(November 2011) Alaska is a state with a few hundred runways, about 13,000 roads and more than 3 million lakes. With so many options for landing sites, it is no wonder that Alaskan summer skies are filled with all kinds of aerial watercraft with pilots on their way to visit neighbors, load up on groceries, deliver supplies to remote settlers or drop hikers, hunters and fishermen into lodges to enjoy the abundant wildlife, untouched wilderness and clean air.
While it is prudent to verify that a lake is open for public use prior to dropping in, most lakes in Alaska can be used for seaplane operations. There are also around 140 official seaplane bases in the state. One of those seaplane bases is Christiansen Lake (AK8), a small lake with more seaplanes than homes and lots of tall trees. It is located in the outskirts of the tiny, touristy village of Talkeetna in the pristine flatlands below the great 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. Nestled in a small bay in Christiansen Lake is a flight school called Alaska Floats & Skis, specializing in bush plane, skiplane and seaplane flight training.
