Skydive Laconia?

dpg · 08-23-2009, 09:43 PM

I agree this thread is getting quite old. Maybe it just should be locked till there's an answer,then the final word can be posted.

robertk · 08-23-2009, 11:37 PM

First, I applaud anyone who has the gumption to launch a new business. Second, I think skydiving is cool, although I've never done it. Third, I wish the Noonan's all the best. Now, for my question. When I'm entering the pattern (or in it), how do I know that a skydiver has not been blown off course directly into my flight path? Since I fly a low wing, there's a chance I could see them I suppose, but I don't really know how visible they are. By the way, somewhere in this thread I saw someone mention that people fly the pattern mostly on the south side of the airport, or something to that effect. I don't know what was meant by that, but I spend plenty of time on the other side of the field while in the pattern (especially when entering the pattern from the north, or landing on runway 8). Anyway, back to my question — does it often happen that skydivers get blown off course? Are you able to make sure you stay toward the center of the field? How do I keep track of where skydivers are, since they're not communicating after jumping, right? Or, can you communicate after you're out of the plane? Do you have the ability to see me from above and steer clear? As I said, I'm all for your business, although I'll admit it does make me just a tad nervous. Given the fact that this is done all over the country I'm guessing there are reasonable answers to my questions. Good luck with your business.

trfour · 08-24-2009, 12:51 AM

I don't think that it will be closed before fruition, no'r should it be!

twoplustwo · 08-24-2009, 07:48 AM

I would just like to say that Tom Noonan has been nothing but a class act in this thread. You won't see my arse jumping out of any airplanes, but I'll meet you and Mary at The Pound and buy you a beer, Tom.

TheNoonans · 09-16-2009, 09:13 PM

Greetings to all,

I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know that I will be attending the September LAA meeting tomorrow night at the Main Terminal Building at 5:30pm.

As always, if anyone is interested in asking questions or presenting any concerns, I will be there a half an hour early and will stay after the meeting as well if anyone has any questions after the meeting. Followed shortly there after by having dinner at the Lobster Pound. Please feel free to stop by there if you can't make the meeting.

Regarding the status of things: the Portland FSDO finished their assessment and found no reason that skydiving could not occur at the airport. Typically, in this scenario, when the FSDO declares the airport suitable for skydiving, skydiving is approved and commences. In this case however, the airport sponsor has subsequently requested that the ADO send in specialists to review, among other things, the IFR electronics. While delaying things further, this is simply one final item to wait for. This analysis is in process and we have been told that the FAA wants to get this done as soon as possible. That's where things stand at the moment.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

Pineedles · 09-16-2009, 09:30 PM

You sir, are a class act! I know it's good marketing to keep your message in front of potential customers, but I have never seen such an "open kimono" approach to one's business by inviting everyone to all meetings that you have no control over, and anything could happen.

BTW, my compliments to your wife. I didn't mean to leave her out of my compliments.

Resident 2B · 09-16-2009, 10:27 PM

Tom,

Although I was opposed to your sky diving proposal in the past, with all the studies that have been completed with results supporting your application, I have completely changed my opinion.

I now fully support this proposal. Although I will never jump out of a perfectly good airplane, I respect the rights of those that want to do this, as long as it is safe. Based on the studies and opinions of the experts, this is safe. Therefore, I am now a supporter of your proposal.

As others have pointed out, you are a class act and I believe you and your operation will bring value to our area.

Good luck and best wishes for success!

R2B

Happy Gourmand · 09-17-2009, 08:01 AM

Did he just invite all of us to the LP for dinner? What a guy!! What time?

Seriously, best of luck to you with your new venture. Though I don't plan to be a customer, I'm sure you will thrive at this location especially in the summer months. Kudos to you for your openness and willingness to keep us all informed and respond to even some of your more hardened opponents. I hope that they too will someday realize that the airspace is open for all to enjoy.
Best of Luck to you!

SIKSUKR · 09-17-2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks Tom,I'll have the twin lobster.

TheNoonans · 10-08-2009, 07:56 PM

Greetings to all,

As the October 2009 LAA meeting approaches, I wanted to provide an update.

