Alton Ice Airport

[ITD]

There was a feature article in this month's AOPA magazine on the Alton Bay Ice airport. The article is a good read and features a video online. I hope the link works for non-members.

http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pi...icerunway.html

[upthesaukee]

Thanks for sharing, and the Alton Airport Crew has already been out on the ice, and have drilled holes and placed sticks in the holes delineating the parking areas and runway areas. Hopefully the bobhouse owners and icefishing people will respect the airport area, and we can all share the bay. Hopefully we will have good weather for the next few months, no rain, and only moderate snow, and the bay will end up full of planes, people, and ice fishing.

To Paul, Steve, and Roger, thanks for all you do.

[trfour]

Always been a favorite of mine, and it is neat to be able to watch the festivities from around the world on the Alton Bay Cam.
My thanks to everyone that keeps this operational and alive!
Terry

[This'nThat]

Great article, ITD. It really describes the experience

[Argie's Wife]

A million thank yous for posting that clip! And many more thank yous to the crew that keeps the airport going. I love taking the kids to the Bay in the winter to watch the planes, helicopters, snowmobiles, etc. - there's nothing else like it.

One year, one of the helicopter pilots was so tickled with my oldest boy's reaction to his helicopter (the kid was only 3 at the time - the kid lives, eats, and breathes airplanes, jets, helicopters, etc., still) that he lifted him up to look inside and answered his questions about his machine. It was a special time - my son still remembers it several years later.

This is one of the many great things about Alton - but probably #1 on my list.

[chipj29]

Great article!
Last year, there was an event when several planes flew in on the same day. Does anyone know if that is happening again this year? I would love to bring my son to see that, as he is a pilot just waiting to be old enough to fly.

[Seeker]

Nice video.
I read the article but didn't watch the video before.
Seeker, AOPA 384698

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by chipj29

Great article!
Last year, there was an event when several planes flew in on the same day. Does anyone know if that is happening again this year? I would love to bring my son to see that, as he is a pilot just waiting to be old enough to fly.

The fly-in has traditionally been on Presidents day weekend, on the Sunday, which also coincides with Alton's Winter Carnival, which by Parks and Rec's calendar is on the 14th of Feb.

[samosetguy]

Cool story. Thanks for posting.

[dbahn]

As one of the pilots (yellow Piper Cub in the avatar) who flew in several times last year and the year before, I can tell you that there's a lot of excitement among a group of us about the possibility of returning this year. On one of our aviation forums it seems someone posts a screenshot of the ice from the webcam almost daily, waiting to see when the process of clearing the surface actually begins. Friends from around the country watch the process with great envy, and we think someone is even coming from Kansas this year just to be part of it.

We all had a ball at the Winter Carnival last year. Many, many, many thanks to Paul and all of the other guys who put in all the effort to keep it alive.

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

The fly-in has traditionally been on Presidents day weekend, on the Sunday, which also coincides with Alton's Winter Carnival, which by Parks and Rec's calendar is on the 14th of Feb.

BTW, if the airport is open and it looks a few days in advance that there will be a weather day like you had for the Carnival last year, I suspect that the internet network of interested pilots will create an impromptu fly-in that will involve "more planes than usual".

[Iceguy]

Hi everyone,
Glad to hear you are ready for the runway. It won't be long now, as we have been checking the ice daily. We have a little over 12" of ice. We just hope it gets colder and stays colder, as this will be good for the ice. We are hoping to plow this Friday, and set signs, windsock flag and runway markers. So that we can have State Inspection. Nice to hear you all enjoyed the article from the AOPA magazine.
See you on the Ice!
Paul

[robmac]

Thanks for the update Paul, look forward to it as always.

[dbahn]

Paul, let me know when you want a test landing.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by dbahn

Paul, let me know when you want a test landing.

Great picture. Thanks for posting same.

[Collybus]

As noted by dbahn, there are many people monitoring the iceport's progress from afar!

Can't wait to fly in again this year.

[RLW]

The picture of them out doing there thing getting started for the runway is from the Spencer Hughes web cam taken this AM.

[dbahn]

Thanks. Ironically, I had just posted a similar picture on our pilot's board, taken maybe a little earlier this morning before the snow started.

