Skydive Laconia?

[Winni-Retired]

The comment above, about flying years ago at Laconia made me think back a bit

I did my first 100 mile, solo, cross country flight to Laconia, from North Central Airport in Smithfield, RI way back on this date (25-March-1963) at the ripe old age of 16 years, 2 months, and 26 days. I was in an Piper Colt - PA-108

I plotted my paper path, then flew my real path. Rt 1, heading towards Boston, turned left above Rt 128, followed it to Rt 3, then the NH turnpike, counting toll booths, finally banking right at Pike Asphalt / construction co (now exit 20) using his private airport as a guide. I earned my private pilots certificate at age 17, a senior in high school, but my dad still did not let me drive his car "at all".

19 years later, 25-March 1982, my oldest child was born and she turns 30 today living in southern California.

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Winni-Retired

The comment above, about flying years ago at Laconia made me think back a bit

I did my first 100 mile, solo, cross country flight to Laconia, from North Central Airport in Smithfield, RI way back on this date (25-March-1963) at the ripe old age of 16 years, 2 months, and 26 days. I was in an Piper Colt - PA-108

I plotted my paper path, then flew my real path. Rt 1, heading towards Boston, turned left above Rt 128, followed it to Rt 3, then the NH turnpike, counting toll booths, finally banking right at Pike Asphalt / construction co (now exit 20) using his private airport as a guide. I earned my private pilots certificate at age 17, a senior in high school, but my dad still did not let me drive his car "at all".

19 years later, 25-March 1982, my oldest child was born and she turns 30 today living in southern California.

So did you have fun taking your FAA Checkride with Gene Bulicki..? NB

[Winni-Retired]

He always scarred the living **** out of me

My primary instructor was Dick Burke (was a manager at Hasbro and later was the corp pilot for A T Cross). I also got many a free lessons from Mr Pansey in his twin Aero Commander by washing it on Saturday mornings

I must have been a sight, riding my (non 3 speed) bike to the airport then planking down my $4.00 in quarters / half dollars and dollar bills from my paper route to rent the training aircraft for 30 minutes of solo flying.

Gene did ripped my head off on a 720 turn over the reservoir, under the hood, because I loss more than 100 feet. I remember him to this day yelling at me to stop trying to tear the wings off his plane.

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Winni-Retired

He always scarred the living **** out of me

My primary instructor was Dick Burke (was a manager at Hasbro and later was the corp pilot for A T Cross). I also got many a free lessons from Mr Pansey in his twin Aero Commander by washing it on Saturday mornings

I must have been a sight, riding my (non 3 speed) bike to the airport then planking down my $4.00 in quarters / half dollars and dollar bills from my paper route to rent the training aircraft for 30 minutes of solo flying.

Gene did ripped my head off on a 720 turn over the reservoir, under the hood, because I loss more than 100 feet. I remember him to this day yelling at me to stop trying to tear the wings off his plane.

I took my checkride with Gene in June 1988. I think he might have been over 70 by then. I could have taken the ride with a checkpilot over at Taunton who was supposed to be easy. I picked Gene because he was supposed to be tough. He was.

He made me land at busy T.F Green in Providence on Rwy 16....which turned out to be dead Crosswind. I'm sure he knew it would be. I did fine and he even told me so. I've heard he rarely commented on the students performance during a checkride ..designed to put pressure on the student. You never knew if you had done the maneuvers correctly until you were back on the ground. Those were the days. NB

Now back to Skydiving...

[TheNoonans]

Here's hoping that 2012 will bring The Noonans to us!

Hi Terry,

Thank you for continued support and enthusiasm. It is very very much appreciated.

Most all these airports in FL. are very similar to Laconia with air traffic and being uncontrolled fields ( no tower ).. and very rarely are there problems...I've never heard of any in fact.. Usually its well announced on aviation radio frequencies that there are skydivers in the air.

Hi kchadw,

Thank you for your post. Mary was actually at Sebastian this past weekend skydiving. Like you, we see many similarities with the FL airports that sustain skydiving.

