Ice Airport?

Steveo · 01-31-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbahn

Thanks. It'll probably be easier to fly to Laconia than walk a mile with a 5 gallon can anyway.

I wasn't aware of any station that can still serve non ethanol gas. Are you saying the Laconia airport still does.

dbahn · 01-31-2009, 08:48 AM

I would get aviation fuel (100 LL, i.e. 100 octane Low Lead) at the Laconia airport, which works fine but is a little more expensive. The Cub is certified to also run on auto fuel, but the ethanol causes some problems with some of the fuel components in the system, so it's best to avoid it.

TexASH Pilot · 01-31-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

I wasn't aware of any station that can still serve non ethanol gas. Are you saying the Laconia airport still does.

There are three airports that I know of that sill serve 87 Octane unleaded auto gas with no ethanol.

Hampton, NH (7B3)
Minuteman/Stow, MA (6B6)
Plymouth, MA (PYM)

This'nThat · 02-01-2009, 09:49 AM

If you build it -- they will come. Sunday morning, 1 Feb. As of 11:30, 12 airplanes parked at the airport.

Moss Creek Media · 02-01-2009, 02:02 PM

Here are the panoramics I shot this morning out on the ice:

http://www.mosscreekmedia.com/post/F...Alton-Bay.aspx

Kirk

TexASH Pilot · 02-01-2009, 03:03 PM

I just got back from the fly-in... nice to see pictures of our airplanes! I love the panoramic... that's awesome!

We had a great breakfast at the diner... that place really does do breakfast right!

We also stopped into the store, chatted with the folks (including Brian) a bit and dropped some cash into the "airport maintenance" bucket. If anyone else flies in, PLEASE support the plow drivers!

Again... we're very thankful the airport is open and appreciative of the efforts of all to open the runway this year.

This n That hit the nail on the head... if you build it, we will come!

We're looking forward to coming back over President's Day weekend for the festival, weather permitting.

Here's a video of my flight in case anyone's interested in seeing what it's like to fly in and out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTx0TrFADk

TexASH Pilot · 02-01-2009, 03:08 PM

The cub seemed to be the big attraction. It's a beautiful airplane.

Here's the owner, Dave (dbahn) starting it up:

This'nThat · 02-01-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexASH Pilot

Here's a video of my flight in case anyone's interested in seeing what it's like to fly in and out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTx0TrFADk

Cool video. And don't forget -- don't do this.

tis · 02-01-2009, 06:52 PM

Wow. But he managed to pull out of it. I'd say he did ok! Must have been kind of scary for a while.

upthesaukee · 02-01-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexASH Pilot

I just got back from the fly-in... nice to see pictures of our airplanes! I love the panoramic... that's awesome!

We had a great breakfast at the diner... that place really does do breakfast right!

We also stopped into the store, chatted with the folks (including Brian) a bit and dropped some cash into the "airport maintenance" bucket. If anyone else flies in, PLEASE support the plow drivers!

Again... we're very thankful the airport is open and appreciative of the efforts of all to open the runway this year.

This n That hit the nail on the head... if you build it, we will come!

We're looking forward to coming back over President's Day weekend for the festival, weather permitting.

Here's a video of my flight in case anyone's interested in seeing what it's like to fly in and out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTx0TrFADk

I hope you were able to give them some feedback on what can be done to improve the airport next year...You can appreciate what they did this year: fly by the seat of their pants. Any constructive criticism you pilots can give would I am sure, be appreciated, and I would be happy to print out the thread for Brian and the plow guys. They are really proud of what they have accomplished, and appreciate you guys flying in.

Dave

OOOOOPS: I forgot to say what a great video that is. Thanks.

TexASH Pilot · 02-01-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I hope you were able to give them some feedback on what can be done to improve the airport next year...You can appreciate what they did this year: fly by the seat of their pants. Any constructive criticism you pilots can give would I am sure, be appreciated, and I would be happy to print out the thread for Brian and the plow guys. They are really proud of what they have accomplished, and appreciate you guys flying in.

