In the environment we fly in here in southern Louisiana-shallow water, shipping canals, narrow bayous, and plenty of wind-we often have to nose into our docking spots. That's because we tie up to high pilings and other prickly objects including inland oil rigs, tugboats, and barges where it is impossible for our high-wing Cessnas and deHavilland Beaver floatplanes to pull up alongside. If the wind is blowing, approaching the dock or pushing off can be a real challenge. A balked attempt can end with a bent wingtip or crumpled tail feather. Damage in the field is a real problem. Not only is the airplane now out of service, the repair may have to be done on site, which is highly inconvenient. So, we try our best to avoid such "hangar rash" in the field.
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