Alton Bay Ice Runway NH
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2018 5:33 pm
After years of missed opportunities I finally got the chance to fly into Alton Bay today. I've had to cancel a few attempts already this year due to winds and snow closing the runway. Actually the runway was closed this morning and was scheduled to stay closed till tomorrow due to the rains last weekend still not freezing solid. They had up to 7" puddles along the edges of the runway, taxiway and ramp area. I was surprised to see their Facebook page suddenly proclaim it was open at midday. So I called my Dad and Father in Law and we loaded up and took off to the northeast for the 1:15 flight up from CT.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/254 ... 99c5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="5C71FFAF-CAA1-436E-86CE-CD9ADB2CAEF2"></a><script></script>
We had good tailwinds and arrived in no time. After announcing our arrival into the area on 122.8, Bob gave us an updated ice condition report. The temps were rather warm and the ice was still relatively soft and wet after the rain. But the winds were light and variable so I decided to give landing on 19 a shot. We touched down straight and I just kept it tracking without using brakes at all ready to advance the throttle if needed for directional control or a go around. We slowed to a walking pace and continued down the runway to the parking area. It was fun slowly sliding around the turns with power as the brakes were barely effective. We slid sideways into our parking spot.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/254 ... 054a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="13659288-56B6-4A32-9E2E-9E2D24513B67"></a><script></script>
I shut down and we headed onto shore for a quick lunch and to do some Valentines Day shopping at the Facet Jewelry store. That way I'm sure to come back again.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4714/254 ... 22f9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="1F8D3A56-B0BF-4BCB-8D62-ECD9C8E1A14F"></a><script></script>
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/254 ... 10cb_c.jpg" width="800" height="663" alt="4BCBF580-4A84-4943-9BE0-268F3B6AB870"></a><script></script>
The ground support is great with friendly folks all along the street and public bathrooms on just the other side. With the runway opening on short notice we were the only ones on the ice during our time there although we did hear a few others approaching shortly after our departure.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4652/254 ... 9f4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="E0ACD8C4-282F-4140-9FB4-F58DB6F5CC28"></a><script></script>
The takeoff was pretty routine other than a low power run up on the taxi out no brakes and easing into takeoff power until the rudder became effective. I was really hoping to have a set of skis for this season but this trip helped reduce the itch just a bit anyway. The Recreational Aviation Foundation is planning a fly in next weekend so I may just be back again. If you get the chance I recommend trying it out before the ice melts and you have to wait till next year. It happens all too soon
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/254 ... 8669_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="5E14DEAC-5C22-4D84-98AC-E93FBB2547C4"></a><script></script>
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/254 ... 99c5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="5C71FFAF-CAA1-436E-86CE-CD9ADB2CAEF2"></a><script></script>
We had good tailwinds and arrived in no time. After announcing our arrival into the area on 122.8, Bob gave us an updated ice condition report. The temps were rather warm and the ice was still relatively soft and wet after the rain. But the winds were light and variable so I decided to give landing on 19 a shot. We touched down straight and I just kept it tracking without using brakes at all ready to advance the throttle if needed for directional control or a go around. We slowed to a walking pace and continued down the runway to the parking area. It was fun slowly sliding around the turns with power as the brakes were barely effective. We slid sideways into our parking spot.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/254 ... 054a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="13659288-56B6-4A32-9E2E-9E2D24513B67"></a><script></script>
I shut down and we headed onto shore for a quick lunch and to do some Valentines Day shopping at the Facet Jewelry store. That way I'm sure to come back again.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4714/254 ... 22f9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="1F8D3A56-B0BF-4BCB-8D62-ECD9C8E1A14F"></a><script></script>
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/254 ... 10cb_c.jpg" width="800" height="663" alt="4BCBF580-4A84-4943-9BE0-268F3B6AB870"></a><script></script>
The ground support is great with friendly folks all along the street and public bathrooms on just the other side. With the runway opening on short notice we were the only ones on the ice during our time there although we did hear a few others approaching shortly after our departure.
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4652/254 ... 9f4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="E0ACD8C4-282F-4140-9FB4-F58DB6F5CC28"></a><script></script>
The takeoff was pretty routine other than a low power run up on the taxi out no brakes and easing into takeoff power until the rudder became effective. I was really hoping to have a set of skis for this season but this trip helped reduce the itch just a bit anyway. The Recreational Aviation Foundation is planning a fly in next weekend so I may just be back again. If you get the chance I recommend trying it out before the ice melts and you have to wait till next year. It happens all too soon
<a><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/254 ... 8669_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="5E14DEAC-5C22-4D84-98AC-E93FBB2547C4"></a><script></script>