As I mentioned in the last update, the Portland FSDO found no reason to deny or limit skydiving at LCI, and the airport subsequently asked the ADO to do an Obstruction Evaluation analysis (OE) on our 2 primary landing areas and 4 alternate landing areas that we submitted back in November 2008.

I spoke with the FAA office that is conducting that analysis and it will be done by the end of this week, in plenty of time for next week's LAA meeting on the 15th. As has been our position all along, we don't expect any surprises from this analysis and expect the report to reconfirm the Portland FSDOs findings, that there does not exist any hazards unique to LCI that would preclude it from accomidating a skydiving operation, to include landing parachutes on the airfield.

Once this report is issued, and assuming I am accurate in my prediction, there will be nothing left for the LAA to consider in it's decision making process, and we would like to think that they will render a favorable decision at the meeting, granting us permission to operate.

Unfortunately, Mary and I will not be in attendance at the meeting, as we are on a plane to Kathmandu in three hours. We have been asked to return to Nepal for the second Everest Skydive Expedition. We will be gone through the 25th of October. For anyone interested, this year we will be landing at Gorakshep, a landing area at 16,500ft MSL, the highest "dropzone" in the world. We will be exiting at 30,000ftMSL, opening our parachutes at 21,500ft MSL and landing at 16,500ft. We will have a friend at the meeting representing us, so if anyone wants to contact us with any questions, he will be there to take the questions and forward them to us.

We look forward to returning from Mount Everest to a favorable decision so that we may begin to make preparations to open in May 2010.

Namaste!

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

P.S. - Speaking of "good flights", we are about to make a 14.5 hour flight to Qatar, followed by a 6 hour flight to Nepal. Long night ahead for sure...lol.

Pineedles · 10-08-2009, 08:35 PM

Thanks Tom, for the update.

I believe your salutation of "Namaste"!, is illustrated by my google search of the term.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...mast%C3%A9.jpg

Too bad Al Gore is the illustrator.

A question though comes to mind. As you have obviously been exposed to the "world" as far as sky diving, is the Laconia approval process a 10, it's in the bag. A 5, really tough but possible with a 50/50 chance. Or anything less than 5 where the prospects are zero to none?

granitebox · 10-09-2009, 08:59 AM

The Lakes Region would be fortunate to get such professional folks to set up an operation here. The delays in the approval process are embarrassing.

TheNoonans · 10-11-2009, 08:07 AM

Hi Pineedles and Granitebox,

Thank you for your support/responses.

Regarding Pineedles question, while nothing is truly certain in aviation, thus far every pilot, skydiving professional and FAA rep that has experience in both industries (that's the key, being an expert/authority in both areas), that has conducted any informal or formal analysis on LCI has come back and said every time, that there does not exist any unique hazard, airport size issue, or traffic frequency issue, that would preclude skydiving at Laconia Municipal Airport.

As for the delay mentioned by Granitebox, all I can offer is that Mary and I requested that the LAA contact the Portland FSDO for a site evaluation back in November 2008, and cited where in the FAA regs that it stated that was the appropriate course of action for the airport board. Had that been done, as it was requested, then all FAA evals would have been completed well prior to May 2009, or intended start date. For whatever reason (draw your own conclusions), our request was rejected at that time, and instead, the LAA elected to create a "Safety Committee" to evaluate our request. By May of 2009, the Safety Committee conceded that it was unable to reach a safety based decision, and it was only then that the LAA contacted the FAA to request the site evaluation.

We continue to remain focused and optimistic that this process will finally reach it's logical conclusion at the October 2009 LAA meeting.

As a side note, after a 35 hour commute, Mary and I are in Kathmandu prepping our gear for our journey into the Himalayas on Tuesday. For any adventurous pilots out there, google and Youtube search "Lukla Airport". It's an amazing landing to experience.

Namaste.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

trfour · 10-19-2009, 11:53 PM

I had to call LAA today. (603) 524-5003 to see what the holdup is about the Noonan's application to further their skydiving venture at Laconia Airport.
I was told that the FAA study was not completed, so as, they were not on the 'Topics To Be Discussed At The Oct 15th Meeting'.

Seems to me that there is a huge wrestling match going on with trying to go forward to improve the economy here in Laconia, but then again, standing in it's very way!

