Salmon Lake Airport

Common Complaints

• Unattended and Unmaintained Runway: The airport is unattended, and the gravel runway is explicitly stated as "not maintained & condition not monitored," with a recommendation for visual inspection prior to landing.
• Challenging Runway Conditions: The gravel runway can be "soft when wet" and contains "several 6-inch rocks." It also has a significant uphill slope, with Runway 15's threshold approximately 40 feet higher than the opposite end. The end of Runway 33 is described as "rocky".
• Lack of Facilities and Services: There are no control tower and no published instrument procedures, indicating a basic level of infrastructure and a reliance on visual flight rules and pilot self-reliance. There is no information on terminal facilities, amenities, or typical passenger services.
• High Terrain: The surrounding area is characterized by "high terrain all quadrants," which could pose navigational challenges.
• Limited Ground Transportation/Parking: As an "off-road" airport, it is not connected to the National Highway System, implying very limited or no conventional ground transportation and public parking infrastructure.

Salmon Lake Airport (Z81) is a utilitarian, basic airstrip vital for remote access in Alaska but should be approached by pilots with a full understanding of its unmaintained nature and limited facilities. It caters to specialized general aviation needs rather than offering a typical commercial travel experience.