Great to see the action!

[dbahn]

Originally Posted by TexASH Pilot

FYI... look for a decent sized group of planes landing there tomorrow (Sunday) morning!

Wooooohooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, our group should be at least 4 or 5 planes, maybe more. Paul, it looks like I'll be a passenger instead of a pilot so I can't offer rides this visit, but I'd love to buy breakfast for any of your ice crew that wants to join us. I think we're aiming for 10:00 a.m., so the Patriots fans can get back in time to watch the game.

[Collybus]

Dave's buying breakfast! I'll be there!

[RLW]

Isn't this a great site for all that love to see the Bay busy with visitors and helping the town and businesses.
Thanks to Spencer Hughes web cam

[TexASH Pilot]

Great day at Alton Bay!

My plane is the one on the far right in the picture above this. Had a great time and a great breakfast at the Olde Bay. Paul came in a joined us for breakfast.

Thanks again for all the work, Paul and crew... the runway is in terrific shape!

[Iceguy]

Hi Everyone, It was a great day for pilots to fly in and ice fishing. I had a good time talking with Texash,collybus and the other pilots breakfast was good too. Thank you for all your support.We also thank all the people in town who support and enjoy the runway and planes.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

This thread needs a "Thank You Button" for all the pilots and runway crew.

[dbahn]

After our flights there last weekend, one group of us pilots seems to have drummed up even more enthusiasm for the Winter Carnival on February 14th. We may even have some people coming from quite far away who are looking at staying for the weekend.

Can some of you who live there keep an eye and ear open for any houses that might be available for rent that weekend? We might want to consider that option for some of the distant travelers rather than having them rent cars so they can travel to nearby inns.

If you hear of anything, feel free to contact me (Dave) at 802 773 4143.

[Weirs guy]

ok, so heres the real question we all wanna know....

hows the runway look for the winter carnival bed race?

[Collybus]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

ok, so heres the real question we all wanna know....

hows the runway look for the winter carnival bed race?

I was witness to my first ever bed race at last year's carnival, so I can only comment as a bed race newbie: the surface is firm but with a pillowtop coating suitable to providing a comfortable racing experience.

Hey, I have a question for those of you who spend a lot of time on the ice, and particularly regarding the night time activities on the lake, especially during the carnival; is there much activity going on throughout the night? Specifically, my question is this: I'd like to fly in on Saturday and stay overnight, do you think my plane is safe parked at the airport? Are there lights in that area?

[Iceguy]

Well! if the bed race was now it would be great, time will tell in 4 weeks.About the airport parking there is some light from the streets but not on the ice. It would be at your own risk. As for overnite some pilots may be staying over. I,m looking in to it.If you would like give me a call:603-455-7817 airport manager paul.

[RLW]

It's great as they come in the middle of the week in the morning not just the weekends.

[TexASH Pilot]

Originally Posted by RLW

It's great as they come in the middle of the week in the morning not just the weekends.

Check it out now!

[dbahn]

Bob (MooneyBob, Bravo Bob, LuvFlying, etc. - he's got a lot of names) flew his new to him Mooney in when we met up there last Sunday. He's written it up in his flying blog, if anyone wants to check it out.

[jeffatsquam]

I've been working over on the north side of Squam we've had a single engine drop in the past couple days. I guess they don't have wheel brakes
because it is glare ice.

I don't recall seeing this before but I've been around awhile so I may have forgotten.

[robmac]

Paul, has the tower gotten any idea on pilots coming in tomorrow> My daughter and niece are not going to sleep tonight in anticipation of seeing planes and pilots tomorrow.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Iceguy

Well! if the bed race was now it would be great, time will tell in 4 weeks.

4 weeks till then?? i know myself and the rest of the mvsb crew are dying to get started and see the amazing job you'll have done maintaining it!

[HUH]

Saw a couple planes out there yesterday..must be fun!

[shoppes on the bay]

after being away since last june what a great week-end to come back, brought my youngest son with me and we spent a good part of saturday (last week-end) watching the plans take off and land, and of course starting off the day with a great (as always) breakfast at olde bay diner. i guess it is true - build it and they will come - thanks paul and your fellow runway keepers for keeping the airport from slipping into history.

h

(i have a great flyby mpg but didnt know how to upload it.)

