Welcome to Ohio seaplane operators!
The Ohio Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources (ODNR) are opening public waters operated by ODNR for seaplane operations. Currently Ohio has two established seaplane bases:
Lakes Not Requiring a permit for landing
(O12) Grand Lake St. Mary's
(2C9) Toledo Seaplane Base
Ohio law requires a permit for any aircraft to land or takeoff from publicly owned land or water including Lake Erie. ODOT Office of Aviation is tasked to inspect each landing area to ensure FAA and State specifications are meet. If the area meets these requirements a permit can be issued for aircraft operations. We are currently in the process of inspecting more Ohio waters. The landing area that meet these requirements will be automatically added to your permit.
How to acquire a permit
Required information for an Ohio water landing permit:
Owners name
Address
Contact phone number
Aircraft type
Aircraft N-number
Takeoff and landing performance data (for long lake)
Optional
Photo of your aircraft (but not required)
E-mail to Andrew Doll: Andrew.doll@dot.ohio.gov If you have any questions please call: 614-387-2384
Permits required
Buckeye Lake
Indian Lake
Long Lake (performance based exception)
Salt Fork Reservoir
Grassy Island North (Toledo)
Sandusky Bay East
Grand Rapids (Maumee River)
Lake Milton North
Lake Milton South
Rocky Fork
FAA Seaplane Bases Advisory Circular
FAA Advisory Circular 150_5395-1A.pdf
Ohio Administrative Codes
O.A.C. Chapter 1501:47-2 Rules of Navigation
O.A.C. Chapter 1501:47-2-18 Responsibilities Between Vessels
O.A.C. Chapter 1501:41-13-11 Aviation
Helpful Links
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Seaplane Pilots Association - Ohio
Seaplane Pilots Association - FAQ