I'm not sure how much of this thread you have been able to go back and read, but the truth is, this was never actually about safety concerns, pretty much from the day we first set foot on the airport. This process (and lengthy delay) is really about outsiders (my wife and I) challenging the status quo. We appreciate your support and look forward to providing you a venue to watch skydiving on the airport some day.

To all,

The silver lining in all this, is that today, the Washington FAA is on point and fully aware of the erroneous nature of those two reports that the LAA cited when they denied our requests. When the national review process is finalized though, those two outstanding reports will finally be acknowledged as erroneous, discriminatory and in a word, FALSE.

As for us being able to open in 2012, that's actually going to be an interesting scenario. We would like to think that once the FAA in Washington announces that skydiving cannot be barred from the airport, that the LAA would finally own up to their role and responsibility and welcome us onto the airport.

What do you all think?

If (when?) the FAA comes back and determines that skydiving can occur at the Laconia Municipal Airport, what do you think the LAA will do?

Will they finally extend their hand and welcome us on to the airport?

Or will they continue to try and stall our proposal?

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,
Tom

[Pineedles]

Will they finally extend their hand and welcome us on to the airport?

Or will they continue to try and stall our proposal?

No to question one is the anticipated answer.

Question # 2 is obviously. Delay delay delay is the M.O.

Is public tarring and feathering still legal for local officials?

[Resident 2B]

My opinion is they will delay, appeal, whine and drag their feet as much and as long as is possible. I wish and hope this is not the case, but you are not dealing with open-minded people here. They have not gotten it, and they never will get it, that there are policies and rules they need to abide by. They like to make things up as they go. Big fish in the little pond syndrome.

I wish I had a different opinion and I hope you can be in operation this summer. You have been very professional throughout this process.

R2B

[RLW]

I think they will come around and quite quickly, IF the government holds back the money they give them for upkeep and other niceties they get from Uncle Sam.

[TiltonBB]

At some point this issue will be decided and what ever the outcome is, it will be final.

If it is decided in the Noonan's favor will they file a lawsuit to recover the last couple of years of lost income opportunity and any expenses they have had to pursue their dream?

[trfour]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

At some point this issue will be decided and what ever the outcome is, it will be final.

If it is decided in the Noonan's favor will they file a lawsuit to recover the last couple of years of lost income opportunity and any expenses they have had to pursue their dream?

A mute question. It is quite obvious that the Noonans would like to bring more opportunities, Jobs, and enlightenment Too the Lakes Region. Not over yet!

Terry
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[tis]

I agree with Pine and Resident. Unfortunately. I think I posted at the beginning that it would be a long tough battle. It is hard to do almost anything these days.

[Steveo]

I know I might be reading too much into this but I find this to be fairly suspicious timing. The Laconia Airport is having its FIRST Annual "Airport Awareness" Open House. If you read the article it is just huge propaganda on all the good that the airport does. All the programs, jobs, money it brings in. My suspicious mind reads this as a means to defend the federal moneys they get by showing all the good they do for the community. Obviously no mention of skydiving activity. Might be a good opportunity for the Noonan's and their supporters to raise a little awareness at the event.


http://www.laconiadailysun.com/index...n-saturday-920

[Pineedles]

Yes, the ad in Saturday's LDS has a sub-header that says,

"Come see what your neighborhood airport is all about".

It's all about stone walling a legitmate and proven safe business!

[TheNoonans]

Hi Steveo,

Thanks for sharing that link. Ironically enough, I was never notified of the open house....lol. I wonder if the FBOs took down those "Skydive Laconia?" scare tactic ads for the day? Probably not I would guess, it would be a great venue to spread their propaganda.

I'm not too concerned about it though. As I have been suggesting all along, the FAA knows about those erroneous reports, and that a national evaluation policy for skydiving is almost done, and when it is, the FAA will make a ruling and when they do, everyone will abide by it, us and the airport commission. We are standing by, plane and parachutes ready for that to occur.

On a related side note, while waiting the 4+ years for this Laconia situation to resolve itself, I have actually opened a dropzone in Massachusetts in the interim. This time around I was blessed to be working with a supportive and open minded airport manager and commission. The whole process took only 6 months to approve, and that included Mass DOT and FAA inspection and sign off.

