The FAA categorizes skis as plain or combination — plain being straight fixed skis and combination being a ski mounted around a wheel. Combination skis are either retractable or penetration skis. Penetration skis are fixed around the wheel, which sticks out below to allow for landings on pavement. Skis are generally made from composite and metal, but there are also wood skis.
Airplane Skis
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA categorizes skis into plain (straight fixed) and combination (mounted around a wheel), with combination skis further divided into retractable or penetration types; skis are primarily made from composite and metal, sometimes wood.
- Straight skis are simple, inexpensive (under $5,000), and light, but they are cumbersome for ground handling and require time to install or remove.
- Retractable skis offer full flexibility for landing on runways, snow, or ice but are expensive ($20,000-$30,000) and add significant weight (100+ pounds).
- Penetration skis provide a practical compromise, allowing for good ground handling on both snow and pavement at a moderate cost ($5,000-$10,000) and with less added weight or maintenance than retractable systems.
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