Alton Bay Ice Runway

RUGMAN · 02-09-2019, 12:53 PM

Wanted to head over to Alton bay, anyone know if people are flying today?

mcdude · 02-09-2019, 02:01 PM

per their Facebook page

Quote:

Good morning. Saturday 2/9/19 Alton Bay will Remain Closed . Temp 19 Degrees Winds west gusting 30 to 35 MPH. All day. Paul LaRochelle Runway Manager!

Slickcraft · 02-09-2019, 03:21 PM

Yes too windy for small planes on an ice runway.

The runway status (open or closed) can be checked here:
https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/

Enter the airport number which is B18

NOTAMs are notices to airmen.

radar4401 · 02-10-2019, 09:56 AM

I looked on their facebook page and they are open today. No snow on runway and very smooth ice. They recommend ice cleats to walk on, it's that slippery.

Lakeboater · 02-10-2019, 12:53 PM

A plane just crashed on the runway due to a problem with the landing gear. Thankfully there were no injuries.

TCC · 02-10-2019, 02:56 PM

Is there a restaurant with a good view of the airstrip?

Slickcraft · 02-10-2019, 03:40 PM

Shibley's. Limited winter hours:

http://www.shibleysatthepier.com/

upthesaukee · 02-10-2019, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakeboater

A plane just crashed on the runway due to a problem with the landing gear. Thankfully there were no injuries.

The Piper aircraft landed on runway 19 with a tailwind, and was unable to slow down and ran out of runway. Went through a snow bank at the end of the runway which tore off the nose gear, which resulted in the prop being damaged. Pilot and two passengers goit out of the aircraft almost immediately and reportedly no injuries (thank goodness).

Dave

rsmlp · 02-11-2019, 07:23 AM

Landed with a tailwind? Major no-no.

Descant · 02-11-2019, 01:13 PM

Isn't there a windsock? Unicom?

Slickcraft · 02-11-2019, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Isn't there a windsock? Unicom?

there is a windsock.

upthesaukee · 02-11-2019, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Isn't there a windsock? Unicom?

Besides a windsock and a flag on the "floating bandstand ", the are some other flags in and around the bay.

No unicom, however a check on Laconia (LCI) weather or Rochester (Skyhaven) weather would have indicated that runway 01 would be the favored runway.

Unfortunately, the pilot had never landed here before and was probably not aware of the lack of braking on glare ice.

Dave

Denis D · 02-11-2019, 04:36 PM

Runway 19 is a bad choice anyway, very little chance for a late go-around given the obstacle clearance required.

Denis D

Lakeboater · 02-11-2019, 05:53 PM

Driving thru the bay today I did not see the disabled plane. Anyone know how they were able to remove it so quickly? Dave? And how.

mcdude · 02-11-2019, 06:15 PM

video seen on WMUR ...video by Anne Morrell

https://www.wcvb.com/article/plane-s...unway/26290976

Slickcraft · 02-11-2019, 07:01 PM

Yes the plane was gone mid afternoon today. In past incidents the process was remove the wings (if possible) and transport on flatbed truck. With a prop strike that probably means engine removal and tare down then inspection. Maybe they can do that at Laconia. Good no injuries

Slickcraft · 02-13-2019, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Yes the plane was gone mid afternoon today. In past incidents the process was remove the wings (if possible) and transport on flatbed truck. With a prop strike that probably means engine removal and tare down then inspection. Maybe they can do that at Laconia. Good no injuries

Wrong, the plane is still there parked in the F&G boat launch lot at the tip of the bay.

Slickcraft · 02-17-2019, 06:04 PM

Full house today. We were impressed with the efforts of the local crew both in preparation of the runway/parking and the management of so may aircraft.

mcdude · 02-17-2019, 06:24 PM

Thanks, Slickcraft

I was hoping someone would post some pics. Were you there for the bed race? Who won?

Slickcraft · 02-17-2019, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

Thanks, Slickcraft

I was hoping someone would post some pics. Were you there for the bed race? Who won?

We were disappointed that the bed race was cancelled. My conjecture is that there was just too much airplane traffic to shut down air operations for the race to take place. They would have had to use a section of the runway or taxi way. We have never seen so many planes there. And cars were parked all the way up to Sandy Point.
WMUR had coverage.
https://www.wmur.com/article/hundred...nival/26381856

smith point boater · 02-18-2019, 06:43 AM

You mean Sandy Point???

Slickcraft · 02-18-2019, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith point boater

You mean Sandy Point???

Yes Sandy Point

upthesaukee · 02-18-2019, 08:14 AM

From the Alton Bay Seaplane Base and Ice Runway FB page:

Was a fantastic Day today in Alton BayWinter Carnival was awesome. And the airport could not have been better. I believe we had a record breaking day on the Runway we had approximately 150 Aircraft in and out of the airport. I believe busiest airport in New Hampshire for the day!!!!!

Sorry the bed race couldn't be held. Perhaps next year the winter Carnival folks can plow off a section of ice to hold the event.

Dave

ghfromaltonbay · 02-18-2019, 09:38 AM

Due to the great turnout for the Winter Carnival, the parking was worse than for the July 3rd fireworks. The cars were parked past Sandy Point, and people were walking 2 or 3 abreast in the road. I parked up at the ABCCC, but I liked a suggestion someone mentioned on the Alton Community Facebook page:. Have parking at the school and provide shuttle service. The turnout yesterday was great to see. The weather was perfect, and there was enough snow on the lake to make walking less treacherous. Had my Yak Trax on & never slipped once.

JADAQ · 02-18-2019, 01:01 PM

Not quite sure why the highway department couldn’t have plowed all of the new parking lot that they had to have, to accommodate all the people. Huge safety issue as people parked on the back bay bridge were way out in the road, absolutely ridiculous especially with people walking in the road it brought that section down to one lane of traffic.

Seaplane Pilot · 02-18-2019, 06:24 PM

https://youtu.be/ydeznNNAYaY

Descant · 02-18-2019, 11:26 PM

All these planes seem to have wheels. Does anybody fly in-out with skis? I'll always remember my first flight with skis, out of Merrymeeting field, landing on the un-marked bay on the coast of Bowdoinham, Maine. J-3 Cub, 1974.

joey2665 · 02-19-2019, 06:23 AM

Just awesome I am so sorry I couldn’t make the festival this year

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Cindido · 02-19-2019, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

All these planes seem to have wheels. Does anybody fly in-out with skis? I'll always remember my first flight with skis, out of Merrymeeting field, landing on the un-marked bay on the coast of Bowdoinham, Maine. J-3 Cub, 1974.

Yes, I saw at least one plane with skis

chachee52 · 03-09-2019, 01:31 PM

Just got back from q couple hours of hanging out at the airport. Big crowd and saw that today is the last day of it being open. My 2 yo and father-in-law had a great time watching planes and helicopters landing and taking off. So get down there now or wait till next year!! I might try to go after the kid's nap to see them all take off.

upthesaukee · 03-09-2019, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chachee52

Just got back from q couple hours of hanging out at the airport. Big crowd and saw that today is the last day of it being open. My 2 yo and father-in-law had a great time watching planes and helicopters landing and taking off. So get down there now or wait till next year!! I might try to go after the kid's nap to see them all take off.

Too bad they have to close, but given the bad weather tomorrow and then the warmer temperatures forecasted for the coming week, it makes sense. They cannot stay open later than March 15 anyway.

Congratulations to Airport Manager Paul Larochelle and his all volunteer crew for yet another job well done.

Dave

02-09-2019, 12:53 PM	#1
RUGMAN Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: weirs beach, Posts: 304 Thanks: 39 Thanked 39 Times in 32 Posts	Alton Bay Ice Runway Wanted to head over to Alton bay, anyone know if people are flying today?

02-10-2019, 09:56 AM	#4
radar4401 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 59 Thanks: 2 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	Alton Runway I looked on their facebook page and they are open today. No snow on runway and very smooth ice. They recommend ice cleats to walk on, it's that slippery.

02-10-2019, 12:53 PM	#5
Lakeboater Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 394 Thanks: 20 Thanked 131 Times in 94 Posts	Crash A plane just crashed on the runway due to a problem with the landing gear. Thankfully there were no injuries.

02-11-2019, 01:13 PM	#10
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,364 Thanks: 1,351 Thanked 1,624 Times in 1,056 Posts	aids? Isn't there a windsock? Unicom?

02-11-2019, 04:36 PM	#13
Denis D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 52 Thanks: 5 Thanked 23 Times in 17 Posts	Runway 19 is a bad choice anyway, very little chance for a late go-around given the obstacle clearance required. Denis D __________________ Denis in NJ

02-09-2019, 03:21 PM	#3
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,305 Thanks: 1,227 Thanked 2,098 Times in 957 Posts	Yes too windy for small planes on an ice runway. The runway status (open or closed) can be checked here: https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/ Enter the airport number which is B18 NOTAMs are notices to airmen.

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LarryLesch (02-12-2019)

02-10-2019, 02:56 PM	#6
TCC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 153 Thanks: 256 Thanked 72 Times in 30 Posts	Is there a restaurant with a good view of the airstrip?

02-10-2019, 03:40 PM	#7
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,305 Thanks: 1,227 Thanked 2,098 Times in 957 Posts	Shibley's. Limited winter hours: http://www.shibleysatthepier.com/

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TCC (02-10-2019)

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02-11-2019, 07:23 AM	#9
rsmlp Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 474 Thanks: 5 Thanked 164 Times in 84 Posts	Landed with a tailwind? Major no-no.

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Descant (02-11-2019)

02-11-2019, 05:53 PM	#14
Lakeboater Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 394 Thanks: 20 Thanked 131 Times in 94 Posts	Plane gone Driving thru the bay today I did not see the disabled plane. Anyone know how they were able to remove it so quickly? Dave? And how.

02-11-2019, 06:15 PM	#15
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	video seen on WMUR ...video by Anne Morrell https://www.wcvb.com/article/plane-s...unway/26290976 __________________

02-11-2019, 07:01 PM	#16
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,305 Thanks: 1,227 Thanked 2,098 Times in 957 Posts	Yes the plane was gone mid afternoon today. In past incidents the process was remove the wings (if possible) and transport on flatbed truck. With a prop strike that probably means engine removal and tare down then inspection. Maybe they can do that at Laconia. Good no injuries

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upthesaukee (02-13-2019)

02-17-2019, 06:04 PM	#18
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,305 Thanks: 1,227 Thanked 2,098 Times in 957 Posts	Full house today. We were impressed with the efforts of the local crew both in preparation of the runway/parking and the management of so may aircraft. Attached Images

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Cobalt 25 (02-23-2019)

02-17-2019, 06:24 PM	#19
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	Thanks, Slickcraft I was hoping someone would post some pics. Were you there for the bed race? Who won? __________________

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The Real BigGuy (02-19-2019)

02-18-2019, 06:43 AM	#21
smith point boater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Alton,NH Posts: 210 Thanks: 336 Thanked 95 Times in 54 Posts	?? You mean Sandy Point???

02-18-2019, 08:14 AM	#23
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,600 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,461 Thanked 1,983 Times in 1,083 Posts	A record for planes From the Alton Bay Seaplane Base and Ice Runway FB page: Was a fantastic Day today in Alton BayWinter Carnival was awesome. And the airport could not have been better. I believe we had a record breaking day on the Runway we had approximately 150 Aircraft in and out of the airport. I believe busiest airport in New Hampshire for the day!!!!! Sorry the bed race couldn't be held. Perhaps next year the winter Carnival folks can plow off a section of ice to hold the event. Dave __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

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Slickcraft (02-18-2019)

02-18-2019, 09:38 AM	#24
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 827 Thanks: 255 Thanked 225 Times in 131 Posts	Parking Due to the great turnout for the Winter Carnival, the parking was worse than for the July 3rd fireworks. The cars were parked past Sandy Point, and people were walking 2 or 3 abreast in the road. I parked up at the ABCCC, but I liked a suggestion someone mentioned on the Alton Community Facebook page:. Have parking at the school and provide shuttle service. The turnout yesterday was great to see. The weather was perfect, and there was enough snow on the lake to make walking less treacherous. Had my Yak Trax on & never slipped once.

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gravy boat (02-19-2019)

02-18-2019, 01:01 PM	#25
JADAQ Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 198 Thanks: 4 Thanked 66 Times in 43 Posts	Not quite sure why the highway department couldn’t have plowed all of the new parking lot that they had to have, to accommodate all the people. Huge safety issue as people parked on the back bay bridge were way out in the road, absolutely ridiculous especially with people walking in the road it brought that section down to one lane of traffic.

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bigpatsfan (02-18-2019)

02-18-2019, 06:24 PM	#26
Seaplane Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,177 Thanks: 664 Thanked 943 Times in 368 Posts	Cool video https://youtu.be/ydeznNNAYaY

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02-18-2019, 11:26 PM	#27
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,364 Thanks: 1,351 Thanked 1,624 Times in 1,056 Posts	Skis? All these planes seem to have wheels. Does anybody fly in-out with skis? I'll always remember my first flight with skis, out of Merrymeeting field, landing on the un-marked bay on the coast of Bowdoinham, Maine. J-3 Cub, 1974.

02-19-2019, 06:23 AM	#28
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,009 Times in 649 Posts	Just awesome I am so sorry I couldn’t make the festival this year Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

03-09-2019, 01:31 PM	#30
chachee52 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 452 Thanks: 6 Thanked 94 Times in 73 Posts	Just got back from q couple hours of hanging out at the airport. Big crowd and saw that today is the last day of it being open. My 2 yo and father-in-law had a great time watching planes and helicopters landing and taking off. So get down there now or wait till next year!! I might try to go after the kid's nap to see them all take off.

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