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Return to Misty Moorings - Trip Tic

Destination: Downdraft Lake Cabin

Route Notes

  • This Scenery is for Return to Misty Moorings only.
  • Minimum Altitude: 1600 Feet
  • Landing zone is: Water
  • GPS for destination:N55 12.15 W131 47.33
  • Print-Able copy HERE

Downdraft Lake Cabin

Downdraft Lake Cabin is an isolated shelter used by hunters, fur trappers and hikers. The Lake is on Gravina Island and is situated between two peaks. This makes it a difficult place at which to touch down with very little margin for error if the approach isn't just right. To complicate matters further, there are several small islands in the Lake which make it a very tough for the pilot when trying to maneuver their floatplane. You will have to familiarize yourself with the location and pinpoint the only safe landing area before attempting a landing. Be prepared for the downdrafts. It's why this lake bears that name and they can be very unpredictable and dangerous.

There is not much here but a lonely cabin on the lake shore. How much longer it remains this way is anyone’s guess. Being close to Ketchikan, Gravina Island is popular with day-trippers and a road is planned from Ketchikan that will encourage many more sightseers to visit the Island.

If you use the flight plan, you will fly from Misty’s Place [PF20]* and pass the shipwrecks and dilapidated buildings that comprise Misty’s Old Yacht Club* to your left as you make your way to the Cabin.

WaveTop VFR Plan

From: Misty's Place (PF23)
To: Downdraft Lake Cabin

  • NOTAM: Set Weather and Time from Misty's Place, also go to the Map Room to see a rough flight plan of this flight.

Overview: Just a short hop. Leave Misty's Place, toward the end of Bostwick Inlet, turn to port and land on Downdraft Lake. Climb quickly to 1600 feet (you'll be glad you did!)

COURSE: Leaving Misty's Place, fly out over the Bostwick Inlet, approximate heading of 136.

COURSE: Look for a point of landing coming out from starboard with a tiny island just off the point. Turn to a heading of 200. Fly directly toward the peak ahead. Downdraft lake is just over the next ridge before the peak. (Buckle up!!!)

NOTAM: Turn off Autopilot if on and go to minimum speed with full flaps ... prepare for water landing.

COURSE: The lake is just over the ridge ahead, be prepared to land immediately.

Doug Linn
Charter Manager
Misty Moorings, Inc
contact@mistymoorings.com