With the economy being what it is, I guess that since the LAA only notified the FAA last month to do the studdy, that we can only hope that the FAA can get the study done in time to give the Noonan's an approval and a window to operate in the coming year! "2010"!

PS. PLEASE LAA & FAA, Are You With Us?

jr616 · 10-21-2009, 03:18 PM

As a side note, after a 35 hour commute, Mary and I are in Kathmandu prepping our gear for our journey into the Himalayas on Tuesday. For any adventurous pilots out there, google and Youtube search "Lukla Airport". It's an amazing landing to experience.

WOW! Be careful!

SteveA · 10-21-2009, 04:31 PM

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...t_12247737.htm

Looks like they made it safely!

SteveA · 10-21-2009, 04:44 PM

http://www.everest-skydive.com/

Lots of photos, but I didn't find any video other than some of the stuff from 2008.

Good Stuff.

TheNoonans · 10-28-2009, 08:43 AM

Namaste to all,

Thank you for your interest and support with Everest Skydive 2009. Mary and I are back in Kathmandu aftert a three week trek into Sagamatha National Park in the Himalayas, healthy, happy and ready to return to the US. It will probably take three months to sort through all the pictures and journal entries, but when it's done we will be adding it to our website. To say it was the trip of a lifetime is an understatement....lol. All said, we ascended to 16,900ft MSL by foot (Gorak Shep) and I'm proud to anounce that a new world record was set today, highest parachute landing in the world, by myself and my co-ordinator Wendy Smith from New Zealand, when we landed our parachutes at Kala Pattar (17,192ft MSL) beside the Khumbu Glacier.

Don't know if the news will make it stateside, but it's making quite a buzz over here. Press conference tomorrow afternoon before our flights home.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

flyguy · 01-29-2010, 12:50 PM

In spite of the smoke & mirrors PR blitz by the Noonans (accompanied by thinly veiled threats concerning funding) wiser heads have prevailed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNoonans

...every pilot, skydiving professional and FAA rep that has experience in both industries that has conducted any informal or formal analysis on LCI has come back and said every time, that there does not exist any unique hazard, airport size issue, or traffic frequency issue, that would preclude skydiving at Laconia Municipal Airport.

From the Jan 29 Laconia Citizen:

"Tracey McInnis of the FAA's Burlington, Mass. office wrote that her agency had determined that "this proposed landing area would adversely affect the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace by aircraft and the safety of persons and property on the ground.

"FAA must protect for the potential corruption of the glideslope, the Runway Safety Areas (RSA), as well as preclude the possibility of debris being inadvertently dropped on the operating surfaces. The potential for these occurrences are the basis for the objection to the parachute landing areas."

In summary, McInnis wrote, "to have a designated landing area located within an area where aircraft are taxiing, running up and departing/arriving increases the exposure to risk. Given the information provided thus far, it would appear that the proposed skydiving operations would, at best, be a difficult fit into the operations at the Laconia Airport."

"Pedestrian traffic on active taxiways and runways has (also) been considered to be a safety risk."

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNoonans

When we walked in the terminal door August 2008, we had already "point/counter pointed" every possible scenario that could arise and had a solution.

The solution is simple. Land off airport, and be welcomed.

jr616 · 01-29-2010, 04:59 PM

Noonans -
So sorry to hear of your lost battle.

NoBozo · 01-29-2010, 08:03 PM

I'm taking a big risk here.... I think maybe.....just maybe.. The Noonans were not big O'Bama supporters. After all......O'Bama owns the FAA now.......

......Nah; It couldn't be political..no way. NB

Pineedles · 01-29-2010, 08:16 PM

As a stupid American Citizen, as I am sure the FAA thinks of me, I think this decision is an indication of how the government intends to "help" small business.

Folks, it doesn't matter whether George or Barack is in power, the government employees are your enemy. They are political appointees and they will protect their turf to the detriment of any entrepeneur who tries to create a business. Of course there are exceptions,,,,,,,,,,,,Green businesses are OK. Screw that!

idigtractors · 01-29-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

In spite of the smoke & mirrors PR blitz by the Noonans (accompanied by thinly veiled threats concerning funding) wiser heads have prevailed.