[USMC-SGT]

Hi guys and gals.

Just had my first visit out to the ice runway from Hampton Airfield on the 24th. Could not have been a more perfect day and I was not the only one who had the idea to head up there. Parking was getting pretty scarce.

Took a short video i thought you might like to see.

[Pepper]

and welcome to the forum! Great video and still shots ~ thanks for sharing them!

[USMC-SGT]

Thanks for the welcome. I was doing a little research on the runway and this site came up and was full of good stuff.

I took around 30 pictures that day but did not include them in the video since who wants 5 minutes of stills?!

If anyone landed after me at around 11AM or so and taxied in as a group of three with an ercoupe in the middle, I have some great shots of you guys if you are interested and want the high res versions.

Lets hope for some good runway friendly weather soon!

[riverat]

Was at my bobhouse yesterday(first one near the runway parking area) and the runway has smoothed over and drained real nice. All glare ice, could use a litle snow for traction though and I think that is in the forcast.
Blue Skies

[unbelievaBILL]

Many thanks to all involved in keeping the “Alton Bay Ice airport” going.
I also live in the Bay, and it is great to be able to look out the window and see all of the activity! It helps shorten the Winter months. I have posted a few pictures of last year’s “Winter Carnival” (I actually walked down and took a helicopter ride, great fun!)…

[unbelievaBILL]

Forgot the pictures...

[Pepper]

unbelievaBILL INDEED!!! Fabulous photos! I am thoroughly enjoying this thread, but must admit it makes my drive to work that much more difficult, as I fight the urge to pull over and hang out on the bay!

Thank you to everyone who has a part in creating the magic on Alton Bay each winter!

[robmac]

Great pics, I agree with Pepper really thinking about blowing off a few days of work and hanging out at the bay.

[SIKSUKR]

Fantastic photos guys. I especially love the view of all the activity in Bills photos.

[Iceguy]

Great pictures guys from USMC-SGT and Bill. I think it,s fantastic how everyone is realy enjoying the planes and activity on the ice. It looks like the weather will be good and cold for the week end.And with this little bit of snow it will help the runway. See you on the ice. Paul,

[NoBozo]

As a licensed Private Pilot (not current) I enjoyed the videos immensely. Approach to landing is the most challenging segment of flight ...and the most satisfying when it's done correctly.

Success is more than landing ..without breaking the plane. It's a gracefull approach...staying on line...and touching down at the lowest possable speed in the shortest possable distance. On glare ice the toe brakes are nearly useless. With patches of snow stuck to the ice you have an option to use the brakes more agressively. On the ice, as on tarmac, turning the plane at taxi speed is done with differental braking.

In one of the videos there was a little bleep from the "Stall Alarm" just on touchdown. The perfect landing. NB

[shoppes on the bay]

[USMC-SGT]

Im looking to head up there tomorrow a little before noon and didnt know if anyone had a runway report.

I called the machine and heard "slick" but was looking for a pirep.

Any activity out there today and is it glare ice or is there patchy thin snow?

Thanks folks!

[Iceguy]

Yes! We had aprox. 25 planes come in today and 2 helicopters. The runway is glare ice no snow .But all was well.Tomorrow looks like nice weather temps. about 25. wind about 10-15 m.p.h. wnw. See you on the ice. Paul, runway manager.

[USMC-SGT]

Thanks for the great report Paul.

You guys do a tremendous service to GA out there between all the hard work and the updates. I use the answering machine regularly to check the status and enjoy the presence of those "working" the ramp when it comes time to park.

I will likely stop by tomorrow sometime around 10:30 or so.

Thanks again.

[RLW]

By the looks of the Bay something must be happening like the Super Bowl

[dbahn]

Say, is there a bed race at the Winter Carnival this year?

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by dbahn

Say, is there a bed race at the Winter Carnival this year?

Yes, this from the Alton web site:

2/14/2010 - Parks & Recreation - Winter Carnival:

Join in the fun at the Alton Bay Winter Carnival.
The Alton Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the following free events for all ages:
1:00pm-3:00pm- DJ Music at the Bandstand;
1:30pm- Family Scavenger Hunt- prizes awarded;
3:00pm- Parade of Beds;
Followed by the Great Alton Bay Bed Race- Sponosred by Meredith Village Savings Bank, Prizes Awarded. All pre-registered teams receive a prize.

