I dont think that it it false sense of security.
Airplane float on water. See figure 2 5DISTANCE BETWEEN FLOATS. On seaplanes with twin floats water drag can be reduced by applying sufficient aileron pressure to raise the wing and lift one float out of the water after the seaplane is on the step. The Float to airplane distance is measured from the bottom of the prop arc to the top of the Floats.
Both a floatplane and a seaplane can take-off from and land on water such as oceans seas rivers and gulfs. At the same power setting with floats its between 85 and 90 mph. Can a plane safely land on water and can plane float.
Along the lines of the waves and not perpendicular to them. FLOAT TO AIRPLANE DISTANCE You need to keep the prop away from the water and water spray during taxiing takeoffs and landings. Can an airplane float on water.
So my question is. As we saw with flight 1549 yes airplanes can and do float. The terms floatplane and seaplane are used interchangeably in some countries but technically have different meanings.
The primary difference between them is which part of the aircraft touches the water. Chop the power in a stock 172 and you can glide and glide and glide--roughly an 81 glide ratio. Cruise in a stock 172 is around 115 mph.
A float plane has two pontoons fitted typically under each wing whereas a flying boat lands on its fuselage with floats only as aids. Do Planes Really Float. Straight floats on the other hand restrict the airplane to the water.