From the Jan 29 Laconia Citizen:

"Tracey McInnis of the FAA's Burlington, Mass. office wrote that her agency had determined that "this proposed landing area would adversely affect the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace by aircraft and the safety of persons and property on the ground.

"FAA must protect for the potential corruption of the glideslope, the Runway Safety Areas (RSA), as well as preclude the possibility of debris being inadvertently dropped on the operating surfaces. The potential for these occurrences are the basis for the objection to the parachute landing areas."

In summary, McInnis wrote, "to have a designated landing area located within an area where aircraft are taxiing, running up and departing/arriving increases the exposure to risk. Given the information provided thus far, it would appear that the proposed skydiving operations would, at best, be a difficult fit into the operations at the Laconia Airport."

"Pedestrian traffic on active taxiways and runways has (also) been considered to be a safety risk."

The solution is simple. Land off airport, and be welcomed.

I for one hope that the Noonan's try and get this decision reversed in some way and that the above will have to eat his words from the past and present comments. Just my 2¢.

granitebox · 01-29-2010, 09:16 PM

The Noonans have proven their persistence. I would like to predict this isn't the end of the story.

trfour · 01-29-2010, 09:56 PM

Much more to come folks.

Terry
_______________________

TheNoonans · 01-29-2010, 09:59 PM

Greetings to all,

Well, like many of you, we recently received news of the ADO's report. We were pretty surprised at it's content. I honestly don't think it will stand up down the road.

I'm a little disappointed in Mr. Hemmel's continued insistence on bringing negativity to this thread, as we were the only ones bringing facts to the table throughout this discussion and the "threat of funding loss" has nothing to do with us, it's in the FAA regs.

Mary and I knew from around November 2008 that the LAA was looking for any possible means to reject our proposal, so when we finally got this report, admittedly we didn't bother expending the time or resources to travel to this last meeting, as we knew with 100% certainty the LAA would be issuing a denial.

To be honest, as disappointed as we are in the process as a whole, the fact that any answer has finally been generated is a step in the right direction. This issue is far from being concluded.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

robmac · 01-29-2010, 10:19 PM

I wish you both and hope for success in your venture. In these economically challenged times it is always good to see people trying to bring economic stimulus to the area. Don't give up I think you have alot of supporters in the area.

AltnBay · 01-29-2010, 10:13 PM

Business has always been a war of words and power which I'm sure Mr. Noonan is well aware of. I'm also in hopes that the Noonans are rethinking there game plan,appeal the FAA's decision and take the gloves off when it comes to dealing with your opponent and drop the Mr. nice guy behind closed doors and get the job done. Mr. Noonan,You can't fix stupid so just go around. Business as usual.

08-23-2009, 11:37 PM	#2
robertk Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	All for the skydiving, but I have some questions First, I applaud anyone who has the gumption to launch a new business. Second, I think skydiving is cool, although I've never done it. Third, I wish the Noonan's all the best. Now, for my question. When I'm entering the pattern (or in it), how do I know that a skydiver has not been blown off course directly into my flight path? Since I fly a low wing, there's a chance I could see them I suppose, but I don't really know how visible they are. By the way, somewhere in this thread I saw someone mention that people fly the pattern mostly on the south side of the airport, or something to that effect. I don't know what was meant by that, but I spend plenty of time on the other side of the field while in the pattern (especially when entering the pattern from the north, or landing on runway 8). Anyway, back to my question — does it often happen that skydivers get blown off course? Are you able to make sure you stay toward the center of the field? How do I keep track of where skydivers are, since they're not communicating after jumping, right? Or, can you communicate after you're out of the plane? Do you have the ability to see me from above and steer clear? As I said, I'm all for your business, although I'll admit it does make me just a tad nervous. Given the fact that this is done all over the country I'm guessing there are reasonable answers to my questions. Good luck with your business.

08-24-2009, 12:51 AM	#3
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Being A Gut Thread.... I don't think that it will be closed before fruition, no'r should it be! __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

08-24-2009, 07:48 AM	#4
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	class act I would just like to say that Tom Noonan has been nothing but a class act in this thread. You won't see my arse jumping out of any airplanes, but I'll meet you and Mary at The Pound and buy you a beer, Tom.