Dave

OOOOOPS: I forgot to say what a great video that is. Thanks.

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the offer! Glad you liked the video too.

The runway is in GREAT shape. I think they did a great job. It's straight, nice and wide. There's enough snow left on the ice to allow for a small amount of braking action. The only thing I can think of that they could do better is maybe prepare a little more space for parking. On a busy weekend like the 15th could be... they're going to need all the space they can get. That's going to be tough to do this year... the snow they plowed to the edges is now rock hard... nothing's moving that stuff.

Would you mind sending me a mailing address for Brian? We dropped some $$ in the can at the store, but I've already had one pilot who didn't join us today ask where they could send those guys some money for their time and effort. You can send it via PM here or via email to andyrickard@yahoo.com.

upthesaukee · 02-02-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexASH Pilot

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the offer! Glad you liked the video too.

Would you mind sending me a mailing address for Brian? We dropped some $$ in the can at the store, but I've already had one pilot who didn't join us today ask where they could send those guys some money for their time and effort. You can send it via PM here or via email to andyrickard@yahoo.com.

I sent you an email. Again, thanks to you and to dbahn for you fine support of the ice runway. Your suggestions will just make it better and better for this season and subsequent years as well.

Dave

Moss Creek Media · 02-02-2009, 03:55 PM

Anyone know what was up with the flat tire on the green Cessna that was to the left of the J3 (in my panoramic)?

Kirk

Collybus · 02-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moss Creek Media

Anyone know what was up with the flat tire on the green Cessna that was to the left of the J3 (in my panoramic)?

Kirk

Yup, that was Jonathan, one of our group from a pilot forum. Somewhere in the air between Concord and Alton Bay, he ran over a nail or something...

He got back okay, no property damage or fatalities. Someone on the lake went the extra mile for him and brought their air tank over to fill his tire. Another example of what great folks you are over there! We all had a terrific time and I'm looking forward to returning on the 15th.

About that Grumman pilot who missed the runway a little in that video above....we get no respect...

Iceguy · 02-02-2009, 05:50 PM

Hello. I'm Paul LaRochelle. Just joined the Forum. Thought it would be a good idea to be on this site, incase there were any questions concerning the ice runway. I am currently the new Alton Bay B18 Ice Airport runway manager. (FAA approved). I am not a pilot. I have been plowing the runway, with Steve and Roger assisting me. So grateful to have them. We are all thrilled with the enthusiam of all the pilots and local residents. Everyone in Alton loves to see the planes fly in at the Bay, as they tell Brian. When you check your NOTEMs, you will see my phone number, 603-875-3498.
And you will get the current conditions of the runway.
It was a great fly-in day on Sunday. I was on the ice most of the day, talking with alot of the pilots. To answer a question, one pilot, with the green plane, got a flat tire, so I went and got my air caddy tank, and the Pilot and I filled it with air. I hope we can keep up the tradition, and runway as in the past!
Any questions or comments, I will try to answer.[EMAIL="larbr@worldpath.net"]
Paul LaRochelle (Iceguy)
P.O. Box 390
Alton Bay, NH 03810

This'nThat · 02-02-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceguy

Hello. I'm Paul LaRochelle. I am currently the new Alton Bay B18 Ice Airport runway manager. (FAA approved).

Thanks for stepping in, Paul. Nice job you and the others are doing. I'm sure the community really appreciates it -- more than they can show, even. I know I appreciate it -- and I'm not even there!

Don't be afraid to let us know what you need. There will be someone on this forum that can help, I'm sure.

TexASH Pilot · 02-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Paul!! Welcome, and THANK YOU!!!

Being an airport manager is usually a thankless job... I hope we can do a good enough job changing that for you. You and the rest of the crew did a great job on the runway and those of us that flew in from all over New England (one as far away as Poughkeepsie, NY) on Sunday sincerely appreciate the effort.