Rotary Fishing Derby- 10am- Land Bandstand Parking Lot.

The Alton Business Association is sponsoring a fun filled day of activities from 8:00am-4:00pm. Events include: Pancake Breakfast- 8am-10am; Bob House Decorating Contest- 8am-12:30pm; D.J. Music; Snow Mobile Demos- 10am-3pm; Silent Auction- 10am-2pm; Helicopter Rides- 10am-4pm, $30pp; Sleigh Rides- 11am-4pm, $5, family rates available; Family Games-Tug-of War, Wheelbarrow Races, Snow Sculpture and more-11am-3pm;Ice Princess- 11am-2pm; Dog Sled Rides- 1pm-3pm (conditions permitting); 3:15pm- 50/50 raffle drawing.

The Alton Bay ice airport will be open, please stay off the active runway and use caution on the ice, it is slippery. Ice walkers and dressing in warm layers is recommended.

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by RLW

By the looks of the Bay something must be happening like the Super Bowl

Yes it must be the super bowl! Did you all see The Who at half time? It was awesome! Oh and the Colts are winning.

[dbahn]

Thanks, I'll pass the bed race information along.

Any old beds around that could work as an entry? A bunch of us are flying in and won't be able to bring a bed with us, but might be interested in pushing one.

[Slickcraft]

A while ago DRH was looking for someone to take over a bed from past years. Some talk here:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...highlight=race

[Iceguy]

Hi Everyone,
It's that time of year again, and we hope we have a good day for the Winter Carnival on Feb 14th. I see that the event is posted, however, I do have a concern. Please don't post that the airport is open. The weather and ice conditions will determin that. All pilots need to check their notams web site and call my number 603-875-3498 for current conditions of the airport to see if it is opened or closed. I will also shut down the runway for 30 min on Feb 14th, from 3:00-3:30 pm for the Bed Race, and then we will re-open. This info will also be on the phone message. Also, to all pilots on the forum, we only have parking for approx 45 planes at one time. I will try to make an over-flow area. I think it would be a good idea to plan a second destination.To all spectators...please stay clear of all airport opperating areas.
Thank you.
Paul LaRochelle,
B-18 Airport Manager

[dbahn]

Thanks for the update, Paul, and good reminder to always check NOTAMs.

Among the pilot group (Purple Board) we have quite a few people planning to attend this year, including from as far away as Kansas City and Raleigh, NC, just to come to Alton Bay for the Winter Carnival!

I wondered about knocking down whatever bank is at the north end of the runway and allowing planes to wander into that area for overflow parking. Are you restricted by the DOT? Some planes can be pushed around to various other areas fairly easily. It looks like deep snow isn't a problem, and the forecast for the upcoming week is certainly favorable at this point. Some people are planning to arrive Saturday as well.

BTW, flying to Alton Bay last year and the year before in my Cub got me interested in landing on ice in general. As a side note, here's a page I made about landing on a lake at Isle au Haut, Maine, in the Cessna 206 last weekend. We had a ball there, as well.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by dbahn

Thanks for the update, Paul, and good reminder to always check NOTAMs.

Among the pilot group (Purple Board) we have quite a few people planning to attend this year, including from as far away as Kansas City and Raleigh, NC, just to come to Alton Bay for the Winter Carnival!

I wondered about knocking down whatever bank is at the north end of the runway and allowing planes to wander into that area for overflow parking. Are you restricted by the DOT? Some planes can be pushed around to various other areas fairly easily. It looks like deep snow isn't a problem, and the forecast for the upcoming week is certainly favorable at this point. Some people are planning to arrive Saturday as well.

BTW, flying to Alton Bay last year and the year before in my Cub got me interested in landing on ice in general. As a side note, here's a page I made about landing on a lake at Isle au Haut, Maine, in the Cessna 206 last weekend. We had a ball there, as well.

Thanks Dave for the great pictures of the wonderful time had by all in the photo's. It sure looks as if you really had a fun time with all that were there. Are the 2 Golden's in the pictures your's. They sure look as if they are also enjoying the freedom to run with all the excitement.