09-16-2009, 09:13 PM	#5
TheNoonans Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Bedford, NH Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 219 Times in 57 Posts	Skydive Laconia Greetings to all, I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know that I will be attending the September LAA meeting tomorrow night at the Main Terminal Building at 5:30pm. As always, if anyone is interested in asking questions or presenting any concerns, I will be there a half an hour early and will stay after the meeting as well if anyone has any questions after the meeting. Followed shortly there after by having dinner at the Lobster Pound. Please feel free to stop by there if you can't make the meeting. Regarding the status of things: the Portland FSDO finished their assessment and found no reason that skydiving could not occur at the airport. Typically, in this scenario, when the FSDO declares the airport suitable for skydiving, skydiving is approved and commences. In this case however, the airport sponsor has subsequently requested that the ADO send in specialists to review, among other things, the IFR electronics. While delaying things further, this is simply one final item to wait for. This analysis is in process and we have been told that the FAA wants to get this done as soon as possible. That's where things stand at the moment. Blue skies to all and to all a good flight, Tom

09-16-2009, 09:30 PM	#6
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,545 Thanks: 1,072 Thanked 668 Times in 367 Posts	Open Kimono You sir, are a class act! I know it's good marketing to keep your message in front of potential customers, but I have never seen such an "open kimono" approach to one's business by inviting everyone to all meetings that you have no control over, and anything could happen. BTW, my compliments to your wife. I didn't mean to leave her out of my compliments.

08-23-2009, 09:43 PM	#1
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,597 Thanks: 153 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	I agree this thread is getting quite old. Maybe it just should be locked till there's an answer,then the final word can be posted.

09-16-2009, 10:27 PM	#7
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,358 Thanks: 995 Thanked 314 Times in 164 Posts	Changed my opinion Tom, Although I was opposed to your sky diving proposal in the past, with all the studies that have been completed with results supporting your application, I have completely changed my opinion. I now fully support this proposal. Although I will never jump out of a perfectly good airplane, I respect the rights of those that want to do this, as long as it is safe. Based on the studies and opinions of the experts, this is safe. Therefore, I am now a supporter of your proposal. As others have pointed out, you are a class act and I believe you and your operation will bring value to our area. Good luck and best wishes for success! R2B

09-17-2009, 08:01 AM	#8
Happy Gourmand Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ruskin FL Posts: 1,027 Thanks: 188 Thanked 322 Times in 179 Posts	Tom Noonan Did he just invite all of us to the LP for dinner? What a guy!! What time? Seriously, best of luck to you with your new venture. Though I don't plan to be a customer, I'm sure you will thrive at this location especially in the summer months. Kudos to you for your openness and willingness to keep us all informed and respond to even some of your more hardened opponents. I hope that they too will someday realize that the airspace is open for all to enjoy. Best of Luck to you!

09-17-2009, 01:55 PM	#9
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Thanks Tom,I'll have the twin lobster. __________________ SIKSUKR

10-08-2009, 07:56 PM	#10
TheNoonans Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Bedford, NH Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 219 Times in 57 Posts	Skydive Laconia Greetings to all, As the October 2009 LAA meeting approaches, I wanted to provide an update. As I mentioned in the last update, the Portland FSDO found no reason to deny or limit skydiving at LCI, and the airport subsequently asked the ADO to do an Obstruction Evaluation analysis (OE) on our 2 primary landing areas and 4 alternate landing areas that we submitted back in November 2008. I spoke with the FAA office that is conducting that analysis and it will be done by the end of this week, in plenty of time for next week's LAA meeting on the 15th. As has been our position all along, we don't expect any surprises from this analysis and expect the report to reconfirm the Portland FSDOs findings, that there does not exist any hazards unique to LCI that would preclude it from accomidating a skydiving operation, to include landing parachutes on the airfield. Once this report is issued, and assuming I am accurate in my prediction, there will be nothing left for the LAA to consider in it's decision making process, and we would like to think that they will render a favorable decision at the meeting, granting us permission to operate. Unfortunately, Mary and I will not be in attendance at the meeting, as we are on a plane to Kathmandu in three hours. We have been asked to return to Nepal for the second Everest Skydive Expedition. We will be gone through the 25th of October. For anyone interested, this year we will be landing at Gorakshep, a landing area at 16,500ft MSL, the highest "dropzone" in the world. We will be exiting at 30,000ftMSL, opening our parachutes at 21,500ft MSL and landing at 16,500ft. We will have a friend at the meeting representing us, so if anyone wants to contact us with any questions, he will be there to take the questions and forward them to us. We look forward to returning from Mount Everest to a favorable decision so that we may begin to make preparations to open in May 2010. Namaste! Blue skies to all and to all a good flight, Tom P.S. - Speaking of "good flights", we are about to make a 14.5 hour flight to Qatar, followed by a 6 hour flight to Nepal. Long night ahead for sure...lol. Last edited by TheNoonans; 10-11-2009 at 07:44 AM.