I hope the weather's good on the 15th, our group is itching to fly up again!

RI Swamp Yankee · 02-02-2009, 10:38 PM

To Iceguy, as a tourist who loves to see the planes and activities on the ice at Alton Bay, THANK YOU. You reinforce my belief that people in the North Country are a cut above the rest.

upthesaukee · 02-02-2009, 10:40 PM

As an Alton Bay resident and loving to see the town and especially the bay being used as a family source of entertainment, the way you guys stepped up to the plate has been fantastic.

With the great input you will get from the pilots and your endeavors, the Alton Bay Ice Runway will continue to be a must go destination for years.

Now about trying to smooth out the waves for the seaplanes in the summer...

Great job and I'll see you in the bay or at Amilyn's. Thanks again for all you do.

trfour · 02-03-2009, 01:38 AM

have worked to keep the winter Airport in Alton Up and Running! As a long time resident, watching those planes landing and taking off on the ice has always been a winter highlight for me!
Thank you all,
Terry

riverat · 02-03-2009, 10:03 AM

Hi Paul, as the inhabitant of the tan bobhouse closest to the runway parking area with the American flag flying proudly I truly love sitting and watching the planes flying in and out. And seeing the joy on the faces of young and old looking up in amazement and saying "here comes another one!" Akso makes for great pastime when the fishing is slow.
I watch you guys plow for many hours day after day to maintain the runway, and it is great to see the recognition you are receiving for it. Thank you

rrr · 02-03-2009, 03:32 PM

Just curious - where are you flying in from?

Steveo · 02-02-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexASH Pilot

I just got back from the fly-in... nice to see pictures of our airplanes! I love the panoramic... that's awesome!

We had a great breakfast at the diner... that place really does do breakfast right!

We also stopped into the store, chatted with the folks (including Brian) a bit and dropped some cash into the "airport maintenance" bucket. If anyone else flies in, PLEASE support the plow drivers!

Again... we're very thankful the airport is open and appreciative of the efforts of all to open the runway this year.

This n That hit the nail on the head... if you build it, we will come!

We're looking forward to coming back over President's Day weekend for the festival, weather permitting.

Here's a video of my flight in case anyone's interested in seeing what it's like to fly in and out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTx0TrFADk

Nice video. I am curious, you landed (heading south) in the opposite direction of your takeoff (heading north). Did the winds shift, is wind direction not an issue?

dbahn · 02-02-2009, 09:23 AM

The wind did shift after most of us landed. I think if there was no wind at all, most people would prefer to land to the south and depart to the north. That way you are able to avoid a lot of extra taxiing, and you also avoid flying low over the town itself. The only downside is that in that situation you have planes flying towards each other if it's busy. That's perfectly legal, but best to avoid.

I would agree with Andy about the need for more parking, which is a good measure of the success of the venture as well, by the way. It was fine yesterday, but I can see some real congestion if you get good weather in 2 weeks.

As a pilot who's flown in twice, I can tell you that the fun is less the process of landing on ice and more that it's just a nice town with nice people. The nice little diner helps too.

Blue Thunder · 02-02-2009, 10:50 AM

Sounds like you guys had a great time. If you have any interest there will be a Fly-in on Sebago Lake in Maine, the weekend of the Sebago Lake Fishing Derby which is February 20-22.

The posted guidance is here: http://www.icefishingderby.com/2009_Fly-in_Guidance.pdf

The main website for the derby is here: www.icefishingderby.com

Blue Thunder

Slickcraft · 02-02-2009, 12:28 PM

When I stopped at the corner store this morning, Brian the storekeep was talking to a pilot from Hampstead, NH who had just flown in with a student pilot making his 1st ice landing. Coincidentally my wife and I were in the ice on Saturday when the same pilot flew in with another student making an ice landing. I can imagine that an ice landing must be quite an experience for a student.

Brian was explaining how much coordination was required to get the runway open this year. And then there are the several folk with snowplows that created the actual runway, taxi run and parking; quite a bit of plowing.