So, while we patiently wait for the FAA to finish their national assessment policy that will finally bring skydiving to the Laconia Municipal Airport, we will be skydiving 125 miles south of you guys, just south of Boston, with the full blessing of the FAA, Mass DOT, Airport Manager and Airport Commission. What an amazing and refreshing change of venue and personalities. Everyone there is so supportive, encouraging and helpful, the way it should be.

Here's a funny little story for you as it relates to the issue in Laconia.....

While meeting with Boston TRACON (ATC) to coordinate our climb profile and drop procedures for our south of Boston dropzone, Laconia came up in casual conversation. The topic, ironically enough, was air traffic. You will never guess what comment the ATC supervisor made about the airspace over Laconia? (Now mind you Boston ATC coordinates with Skydive Pepperell and Skydive New England regarding Boston's busy airspace, so they are EXPERTS in air space analysis as it pertains to skydiving).

Yup. Without me even hinting anything, he said "Laconia is the perfect airspace for skydiving."

Don't worry.....when the time comes to address skydiving over LCI, you can trust I will have that on record for the airport commission......lol.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,
Tom

Edit to add - I have been so busy with my other dropzone project that I haven't really been here much recently, but I have to say, I am amazed that this thread has over 65,000 views. WOW. I thank you all for your continued interest and support. We haven't given up, not by a long shot. We are just as committed today as we were when we first showed up at the airport in 2008. (Yes, 2008.....lol)

[trfour]

The keys to The Noonans new Skydiving operation and business here at The Laconia Airport have already been made...

The LAA's stance against, even has their waste basket empty'ears upset!

I do have faith in the Gazillion things that the FAA has to monitor, and make important decisions there and upon, hopefully quickly, on a day to day basis.

Okay, I'm almost done!

Originally Posted by pineedles

; Is public tarring and feathering still legal for local officials?

Easy there big guy!.. Now, this is a big if!.. IF The Laconia LAA oFFicials should happen to get replaced, due to their own doing, we would just make it more difficult for them to get an permit to open an cool-aid stand this summer, that would give them any relief from there recent Unemployment.

Terry
______________________________________

[Retired Ole Guy]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

My opinion is they will delay, appeal, whine and drag their feet as much and as long as is possible. I wish and hope this is not the case, but you are not dealing with open-minded people here. They have not gotten it, and they never will get it, that there are policies and rules they need to abide by. They like to make things up as they go. Big fish in the little pond syndrome.

I wish I had a different opinion and I hope you can be in operation this summer. You have been very professional throughout this process.

R2B

Hey if Laconia's political genuises cant get a burnt out ugly a&& looking saloon taken down for two years you expect this bunch of hacks to do any better. SIck Howie Carr on them

[AC2717]

and where is the south of boston location? as I am in Boston!!!

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by AC2717

and where is the south of boston location? as I am in Boston!!!

I second - Where is your new location south of Boston?

[NoBozo]

I Googled Skydive New England.

http://www.skydivenewengland.com/

Click on any of the City Locations and get a curious Bait & Switch. NB

[TheNoonans]

We are located in Taunton, MA (KTAN). The "Bay State Skydiving Center" made it's first skydives last weekend over the airfield, along side flight school flights, banner towing and all the other aeronautical activities on the airport. Just like skydiving occurs at municipal airports across the country.

Local pilots and neighbors stopped in to wish us luck and learn more about skydiving and parachute manufacturing. It was a great weekend.

Our website will be up later this week. www.baystateskydiving.com

If you would like to come visit us and or make a skydive, email me at noonantommy@yahoo.com and I will provide you directions and details.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

[AC2717]

that is great and right in my back yard and I have family that lives down there, get that site up, I am looking forward to planning another jump!!!

[jrc]

JP, I can understand the safety issues, leaving out the validity of the safety review process for now, safety is clearly a criterea for something like skydiving.

But how can someone opening a skydiving business affect your quality of life? Will your business or family be injured by this business? How?

[TheNoonans]

JP's accusation:

It seems you don't care who you inconvenience. I can't help but think that there are more important things that these people should be dealing with.