10-08-2009, 08:35 PM	#11
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,545 Thanks: 1,072 Thanked 668 Times in 367 Posts	Thanks Tom, for the update. I believe your salutation of "Namaste"!, is illustrated by my google search of the term. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...mast%C3%A9.jpg Too bad Al Gore is the illustrator. A question though comes to mind. As you have obviously been exposed to the "world" as far as sky diving, is the Laconia approval process a 10, it's in the bag. A 5, really tough but possible with a 50/50 chance. Or anything less than 5 where the prospects are zero to none? Attached Images

10-09-2009, 08:59 AM	#12
granitebox Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Steamboat Springs - Bear Island Posts: 157 Thanks: 146 Thanked 81 Times in 36 Posts	The Lakes Region would be fortunate to get such professional folks to set up an operation here. The delays in the approval process are embarrassing.

10-11-2009, 08:07 AM	#13
TheNoonans Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Bedford, NH Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 219 Times in 57 Posts	Skydive Laconia Hi Pineedles and Granitebox, Thank you for your support/responses. Regarding Pineedles question, while nothing is truly certain in aviation, thus far every pilot, skydiving professional and FAA rep that has experience in both industries (that's the key, being an expert/authority in both areas), that has conducted any informal or formal analysis on LCI has come back and said every time, that there does not exist any unique hazard, airport size issue, or traffic frequency issue, that would preclude skydiving at Laconia Municipal Airport. As for the delay mentioned by Granitebox, all I can offer is that Mary and I requested that the LAA contact the Portland FSDO for a site evaluation back in November 2008, and cited where in the FAA regs that it stated that was the appropriate course of action for the airport board. Had that been done, as it was requested, then all FAA evals would have been completed well prior to May 2009, or intended start date. For whatever reason (draw your own conclusions), our request was rejected at that time, and instead, the LAA elected to create a "Safety Committee" to evaluate our request. By May of 2009, the Safety Committee conceded that it was unable to reach a safety based decision, and it was only then that the LAA contacted the FAA to request the site evaluation. We continue to remain focused and optimistic that this process will finally reach it's logical conclusion at the October 2009 LAA meeting. As a side note, after a 35 hour commute, Mary and I are in Kathmandu prepping our gear for our journey into the Himalayas on Tuesday. For any adventurous pilots out there, google and Youtube search "Lukla Airport". It's an amazing landing to experience. Namaste. Blue skies to all and to all a good flight, Tom

10-19-2009, 11:53 PM	#14
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Waiting For News.... I had to call LAA today. (603) 524-5003 to see what the holdup is about the Noonan's application to further their skydiving venture at Laconia Airport. I was told that the FAA study was not completed, so as, they were not on the 'Topics To Be Discussed At The Oct 15th Meeting'. Seems to me that there is a huge wrestling match going on with trying to go forward to improve the economy here in Laconia, but then again, standing in it's very way! With the economy being what it is, I guess that since the LAA only notified the FAA last month to do the studdy, that we can only hope that the FAA can get the study done in time to give the Noonan's an approval and a window to operate in the coming year! "2010"! PS. PLEASE LAA & FAA, Are You With Us? __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

10-21-2009, 03:18 PM	#15
jr616 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 87 Thanks: 19 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	As a side note, after a 35 hour commute, Mary and I are in Kathmandu prepping our gear for our journey into the Himalayas on Tuesday. For any adventurous pilots out there, google and Youtube search "Lukla Airport". It's an amazing landing to experience. WOW! Be careful!