As has been noted there is an airport maintenance bucket for contributions to pay for the gas used by the plow truck guys. So if you fly in, visit the store, consider the diner or the other near by eateries and fly home safe.

02-01-2009, 09:49 AM	#4
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	Airport is filling up If you build it -- they will come. Sunday morning, 1 Feb. As of 11:30, 12 airplanes parked at the airport. Attached Images Last edited by This'nThat; 02-01-2009 at 11:23 AM. Reason: Add another picture

02-02-2009, 05:50 PM	#15
Iceguy Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alton Bay, NH Posts: 28 Thanks: 1 Thanked 19 Times in 4 Posts	Alton Bay Ice Airport Hello. I'm Paul LaRochelle. Just joined the Forum. Thought it would be a good idea to be on this site, incase there were any questions concerning the ice runway. I am currently the new Alton Bay B18 Ice Airport runway manager. (FAA approved). I am not a pilot. I have been plowing the runway, with Steve and Roger assisting me. So grateful to have them. We are all thrilled with the enthusiam of all the pilots and local residents. Everyone in Alton loves to see the planes fly in at the Bay, as they tell Brian. When you check your NOTEMs, you will see my phone number, 603-875-3498. And you will get the current conditions of the runway. It was a great fly-in day on Sunday. I was on the ice most of the day, talking with alot of the pilots. To answer a question, one pilot, with the green plane, got a flat tire, so I went and got my air caddy tank, and the Pilot and I filled it with air. I hope we can keep up the tradition, and runway as in the past! Any questions or comments, I will try to answer.[EMAIL="larbr@worldpath.net"] Paul LaRochelle (Iceguy) P.O. Box 390 Alton Bay, NH 03810

02-02-2009, 10:38 PM	#18
RI Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Kingstown RI Posts: 688 Thanks: 143 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	To Iceguy, as a tourist who loves to see the planes and activities on the ice at Alton Bay, THANK YOU. You reinforce my belief that people in the North Country are a cut above the rest. __________________ Gene ~ aka "another RI Swamp Yankee"

02-02-2009, 10:40 PM	#19
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,597 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,455 Thanked 1,979 Times in 1,080 Posts	Thanks Paul As an Alton Bay resident and loving to see the town and especially the bay being used as a family source of entertainment, the way you guys stepped up to the plate has been fantastic. With the great input you will get from the pilots and your endeavors, the Alton Bay Ice Runway will continue to be a must go destination for years. Now about trying to smooth out the waves for the seaplanes in the summer... Great job and I'll see you in the bay or at Amilyn's. Thanks again for all you do. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-03-2009, 01:38 AM	#20
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	I Appreciate and Applaud Those Whom.... have worked to keep the winter Airport in Alton Up and Running! As a long time resident, watching those planes landing and taking off on the ice has always been a winter highlight for me! Thank you all, 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

01-31-2009, 08:48 AM	#2
dbahn Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mendon, Vermont Posts: 39 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I would get aviation fuel (100 LL, i.e. 100 octane Low Lead) at the Laconia airport, which works fine but is a little more expensive. The Cub is certified to also run on auto fuel, but the ethanol causes some problems with some of the fuel components in the system, so it's best to avoid it.

02-01-2009, 02:02 PM	#5
Moss Creek Media Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New Hampton Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here are the panoramics I shot this morning out on the ice: http://www.mosscreekmedia.com/post/F...Alton-Bay.aspx Kirk

02-01-2009, 03:03 PM	#6
TexASH Pilot Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	I just got back from the fly-in... nice to see pictures of our airplanes! I love the panoramic... that's awesome! We had a great breakfast at the diner... that place really does do breakfast right! We also stopped into the store, chatted with the folks (including Brian) a bit and dropped some cash into the "airport maintenance" bucket. If anyone else flies in, PLEASE support the plow drivers! Again... we're very thankful the airport is open and appreciative of the efforts of all to open the runway this year. This n That hit the nail on the head... if you build it, we will come! We're looking forward to coming back over President's Day weekend for the festival, weather permitting. Here's a video of my flight in case anyone's interested in seeing what it's like to fly in and out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoTx0TrFADk

02-01-2009, 03:08 PM	#7
TexASH Pilot Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	The cub seemed to be the big attraction. It's a beautiful airplane. Here's the owner, Dave (dbahn) starting it up:

02-01-2009, 06:52 PM	#9
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,719 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	Wow. But he managed to pull out of it. I'd say he did ok! Must have been kind of scary for a while.

