Question

after world war ii, military use of seaplanes declined. one of the disadvantages of using seaplanes is that they weigh much more than ordinary land - based aircraft and helicopters. this limits the amount of cargo seaplanes can carry. another factor in the seaplanes decline was that more airports and landing strips were available to regular airplanes once the war ended. these aircraft were more practical and easier to control than seaplanes. this all led to the decline of the seaplane in recent years.
though militaries no longer use seaplanes regularly, they still fulfill many purposes. coast guards around the world use seaplanes during rescues because of their ability to fly long distances while searching for stranded people in the water. fire fighters also use these planes to drop large amounts of water over forest fires. even airline companies even use seaplanes to fly passengers to remote areas where airstrips do not exist.
keep your eyes open next time you find yourself near a large body of water and you might be lucky enough to spot a seaplane flying your way. these aircraft are impressive inventions.
how does the author support the idea of the current usefulness of seaplanes?
a the author discusses possible future uses for seaplanes.
b the author describes the three different kinds of seaplanes and their uses.
c the author gives reasons why the use of seaplanes by the military has declined.
d the author gives specific examples of how coast guards, fire fighters, and airlines use seaplanes.

Explanation:

In paragraph 5, the author provides specific examples such as coast guards using seaplanes for rescues, fire fighters using them to drop water on forest fires, and airlines using them for remote areas. These are current uses. Option A is about future uses (not in the text). Option B - there's no description of three kinds. Option C - reasons for military decline (not about current usefulness).

Answer:

D. The author gives specific examples of how coast guards, fire fighters, and airlines use seaplanes.