[dbahn]

Originally Posted by RLW

Thanks Dave for the great pictures of the wonderful time had by all in the photo's. It sure looks as if you really had a fun time with all that were there. Are the 2 Golden's in the pictures your's. They sure look as if they are also enjoying the freedom to run with all the excitement.

Yes, the goldens are ours and they were like kids in Disneyworld on the ice.

[Iceguy]

Hi Dave' Great pic's you must of had fun. Also about the airport. It's not just the dot its also the events near the outside of the parking area and people safty is the issue. I think the over flow mite be best off the taxiway on the west side about half way down this will be out of the way. But along walk for pilots, we will see. Talk to you soon Paul'

[dbahn]

Thanks, Paul. With respect to the safety issue, if someone is willing to harness a 4 wheeler for a while, aircraft can be towed to parking fairly readily, or even pushed by hand.

Let me know if I can help. We should have a pretty good crew there for most of the time.

[Iceguy]

Thank's Dave. And I will have my truck for pulling aircraft,with tools,gen,cords,heater, jumpercables. Paul,

[Seeker]

Looks like you met some interesting people there. Haven't been up that way for a few years.

[Pepper]

Dave, those are wonderful photos of what was obviously a fabulous weekend getaway! I particularly loved the pre-heating method - was that a coleman lantern and a dryer vent tube? Ingenious! Thanks so much for sharing your weekend with all of us.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

A while ago DRH was looking for someone to take over a bed from past years. Some talk here:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...highlight=race

It was available until last week, but someone has come forward and asked for it and it's going to be picked up this week for the race.

[Sal]

Picture taken at Alton Carnival, 2/14/10.

[joelglick]

Here are 150 photos taken by members of the Northeast Pilot's Group.
http://www.meetup.com/NEPilotsGroup/photos/827044/

Special thanks to Paul, Bruce, and the other volunteers who make this ice runway an exciting destination for pilots. We love coming to Alton Bay, not just because it is the only FAA designated ice runway in the United States, but also because Paul and everyone in town makes us feel so welcome. Our group alone filled 25 seats at Shibley's for brunch.

As for the previous photo, indeed, there was a minor mishap. The crosswind (west wind) made for challenging conditions, particularly on ice. It has the potential for blowing us across the runway (in this case towards the east), so we tend to land to the left (west) of the centerline of the runway to give us some room, should we slip to the east. The left main wheel caught the snowbank on the left (west) edge of the runway, which caused it to spin to the left. When the main wheel hit the snowbank, it collapsed, which caused the propeller to hit the ice, hence the bent propeller. Nobody was hurt. The force of this prop-strike is transmitted through the drive shaft to the connecting rods, which are probably bent. The FAA demands a mandatory engine teardown and rebuild in a situation like this.

Overall, the Alton Bay ice runway is operated in a very safe and professional manner. The pilots that fly here tend to be very experienced, so this is an unusual occurrence that had more to do with the wind conditions than anything else.

- Joel Glickman

[Iceguy]

Thanks Joel and the Fly Club for your support. It was a great day. We had approx 80 planes that flew in. With only one little mishap. The wind can be tricky. The plane is being removed today and Wednesday. The wings have to be removed in order to transport, for repair. If anyone is wondering about the other plane on the parking area on the airport, it has a broken starter, and it's waiting for parts. This could take a few days. Also, I think the Carnival was a great success. Joel, thanks for the pictures. Hope to see you on the ice!
Paul

[trfour]

To Paul & Crew, The Pilots and families that entertained, not only the locals, big smiles were also coming from around the world through being able to enjoy the festivities on The Alton Bay Cam!!

Absolutely priceless!!!!

Terry
________________________

From Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

[robmac]

As the weather takes its toll on the ice this week as we get closer to spring thaw I would like to thank Paul and his crew for all the work they put into the Alton Ice Airport. Being able to share this with my daughter one of the things I enjoyed while growing up is awsome. Had a wonderful time out there many weekends this season, so again a big thank you.

[upthesaukee]

With all the rain, maybe we can get some seaplanes to come into the airport before the boats get out there and ruin the runway!

Thanks for all you and the crew have done once again, for the Bay, and its visitors.