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:
- Aircraft skis are categorized into plain (straight fixed) or combination types, with combination skis being either retractable or penetration designs.
- Straight skis are simple, inexpensive, and light, but they make ground handling cumbersome and require time for installation and removal.
- Retractable skis offer the greatest flexibility for landing on various surfaces (runways, snow, ice), but they are significantly more expensive ($20,000-$30,000) and add substantial weight.
- Penetration skis provide a compromise, allowing good ground handling on both snow and pavement without the high cost or heavy weight associated with retractable systems.
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