Webster Lake Seaplane Base (IN9) – North Webster’s Hidden Air Hub

Seaplane landing on Webster Lake at sunrise, representing the Webster Lake Seaplane Base IN9.

Webster Lake Seaplane Base (IN9): North Webster’s Hidden Air Connection

If you’ve ever looked out over Lake Webster and spotted a plane gliding across the water, it likely came from Webster Lake Seaplane Base (IN9) — a small but active public-use base sitting just a mile northeast of downtown North Webster.

Quick Facts

  • FAA Identifier: IN9
  • Location: 1 mile NE of North Webster, Indiana
  • Coordinates: 41°19′30″N, 85°40′57″W
  • Elevation: 858 feet
  • Owner: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Manager: Kenton Turner, Indiana DNR
  • Established: February 2020
  • Use: Public
  • Tower: None

This base serves pilots who prefer water landings and provides an uncommon gateway into the heart of Kosciusko County’s lake region. While many visitors arrive by car or boat, a small number fly in each year, making Webster Lake one of the few places in Indiana where seaplanes can safely land and take off.

Runway and Conditions

  • Runway: 9W/27W
  • Length: 2,675 ft (815 m)
  • Width: 100 ft (30 m)
  • Surface: Water
  • Traffic Pattern: Left-hand both directions

No instrument procedures are published for IN9, so all operations are visual. Pilots use CTAF 122.9 MHz for communication, with weather updates available through nearby stations in Warsaw (ASW) and Goshen (GSH).

Nearby Navigation Aids

  • Webster Lake VOR (OLK): 110.40 MHz, 9.6 nm away
  • Fort Wayne VORTAC (FWA): 117.80 MHz, 30.5 nm away
  • Gipper VORTAC (GIJ): 115.40 MHz, 39.0 nm away

These stations give pilots reliable navigation and radio coverage when approaching the lake.

Services and Management

The seaplane base is publicly owned and managed by the Indiana DNR from its main offices in Indianapolis. The agency maintains oversight for both the air operations and environmental impact of water-based aviation activity on Lake Webster.

Contact:
Indiana DNR
402 W. Washington St., Room W-255D
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-0935

For More information, you can also see this page on AirNav.com

What Makes It Unique

Webster Lake’s calm waters and scenic setting make it ideal for seaplane operations. It’s also close to several airports with full instrument approaches, including Warsaw (8 miles SW) and Goshen (13 miles NW), giving pilots flexible access in different weather conditions.

While the base doesn’t have permanent facilities or a control tower, its location connects North Webster’s tourism, fishing, and recreation scene to a unique part of aviation culture — where boating meets flying.

Webster Lake Seaplane Base (IN9) – Visitor FAQ

Clear answers for spotting, safety, and best viewing around North Webster.

› Where can I watch seaplanes without getting in the way?
Public spots with clear views include the public beach area and shoreline parks. Stay off docks you do not own. Keep clear of takeoff and landing paths on the water.
Tip: Bring binoculars. Keep dogs leashed near the water.
› What times of day are best for seeing activity?
Morning and late afternoon often have smoother water and lighter winds. Summer weekends bring the most traffic. Weather drives the schedule.
Pilots use visual rules here. Poor visibility means fewer flights.
› Is it safe to boat or paddle near the seaplane area?
Give aircraft wide space during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Waves and wakes affect safety. Keep a lookout and yield. Never follow a seaplane close behind on the step.
Rule of thumb: If you can read the tail number, you are too close.
› How do pilots communicate at IN9?
They self-announce on CTAF 122.9 MHz. Weather is available from Warsaw (ASW) and Goshen (GSH). There is no control tower here.
Spotters with scanners can monitor 122.9 for position calls.
› Who operates the seaplane base and who do I contact?
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources owns and manages IN9. Main office: 402 W. Washington St., Room W-255D, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Phone: 317-232-0935.
For noise or safety concerns, share dates, times, and what you observed.
› Are there instrument approaches here?
No. IN9 is visual only. Nearby airports with instrument procedures include Warsaw (KASW) and Goshen (KGSH).
Bad weather may shift flights to nearby land airports.
Safety first: Watch from shore, give aircraft room, and follow no-wake rules near active operations. Respect private property and posted signs.

Info reflects FAA data effective Oct 2, 2025. Operations vary with weather and lake traffic.

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