Float Plane Dock in Alaska

Feb 20, 2025 | Case Studies, Ports and Marinas

float plane on a custom-built dock

Article Details

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Pacific Netting Products (PNP) designed and built a custom 24’ x 60’ float plane dock for Mountain Air Services in Ketchikan, Alaska. This dock provides a stable and durable platform for floatplane operations in a challenging marine environment.

Teeter-Totter Float Ramp

To enhance functionality, PNP incorporated a teeter-totter float ramp. This feature allows for smooth and efficient floatplane movement between the water and the dock. The ramp’s self-loading design enables dry land staging, making maintenance and loading operations more convenient.

Dock Structure

The dock structure uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) components to ensure long-term durability. CNC-fabricated HDPE beam blocks provide secure attachment points for structural beams and equipment. These precision-cut components enhance the dock’s strength while reducing maintenance needs. The deck itself is built with a timber frame, combining natural resilience with reliable performance in wet conditions.

PNP designed the dock with a modular construction approach, making it easy to transport and assemble on-site. This flexibility ensures a streamlined installation process, reducing downtime for Mountain Air Services. The dock also features foam-filled HDPE pontoons, which improve stability and buoyancy. These pontoons provide a secure platform, even in dynamic water conditions, ensuring safe passenger boarding and aircraft operations.

Seaplane Operations Improvement

This float plane dock supports efficient seaplane operations while offering a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution. Built to withstand the harsh coastal environment of Alaska, it delivers long-term reliability and performance.

Key Features:

  • Spacious Deck: Ample room for passenger loading and offloading
  • Teeter-Totter Ramp: Self-loading drive-on ramp for dry land staging
  • Durable HDPE Construction: CNC-fabricated beam blocks for strong structural attachment
  • Timber Frame Deck: Combines strength with natural resilience
  • Modular Design: Easy to transport and assemble
  • Stable Pontoons: Foam-filled HDPE pontoons enhance buoyancy and stability

This innovative dock provides Mountain Air Services with a dependable and efficient platform for floatplane operations.

Client: Mountain Air Services
Location: KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
Application: HDPE FLOAT PLANE DOCK