Prevention of Lake Hood Water-Lane Incursions & Pilot Deviations

Subject: Prevention of Lake Hood Water-Lane Incursions & Pilot Deviations

There has been an increase in Pilot Deviations at Lake Hood when aircraft operating on the surface
of the water crossed active sea-lanes without an air traffic control (ATC) clearance. Crossing an
active sea- lane without an ATC clearance is a Runway Incursion defined as any occurrence at an
aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area
of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft.
In an effort to maintain a safe environment for all Water-Lane users the Anchorage Tower ATC team
request that all pilots operating on the surface of Lake Hood:

•  Exercise the highest level of cockpit situational awareness while taxiing to or from water-lanes
or while transiting any designated movement area.

• Make certain that you have an ATC clearance to enter or cross any water-lane even when not
advertised as the water-lane in use. For example, “West” may be the advertised active water- lane,
but all aircraft still require an ATC clearance to cross the North/South and SE/NW water- lanes.

• Clarify any ATC communications or instructions that is unclear or questionable. When in doubt,
always ask for clarification.

The Anchorage Tower ATC team remains focused on providing the safest and most efficient air traffic
service possible for the pilots and passengers who use the Anchorage and Lake Hood airports.

http://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2020/Jun/LHD_LTA_Diagram.pdf

For further information/questions, please contact Lake Hood, AK Tower  1(907) 271-5936