designed for land or water only.

How many wheels does a seaplane have?

Seaplanes are normally supported in the water by two pontoons, or floats. The floats often replace the wheels of landplanes. Seaplanes have either straight or amphibian floats. Aircraft with straight floats have no wheels and cannot operate on land.

What is the difference between a seaplane and a float plane?

What's the difference between a floatplane and a seaplane? ... Instead, a floatplane uses floats or pontoons which make contact with water during take-off and landing. A seaplane, however, lands using the fuselage or belly directly on the water.