Piers Facility seaplane operation

 PIERS. Piers are recommended where the variation in water level is 16 inches (45 cm) or less.
Location. A minimum of 100 feet (30 m) of unobstructed water or a turning basin should be
available in the direction from which approaches are normally made to the pier. Piers should be located so that access to them by the public will not require crossing the apron or hangar area.
Design Concepts. The pier should extend into the water to a point where the depth at mean low water level is at least 3 feet (1 m). The supporting timbers and decking of fixed structures used for passengers and cargo operations must be designed to support live loads of at least 100 pounds per square foot (488 kilograms per square meter). An access gangway approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) wide with handrails on both sides is recommended. An open deck handling area approximately 30 by 50 feet (9 m by 15 m) at the end of the walkway provides tie-up space for four small or three large seaplanes.
Width. Fixed piers or wharf heads should be 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 m) wide and built strong enough to support a loaded pickup truck.
Materials. At those locations where timber piles can be used, they are the most economical type of construction. Water jetting and pile driving are commomethods of setting piles. Decking spaced with a 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) gap between planks will allow for drainage and
expansion. Since piers and wharves are constructed with decks above mean high water, most of the timber supporting members will be subject to alternate cycles of wetting and drying. To prevent decay, creosote or similarly treated timbers must be used. Urethane, epoxy,
and shellac are acceptable sealers for all creosote treated wood, and should be used to prevent tracking creosote.

Qualty,Safety and Training