CTOL

A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), also known as horizontal take-off and landing (HTOL), is the usual process whereby fixed-wing aircraft perform takeoff and landing. As fixed-wing aircraft must have a forward motion to have relative air flow over the airfoils (wings) in order to generate lift, they require a period of ground acceleration before takeoff and conversely also a period of safe, gradual ground deceleration after landing, both translating to the necessity of sufficient distance for linear ground movement, which conventionally involve the use of dedicated runways. Seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, instead of using runways, take off and land directly on surface of waterbodies using pontoons. For ease of air traffic control and safety considerations, they are often directed to perform takeoff and landing in designated stretches of open waterways near water aerodromes, away from docks, marinas and busy shipping lanes where accidental collision with watercraft and structures may occur.