Here is an excerpt from my initial email to Mr. Babbitt:

I understand that you are incredibly busy with much greater issues, and I apologize for burdening you with our issue

But the reality is, for him and everyone up there, it is not I that has inconvenienced them, it is the LAA and the other small town airport sponsors across the country that have ignored their federal funding grant assurances that have considerably inconvenienced them. The people at the top of the FAA ladder do not consider it an inconvenience at all to be provided factual data and evidence highlighting a massive flaw in the federal funding process. My proof? I have been thanked by them numerous times for bringing this problem to a national audience. It seems that in doling out hundreds of millions of dollars to airports across the country, the FAA has an expectation that the hands that are happy to reach out and snatch up all that money will live up to the terms of the agreement that comes with the funding.

At what cost should a private entity get it's way?

This process has nothing to do with me or Skydive Laconia at this point now. This is not about a private entity getting it's way. This is about the LAA providing a fair opportunity for everyone that wants to enjoy equal access to the airport. If you think this is about Skydive Laconia at this point, you really have no concept or understanding about what is going on here.

The government exists to serve the majority, not the minority.

Wow. Somebody must have slept through civics class........

But even if you were right about this one..........unless you are selectively reading only what you want to read, the "majority" of the community wants us here. You are the minority JP, not me.

You would probably feel differently if it was you and your quality of life that was being forced upon.

This is my favorite statement. It is a shining example of the very self entitled nature of the handful of people up there that are so afraid we will destroy their quality of life.

I hate to break it to you JP, but the quality of life you are so afraid of losing was paid for by my federal tax dollars, and the federal tax dollars of all the business owners and workers up there. The only reason the airport is given funding in the first place is to ensure the community as a whole, not just you, benefit from the facility. The LAA made a deal with the FAA when they reached out and grabbed all that tax dollar funding. All we are doing is ensuring that they live up to the deal they made.

Tell you what? You don't want us there to effect your quality of life? Fine. Go to the LAA, get them to get a loan for about $10,000,000, from a bank and then have them write a check to the FAA for that amount. Then without any future federal funding. You can continue to enjoy your quality of life up there without us. It really is that easy. No funding = no skydiving.

I wonder how "quality" the airport will be though three years later when your asked to personally help pay to repave the runway.

And too bad for everybody they effect.

And lastly, as asked by others, please specify as to what the effects will be that we will have on you and your personal quality of life?

You won't have to wait for us to fly your airplane. You can still fly it whenever you want and where ever you want. We're not going to be using your hangar, assuming you have one.

So, what exactly is it that you believe we will effect?

I'm sorry if you feel that you were not trained well enough to fly your plane with parachutes in the air, but I will be happy to bring a competent CFI to you free of charge for a free flight training on your first flight up after we get there if it makes you feel better.

And of course last but not least, this is America, and if nothing I have said makes you feel any better JP, you are welcome to fly out of any of the other local airports in the lakes region.

If I may ask of you, since you seem to be the sole dissenting voice left on this thread, to give us all a little background on your flight experience to help us better understand your perceived inconvenience to your quality of life.

1) Do you own a plane?
2) Do you hangar it at LCI?
3) How many flights a week do you make with it?
4) How many total flight hours do you have?

I don't expect you to answer those questions though, although it would be nice. I expect rather, like Mr. Hemmel, you will just keep shouting at the sky about us without bringing any facts to the table.

And as for Congress. It is my obligation to inform them of the facts. The airport manager contacted congress when she tried to scare them into believing that parachutes landing in the object free area was such a grave safety concern, despite it already being allowed to be done across the nation by the FAA. Was she "inconveniencing" her Congressperson? Or was it okay for her to do it first because she is on your side?

So, I too contacted our Congressperson to give them the facts. But more so, contacted them before this process concluded to ensure that they were briefed about the NHDOT Dept of Aero, and the potential loss of "block grant" status as a result of the LAA. I didn't want our Congressperson to pick up a local paper 3-4 months from now and read the headline "FAA drops New Hampshire from Block Grant program", without giving them the background as to why it was likely to occur and who was to blame for it.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom