A cautionary tale for those who are upset about sea planes on the lake...
 

While this is not a Winnipesaukee event, I do think it is relevant due to the number of posters who have an issue with sea planes landing on the lake. A lady in Alaska was upset for some reason with a sea plane taxiing to take off with paying passengers. The articles below summarize the story pretty well. Basically she has had to relinquish her mariner's license, faces jail time and steep fines for her actions. Be careful out there.

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/20...deral-charges/


https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/20...i7sziq6r1ozjpc

I don't think anyone has objected to sea planes on the lake in general, only to setting up a situation where there could be a significant increase in a crowded area.

I also don't think any of us are nuts (except...maybe...) :rolleye2:

Nevertheless, an interesting story. I objected to the Pier 19 runway idea, but I have zero sympathy for the captain, and in a way she got off lightly. That was worse than negligent, somebody could have been badly hurt

Lol, I had to reread my post to make sure I didn't say anyone here is "nuts", I don't think that. But it is easy to make bad decisions in the heat of a moment, I don't think that lady has been sentenced yet, will update if I see she has.

I wasn't too concerned about the "traffic" as most every time we've been in 19-Mile Bay, there's been plenty of space for both planes and boats.

My issue was the alteration and use of a public (taxpayer supported) property by a private (personally profiting) business while simultaneously reducing public access to an already limited resource.

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Yes your argument to the issue was sound.... some others however....

In the end I think, the person really requesting the runway, and potential seaplane base, got what he wanted, the ability to refuel his plane outside of his home, and lake that may not have been ideal for a heavy take off...

As many know -- Winni once had "Designated" Landing area's around the Lake and were noted on the Navigation charts.

One I remember quite well was in Paugus Bay down near the Margate.

My 1962chart shows two in Paugus Bay and Two in Winter Harbor. I remember similar air strips in Weirs/Meredith from earlier charts. There were sea plane hangars next to where the beach was constructed at the Weirs.

Yes indeed: I had my first airplane flight on that seaplane.