A Rube Goldberg Device is not my first choice of characteristic style to emulate when it comes to aircraft design, but I heard this description regarding an aircraft from Dornier from a show attendee.  This display at the annual NBAA convention seemed like standard, goofy amphibious plane from the the initial angle of approach.  See Figure 1.

Figure 1, Dornier Seastar CD 2 Front View

All aircraft that are better boats than birds are victims of design decision made out of necessity rather than ascetics. Moving around the aircraft, the overheard comment had context.  See Figure 2.

Figure 2, Dornier Seastar CD 2 Engines

The need for more power seemed to have lead where no duct tape had ever gone before.  WAIT!  What is wrong with this?  The aircraft was was shown to Americans.  This is an audience that enjoys powerful machines.  It seems to be capable of floating, and the propellers are not going to touch the water.  Other than this looking like the misbegotten love-child of a platypus and a Skymaster, what is wrong?  Both the intake and exhaust are not placed awkwardly.  Loading can be done at a lower level than other aircraft in this category.  See Figure 3.

Figure 3, Cessna Caravan with Float Conversion

It would seem more than safe to say that speaking without fully processing the implications of one’s statements has been done by all.  I would count this a personal vexation.  This is not picking on anyone who has ever spoken out of turn, but rather those who do it and constantly neglect reflection on what has been said. 

# apt-get install transition_conclusion

# Kernel panic