10-21-2009, 04:31 PM	#16
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	News From Mount Everest http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...t_12247737.htm Looks like they made it safely! __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

10-21-2009, 04:44 PM	#17
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	Another Link http://www.everest-skydive.com/ Lots of photos, but I didn't find any video other than some of the stuff from 2008. Good Stuff. __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

10-28-2009, 08:43 AM	#18
TheNoonans Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Bedford, NH Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 219 Times in 57 Posts	Skydive Laconia Namaste to all, Thank you for your interest and support with Everest Skydive 2009. Mary and I are back in Kathmandu aftert a three week trek into Sagamatha National Park in the Himalayas, healthy, happy and ready to return to the US. It will probably take three months to sort through all the pictures and journal entries, but when it's done we will be adding it to our website. To say it was the trip of a lifetime is an understatement....lol. All said, we ascended to 16,900ft MSL by foot (Gorak Shep) and I'm proud to anounce that a new world record was set today, highest parachute landing in the world, by myself and my co-ordinator Wendy Smith from New Zealand, when we landed our parachutes at Kala Pattar (17,192ft MSL) beside the Khumbu Glacier. Don't know if the news will make it stateside, but it's making quite a buzz over here. Press conference tomorrow afternoon before our flights home. Blue skies to all and to all a good flight, Tom

01-29-2010, 04:59 PM	#20
jr616 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 87 Thanks: 19 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Noonans - So sorry to hear of your lost battle.

01-29-2010, 08:03 PM	#21
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Something Fishy... I'm taking a big risk here.... I think maybe.....just maybe.. The Noonans were not big O'Bama supporters. After all......O'Bama owns the FAA now....... ......Nah; It couldn't be political..no way. NB

01-29-2010, 08:16 PM	#22
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,545 Thanks: 1,072 Thanked 668 Times in 367 Posts	As a stupid American Citizen, as I am sure the FAA thinks of me, I think this decision is an indication of how the government intends to "help" small business. Folks, it doesn't matter whether George or Barack is in power, the government employees are your enemy. They are political appointees and they will protect their turf to the detriment of any entrepeneur who tries to create a business. Of course there are exceptions,,,,,,,,,,,,Green businesses are OK. Screw that!

01-29-2010, 09:16 PM	#24
granitebox Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Steamboat Springs - Bear Island Posts: 157 Thanks: 146 Thanked 81 Times in 36 Posts	The Noonans have proven their persistence. I would like to predict this isn't the end of the story.

01-29-2010, 09:56 PM	#25
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	The Bell Has Rung On Round # 1... Much more to come folks. Terry _______________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

01-29-2010, 09:59 PM	#26
TheNoonans Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Bedford, NH Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 219 Times in 57 Posts	Skydive Laconia Greetings to all, Well, like many of you, we recently received news of the ADO's report. We were pretty surprised at it's content. I honestly don't think it will stand up down the road. I'm a little disappointed in Mr. Hemmel's continued insistence on bringing negativity to this thread, as we were the only ones bringing facts to the table throughout this discussion and the "threat of funding loss" has nothing to do with us, it's in the FAA regs. Mary and I knew from around November 2008 that the LAA was looking for any possible means to reject our proposal, so when we finally got this report, admittedly we didn't bother expending the time or resources to travel to this last meeting, as we knew with 100% certainty the LAA would be issuing a denial. To be honest, as disappointed as we are in the process as a whole, the fact that any answer has finally been generated is a step in the right direction. This issue is far from being concluded. Blue skies to all and to all a good flight, Tom Last edited by TheNoonans; 01-30-2010 at 02:00 AM.

01-29-2010, 10:19 PM	#27
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I wish you both and hope for success in your venture. In these economically challenged times it is always good to see people trying to bring economic stimulus to the area. Don't give up I think you have alot of supporters in the area.

01-29-2010, 10:13 PM	#28
AltnBay Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Alton Bay East Side Posts: 15 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Business has always been a war of words and power which I'm sure Mr. Noonan is well aware of. I'm also in hopes that the Noonans are rethinking there game plan,appeal the FAA's decision and take the gloves off when it comes to dealing with your opponent and drop the Mr. nice guy behind closed doors and get the job done. Mr. Noonan,You can't fix stupid so just go around. Business as usual.