Ice Airport?
 

Anyone know if the Alton Bay Ice Airport will be operating this year? I think Ossipee Valley Aviation used to have a lot to do with it, and their web site (along with flyaltonbay.com) is down. I know OVA pulled out as the fixed base operator at Skyhaven in Rochester, but I didn't think they went out of business. If so, how will this affect Alton Bay?

Probably not open this year
 

I talked with a person associated with O. V. A. last year, and was told they probably would not be involved with the airport any longer for several reasons.

Setting up, getting approvals, and maintaining it was time consuming, with no monetary reward...simply a labor of love.

Weather being not cooperative over the past few years.

Ice fishing inside the airport safety zones established around the perimeter of the airport area (Alton Bay Runway was as much an airport as Laconia, as far as safety zones are concerned.)

Snowmobiles running up and down the runway, or crossing the runway, especially when there was standing water on runway surface, which caused damage to the surface, and when it froze, was then a hazard to planes landing.

Cars parked and people standing too close to runway.

It is too bad, because the aircraft landing and taking off drew people down to the bay and provided some increase benefit to the businesses in the bay. The fly-in by AANH in conjuction with the winter carnival on President's day weekend made for a great day on the bay.

Call it burnout, call it frustration, apply whatever term you want, but unfortunately it appears that it just isn't worth it anymore.

Thanks OVA for all you did in the past.

The runway is there..
 

Checking the Alton Bay Cam this morning, it looks like the runway is plowed on the Bay.

BT

Yes it does -- see picture.

Not by OVA
 

I spoke with one of the members of the Alton Business Association (ABA), who are one of the co-sponsors of the Winter Carnival.

It was one (or more) of their members who plowed. They have been talking with the FAA about the airport, and they need a "manager".

I can not tell from the picture or by driving by the end of the bay if they have the safe zones from the taxiway to the runway and from the runway to the parking area. It also looks like the end of the runway is farther away from the bandstand than usual, which puts it closer to the boat houses which have bubblers going and usually have a fair amount of open water in front.

I hope they get someone out from the FAA to make sure that all safe zones are present, and then I hope that those with whom the airport shares the ice will respect those zones and keep off the runways, taxiways, and parking areas.

I second that!!
 

"I hope they get someone out from the FAA to make sure that all safe zones are present, and then I hope that those with whom the airport shares the ice will respect those zones and keep off the runways, taxiways, and parking areas."

very well said, "UPTHESAUKEE" :)<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Plowing on Alton Bay
 

I went through Alton Bay on Monday and saw that the plows were working on the ice. My father in law said it was probably for ice racing, but it looked like a runway to me!

New poster here, a pilot Googling "Alton Bay ice runway".

Looks like the ice runway is officially open, thanks to the efforts of one of your local enthusiasts, Paul Rochelle. There was an email sent out from the Bureau of Aeronautics. (I edited the link to make it work.)



A group of us (pilots) on a discussion board are very excited that Paul (and I presume some friends) have taken on the task of plowing and maintaining the runway. I flew in there in my Piper Cub last year and was looking forward to doing it again when it closed for the season. A group of us is already planning to meet there this Sunday for breakfast, weather permitting.

Thanks to anyone and everyone who is involved in this. We are very appreciative and are anxious to support the effort any way we can. I called Tricia Lambert yesterday and thanked her for anything she has done to support it. Looking forward to dropping in this weekend, probably in the Cub...

Dave Bahnson

Best News I've Heared All Winter
 

Thank you dbahn, business will be picking up at the Alton Webcams! I have many friends around the world that have been waiting for this great news!

Winterfest?
 

Are they still planning on holding a winterfest in Alton Bay this year? I have enjoyed coming up to visit the Winterfest and watch the activity at the Alton Bay Airport.

Dave: I am a resident of Alton Bay and I also applaud the locals who wanted to see the airport open, both for the flying public and our businesses in the bay.

Since Ossipee Valley Aviation got out to the business, it looked for a while like the ice runway would be a thing of the past.

If you follow this link: http://www.newhampshirelakesandmount...2009.01.22.pdf

you will see a picture of the guys plowing the runway.

and this link: http://www.newhampshirelakesandmount...2009.01.29.pdf

a picture of a plane parked.

Just watch closely on your approach...power lines along side rte 11 with orange balls (right at the end of the bay), and of course watch for the snowmobiles, vehicles, and people in close proximity to the runway.

Keep the rubber side down, the shiny side up, may you find plenty of runway ahead of you and sky above you. See you in Alton Bay.

Dave C.

PS there will be a winter fest President's day weekend on the Sunday. Some events for most the of the day, but some only from 1-3 PM.

Alton Bay Airport
 

Alton Bay Cam showed 3 planes parked on the ice in Alton Bay Monday mid-afternoon.

From the Baysider 1/29/09

Adding on the dbahn's post:

There are several pilots and planes that are planning on flying in this Sunday morning. For me, this will be my first time visiting and operating on an ice runway, and I'm glad for the opportunity. Many thanks to Paul, Roger, Steve and Andrews Marine!

Thanks!!
 

Many thanks to everyone that had a hand in getting Alton Bay open this year.

I've flown into the ice runway at Alton Bay a few times, and it's always the highlight of an otherwise dreary Wintery flying season. It's really a unique experience and one of my favorite destinations in New England.

This Sunday, a group of very excited pilots will be visiting B18, some for the first time. We'd discussed the possibility of a fly-in event at B18 earlier in the year and were very disappointed to hear the news that Ossipee Valley Aviation had gone out of business and it looked like the ice runway was a thing of the past.

Again... thank you for opening the Alton Bay ice runway!! Your efforts are very much appreciated!

When are you guys planning on flying in on sunday? I've been wanting to take some photos of the planes landing and taking off on the ice.

Will you be on skis or wheels?

Kirk

I think the target time is 10:30 and the list of planes from our group seems to be up to about 6 or 7 so far, all on wheels except for maybe one on skis.

I have only watched the "Airport" in operation once but it is quite a sight to see. I wish I could be there to see it this year.

If you do fly in, Brian at the corner store in Alton Bay can fill you in as to who was involved in getting the ice airport open this year.

If any of you want a hot beverage, stop by the tan bobhouse closest to the plane parking area. I'll have a pot of hot water going.

Great... thanks for that! I'll be sure and stop in.

Does anyone know if there is autogas (non alcohol added) available within walking distance of the airport? I can use that in the Cub, although I can also just fly over to Laconia as well.

I'll be coming in in little red and white plane....if you make my landing look good on video, I'll buy a copy! ;)

No, the Alton Village Store (about 1 mile walk) recently had to go over to 10% methanol.

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

Where is no ethanol gas
 

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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

Kirk

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

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

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

http://www.likekeohana.com/dave_start_cub.jpg

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

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

Feedback for the crew
 

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 [email protected].

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?

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.;)

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

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.