01-31-2008, 08:42 AM
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#71
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From the Baysider
Quote:
Come and fly your friendly neighborhood Alton ice
Alton Bay ice runway is now open with safety improvements; plenty of activities in store |
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| | | YELLOW CONES like this one were recently anchored to the ice around the perimeter of the Alton Bay runway in order to prevent unintentional encounters between pilots and bob houses. Mike Pouliot–Courtesy Photo (click for larger version) | |
January 31, 2008
ALTON — The ice may still be too thin for anything more than bob houses, but if frigid temperatures continue to hold sway over the Lakes Region, the sight of planes coming in for a landing may soon become a familiar one to the homeowners around Alton Bay.
According to Mike Pouliot, an Aviation Planner for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aeronautics, pilots and plane enthusiasts are in for a fantastic season once the ice thickens up enough to open the Alton Bay ice airport.
While the opening date depends on Old Man Winter's willingness to cooperate, Pouliot said, the chilling temperatures of the past few weeks are a good indication that local pilots won't have to wait much longer to take advantage of the only FAA-registered ice runway on the east coast.
In honor of this season's runway opening, he said, the New Hampshire Aviation Association (NHAA) is planning a special "Fire and Ice" fly-in event for some time in mid-February.
The fire, Pouliot explained, will come from a barbecue, warm beverages and fellowship among the pilots.
"And I'm sure you know what the ice part is," he said.
The NHAA will also be on hand, he added, for this year's Winter Carnival at Alton Bay (scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 17), which has traditionally attracted pilots from all over New England to stop at the bay and observe the festivities, which are slated to include an ice-fishing derby this year.
In the hope of avoiding the unfortunate encounters between planes and bob houses that marred last year's operating season, Pouliot explained, a series of bright yellow cones have been anchored to the ice with cables around the perimeter of the runway in order to give pilots a better indication of where they can safely land, and fishermen a better indication of where they can safely bait their hooks.
The cones, he said, are the same type commonly used to delineate turf runways, and have been arranged according to the minimum landing area required under FAA regulations.
With the new safety measures in place, Pouliot said, "hopefully, everybody can enjoy the recreational activities" that Alton Bay offers in the wintertime.
For more information about the Alton Bay ice airport, and for updates on the status of the runway, visit www.flyaltonbay.com.
Editor's note: Shortly before deadline on Tuesday, Jan. 29, The Baysider received word that the ice runway is now open.
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