Seaplane Base & Float Plane Services in Minnesota

Float Plane Services in Minnesota
Hibbing MN airport
Aircraft maintenance hangar with a plane inside
Carey Lake Seaplane Base

CAREY LAKE SEAPLANE AIRPORT OPERATING RULES AND LIMITATIONS

The Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA) owns and operates the Range Regional Airport (HIB) and Carey Lake Seaplane Base (9MN0). Carey Lake Seaplane Base is a privately licensed seaplane base by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics, and is not open for general public use. Permission to operate Carey Lake Seaplane Base and its float plane aviation services is granted by the City of Hibbing, MN.

For those looking to utilize the Carey Lake Seaplane Base, it is important to be aware of and understand the MNDOT Aeronautics operating rules and limitations:

• The Carey Lake Seaplane Base is a PRIVATELY Licensed seaplane base and not open to the general public.
• No operations are permitted during scheduled airline operations at the Range Regional Airport or when the Range Regional Airport is under Instrument Meteorological Conditions.
• The Carey Lake Seaplane Base shall not be used for air taxi or commercial operations.
• Pilot training flights or practice landings or takeoffs are not allowed on Carey Lake.
• Prior permission, granted by the Airport Authority, is required for each arrival and departure operation.
• CHAA staff must be onsite to view and observe all landings and departures.
• Those using the seaplane base must have a Private Pilot Certificate with a seaplane rating.
• Requests for transportation must be made with a minimum of 24-hour advance notice. Consideration of changing weather conditions will be granted.
• Seaplane refueling and maintenance services are not approved at Carey Lake and must be completed at Range Regional Airport.

All seaplane traffic operating from the Carey Lake Seaplane Base shall comply with the following traffic rules:

1. Seaplane traffic will monitor and make traffic calls on the Range Regional Airport CTAF 123.00.
2. Aircraft landing at the airport shall have preference over seaplane base traffic.
3. Seaplane traffic shall fly a 500-foot AGL traffic pattern and avoid conflict with traffic landing at the Range Regional Airport.
4. Seaplane traffic departing to the South will make a left-hand turn before Herman Road and remain north of the airport until safely clear of the airport traffic area.

Aircraft transport service is available by contacting the CHAA at 218-262-3453,  select option #2 to reach the Airport Authority office.

Normal airport transport operations hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Central Time.

Out of consideration of everyone's time, please have your aircraft fueling, float pumping, and general inspections completed before your requested transport time.

Limited seaplane airport arrangement for weekends and after hours may be considered upon request. Additional charges will apply.

PUBLIC NOTICE: CAREY LAKE SEAPLANE TRANSPORT FEE ADOPTED FEBRUARY 11, 2013, AND AMENDED ON JANUARY 1, 2024

Adopted by the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA) at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on August 18, 2023:

A $150.00 one-way fee for aircraft transport to and from the Range Regional Airport and Carey Lake Seaplane Base will be collected to recover CHAA employee time, liability insurance, and equipment expenses.

Tenants directly leasing from the CHAA will receive one complimentary round-trip transport per year at no charge. Additional required transport will be charged the published fee.

Payment to the CHAA will be made at the Hibbing Fueling Facility upon arrival or before departure.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Carey Lake Seaplane Base open to the public?
No. It's a privately licensed seaplane base (not open for general public use), and operations require prior permission from the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority.
Who can use the Carey Lake Seaplane Base?
Pilots with a Private Pilot Certificate and seaplane rating who have received prior authorization from the Airport Authority.
Can I refuel or service my seaplane at Carey Lake?
No, fueling and maintenance aren't approved at Carey Lake and must be completed at Range Regional Airport.
Is transportation available between Carey Lake and the airport?
Yes, with 24-hour advance notice, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-3:30 PM. A $150 one-way transport fee applies (tenants get one complimentary round trip per year).
Can I use Carey Lake for charter or commercial flights?
No, the base cannot be used for air taxi or commercial operations.