Skydive Laconia?

[TheNoonans]

Hi RLW,

It is quite legal to do that, assuming the appropriate NOTAM is filed and permission granted. A friend of ours used to make that (cold) jump into the ice airport in the past. The role of the "airport manager", thus permission giver, is actually an aeronautics supervisor at NHDOT.

The last time he requested permission to do the jump though, the NHDOT agent, acting as the manager of the airport gave permission for the jump but said she would require that the airport be closed to all other air traffic on the ice airport for a 30 Minute window.

There is no guidance whatsoever anywhere within the FAA that suggests that an airport must shut down for 30 minutes by NOTAM to all other traffic, but that's what the NHDOT now requires at the ice airport apparently, making up rules as they go along.......

The funny part is that he had safely made that jump multiple times in years past with no 30 min airport closure, his jumps were always timely and efficient, simply by filing the appropriate NOTAM and having his pilot announce the descent on the local frequency. And he politely informed the NHDOT via email of all the ATC regs and policies involved in years past.

But still with all that, this last time when he requested permission to do the jump from the NHDOT, a new person was in that manager role that knows nothing about skydiving regulations and the FARs apparently, and despite being presented with the appropriate information and data to suggest a 30 min airport shut down by NOTAM was not needed for a 5 minute parachute jump, guess what? The NHDOT would not budge an inch.

So, being an aviation enthusiast first and a parachutist second, our friend withdrew his request so as not to put all the other pilots under useless stress and delays waiting 30 min for the airport to close for his 5 minute jump to occur.

(This is a completely true story and I have the emails to and from the NHDOT to verify it.)

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

[RLW]

Tom & Mary, I'm just wondering if any news yet as to what is happening with the OK for diving in Laconia. I'm one that is waiting passionately to see it happen this coming summer.

[TheNoonans]

Hi RLW,

Thanks for the inquiry. We're just anxiously awaiting the finalization of this national evaluation advisory. Once it's done, the FAA in Washington has assured us that Laconia will be one of the first airports that this new process is applied to.

Closure in this process is on the horizon, and I'm sure all involved will be happy to see this proposal process reach a just conclusion.

Until then, enjoy your Spring thaw!

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

[AC2717]

Hopefully I will be jumping over the lake the week of July 4th!!!!!!!

[trfour]

Brings a new look to and over Lake Winnipesaukee for those with hearts still beating, and beyond!

Here's hoping that 2012 will bring The Noonans to us! Angels From The Sky is Good for all!

Terry
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