AOPA is urging pilots who use the Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, Alaska, to participate in a survey that will help planners assess needs and priorities for the busy facility for the next 20 years.
The survey, which will be available online until Jan. 31, 2015, is part of the process of updating the Lake Hood Seaplane Base Master Plan. AOPA, the Alaska Airmen’s Association, Lake Hood Pilots Association, and other groups will be involved in the planning process.
"Members who participate by completing the survey will have their voices heard in identifying how the facility is used today, and what issues and concerns should be addressed going forward," said AOPA Alaska Regional Manager Tom George.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities says the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, and its adjacent 2,200-foot gravel airstrip are "a unique State asset that is an important part of the aviation culture of Anchorage and South central Alaska." On a busy summer day, the facility "generates more than 400 operations by float and wheeled aircraft, and a 2013 study found that LHD has a total economic impact of $42 million."
The most recent master plan was completed for the seaplane base in 2006. Moving the process forward again is consistent with an FAA recommendation that master plans for busy facilities be completed every five to seven years, the department said.
"Lake Hood is probably the largest seaplane base in the world," said George. "It provides float plane access from Alaska’s largest city to lakes and rivers across the state." The facility remains busy in winter, when pilots remove floats and wheels from aircraft and replace them with skis, he said. (See George’s Nov. 20, 2013, blog, “The Value of an Airport: Lake Hood Seaplane Base.”
Pilots also can send an email request to receive a paper copy of the survey. Completed paper surveys should be returned to LHD Pilot Survey, DOWL HKM, 4041 B Street, Anchorage, AK 99503.