02-02-2009, 03:55 PM	#13
Moss Creek Media Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New Hampton Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Anyone know what was up with the flat tire on the green Cessna that was to the left of the J3 (in my panoramic)? Kirk

02-02-2009, 09:36 PM	#17
TexASH Pilot Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Paul!! Welcome, and THANK YOU!!! Being an airport manager is usually a thankless job... I hope we can do a good enough job changing that for you. You and the rest of the crew did a great job on the runway and those of us that flew in from all over New England (one as far away as Poughkeepsie, NY) on Sunday sincerely appreciate the effort. I hope the weather's good on the 15th, our group is itching to fly up again!

02-03-2009, 10:03 AM	#21
riverat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alton, NH Posts: 722 Thanks: 337 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Hi Paul, as the inhabitant of the tan bobhouse closest to the runway parking area with the American flag flying proudly I truly love sitting and watching the planes flying in and out. And seeing the joy on the faces of young and old looking up in amazement and saying "here comes another one!" Akso makes for great pastime when the fishing is slow. I watch you guys plow for many hours day after day to maintain the runway, and it is great to see the recognition you are receiving for it. Thank you __________________ Waking up in the morning is the greatest, everything after that is a bonus

02-03-2009, 03:32 PM	#22
rrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Winter Harbor Posts: 214 Thanks: 75 Thanked 37 Times in 14 Posts	curious Just curious - where are you flying in from?

02-02-2009, 09:23 AM	#24
dbahn Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mendon, Vermont Posts: 39 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	The wind did shift after most of us landed. I think if there was no wind at all, most people would prefer to land to the south and depart to the north. That way you are able to avoid a lot of extra taxiing, and you also avoid flying low over the town itself. The only downside is that in that situation you have planes flying towards each other if it's busy. That's perfectly legal, but best to avoid. I would agree with Andy about the need for more parking, which is a good measure of the success of the venture as well, by the way. It was fine yesterday, but I can see some real congestion if you get good weather in 2 weeks. As a pilot who's flown in twice, I can tell you that the fun is less the process of landing on ice and more that it's just a nice town with nice people. The nice little diner helps too.

02-02-2009, 10:50 AM	#25
Blue Thunder Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine Posts: 951 Thanks: 252 Thanked 351 Times in 158 Posts	Looking for another venue? Sounds like you guys had a great time. If you have any interest there will be a Fly-in on Sebago Lake in Maine, the weekend of the Sebago Lake Fishing Derby which is February 20-22. The posted guidance is here: http://www.icefishingderby.com/2009_Fly-in_Guidance.pdf The main website for the derby is here: www.icefishingderby.com Blue Thunder __________________ " Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come"

02-02-2009, 12:28 PM	#26
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,299 Thanks: 1,222 Thanked 2,082 Times in 954 Posts	When I stopped at the corner store this morning, Brian the storekeep was talking to a pilot from Hampstead, NH who had just flown in with a student pilot making his 1st ice landing. Coincidentally my wife and I were in the ice on Saturday when the same pilot flew in with another student making an ice landing. I can imagine that an ice landing must be quite an experience for a student. Brian was explaining how much coordination was required to get the runway open this year. And then there are the several folk with snowplows that created the actual runway, taxi run and parking; quite a bit of plowing. As has been noted there is an airport maintenance bucket for contributions to pay for the gas used by the plow truck guys. So if you fly in, visit the store, consider the diner or the other near by eateries and fly home safe.