Tenakee Seaplane Base is a public-use seaplane facility located on the north shore of Chatham Strait in Tenakee Springs, a city in the Hoonah‑Angoon Census Area of the U.S. state of Alaska. The base is owned by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
Identifiers
- IATA: TKE
- ICAO: PATK
- FAA LID: TKI
Location and Elevation
The seaplane base is situated at sea level (0 ft or 0 m elevation) on the water adjoining Tenakee Springs. Geographic coordinates are approximately 57°48′N latitude and 135°13′W longitude.
Facilities
Tenakee Seaplane Base comprises a single water runway designated N/S (north/south) with a usable length of about 2,500 feet (760 m). The runway surface is water, and the facility supports operations by seaplanes and amphibious aircraft. No conventional (land) runway exists at the site.
Operations
The base serves primarily general aviation and scheduled air‑taxi services. Seasonal scheduled passenger service is provided by regional carriers, most notably Grant Aviation, which connects Tenakee Springs with Juneau International Airport and other nearby communities in the Alexander Archipelago. Airline schedules are typically limited to the summer months, reflecting the region’s weather patterns and tourism demand.
History
The seaplane base was established to provide essential transportation links for residents of Tenakee Springs and surrounding areas, which lack road connections to the broader Alaskan transportation network. It functions as a critical hub for passenger travel, freight, medical evacuation, and supply deliveries.
Statistics
According to Federal Aviation Administration data for the most recent reporting year available, the base recorded several hundred aircraft operations annually, the majority of which were air‑taxi and general aviation movements. Passenger enplanement figures are modest, reflecting the small population of the community (approximately 150 residents) and the seasonal nature of service.
Regulatory Status
Tenakee Seaplane Base is listed in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a non‑primary commercial service airport, qualifying it for certain federal funding programs aimed at supporting rural and remote air transportation infrastructure.
Access
The seaplane base is accessed directly from the water; there is no dedicated road or terminal building. Passengers typically board and disembark at a dock or floating platform adjacent to the landing area. Ground transportation within Tenakee Springs is limited to local roads and footpaths.
References
- Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Data and Information Portal.
- Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Airport Directory.
- Grant Aviation, published flight schedules.
Note: Information is drawn from publicly available aviation databases and official state resources. No speculative content is included.