Alton Ice Airport

joelglick · 02-16-2010, 01:53 AM

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 · 02-16-2010, 09:26 PM

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 · 02-24-2010, 02:14 PM

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 · 02-25-2010, 11:03 AM

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 · 02-25-2010, 03:18 PM

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.

02-16-2010, 01:53 AM	#1
joelglick Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Photos from the Alton Bay Winter Carnival 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

02-16-2010, 09:26 PM	#2
Iceguy Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alton Bay, NH Posts: 28 Thanks: 1 Thanked 19 Times in 4 Posts	Ice Airport and Winter Carnival 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

02-24-2010, 02:14 PM	#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	Just Another Heartfelt Thank You... 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. __________________ *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

02-25-2010, 03:18 PM	#5
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,614 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,987 Times in 1,087 Posts	Hey Paul 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. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-25-2010, 11:03 AM	#4
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	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.