March 1, 2014 - Landing on an Ice Runway
Alton Bay, New Hampshire
|
|
I've wanted to land on the ice runway at Alton Bay, New Hampshire for years. It was determined to make it happen this year. It's been cold enough, that's for sure.
Last weekend, the Alton Bay ice runway was closed due to too much snow; the ice was plenty thick -- twenty inches -- but they couldn't plow it. But they said if it got cold enough, they'd be able to plow. It did get cold, and sure enough, the runway was open for this weekend. I was going to go Friday, but it was too cold and windy. So Bruce and I ended up going Saturday. It was still cold, but not ridiculous cold, and in fact the weather was excellent across the entire northeast.
We took off around 9:30 AM. Here we are crossing the Susquehanna River into Pennsylvania. From here, we were over snow the rest of the way.
|
| |
 |
|
|
Pottstown is always easy to spot on a clear day, thanks to the two nuclear power plant stacks. Pottstown Heritage Airport can be seen to the right of the stacks.
|
| |
 |
|
| We cruised up the west side of Philadelphia and crossed the Hudson River at West Point. This shot is looking down at the U.S. Military Academy. |
| |
 |
|
|
Looking south down the Hudson River. Too misty to see New York City.
|
| |
 |
|
| Crossing the Connecticut River, passing from Massachusetts into New Hampshire. We enjoyed a strong tailwind the entire trip up and averaged over 200 mph groundspeed. |
| |
 |
|
| Passing by Mount Monadnock which is distinctive from the air because it stands alone. |
| |
 |
|
| Approaching Lake Winnipesaukee and it's finger Alton Bay. |
| |
 |
|
|
Alton Bay is in the center of the picture.
|
| |
 |
|
| As we get closer, the runway becomes visible. |
| |
 |
|
|
There's a good look.
|
| |
 |
|
| The ice runway has a separate taxi-way and ramp area no less. I'm on a crosswind leg about to turn on a left downwind. We are looking north here and will be landing to the south. It's always a good idea to land into the wind. Even more so when its an ice runway. |
| |
 |
|
| Turning to a long final for runway 19. |
| |
 |
|
|
I was a little nervous about landing on the ice but it was uneventful. I didn't touch the brakes and just let the RV roll down the runway until we were at a walking speed. Then we taxiied to the ramp area. It was when I was taxiing that I felt the effects of the ice. I had to use the brakes to turn and even then I was sort of "urging" the plane to go into the direction I wanted. I taxiied very slow so I wouldn't slide into the other planes.
Care was required getting down from the wing on to the slippery ice.
|
| |
 |
|
|
Bruce wishes he had brought a heavier coat.
|
| |
 |
|
| At least ten planes had landed ahead of us. |
| |
 |
|
|
Bruce used to own a Tripacer like this.
|
| |
 |
|
| Looking west at the town and marina. |
| |
 |
|
| The temperature was in the low 20's and I was worried about the engine getting cold while we were at lunch. So I brought an old space blanket and thick regular blanket to wrap around the cowl. It worked great. When we returned an hour and half later, the cowl was still warm to the touch. |
| |
 |
|
| |
| Paul is the guy who maintains the ice runway. This is his truck and plow. |
| |
 |
|
|
The Marina restaurant, Shibleys, where we had a hot lunch. Recommended.
|
| |
 |
|
|
Looking at the ice ramp from the restaurant. A bunch of Cubs came in after us.
|
| |
 |
|
| Quite a few ice fishing houses were on the Bay. |
| |
 |
|
| Snow machines pulling an ice house to a new location. |
| |
 |
|
| Looking at all the planes that landed after us. |
| |
 |
|
|
To take off into the wind, I had to taxi the length of the runway which took forever because I had to take it so slow.
|
| |
 |
|
| This Bonanza landed while we were taxiing. |
| |
 |
|
|
Heading home, we had to fly into the wind that had been our friend on the journey up. We stopped for fuel at Jaffrey Silver Ranch Airport (KAFN).
|
| |
 |
|
| The Silver Ranch airport after a not very good landing thanks to a crosszwind. Even though we were 50 nm south of Alton Bay, it seemed colder here. |
| |
 |
|
| Approaching the Hudson River and West Point. |
| |
 |
|
| |
| We were to the west of New York City and outside of all their Class B airspace when we noticed this big jet coming towards us. We actually descended a thousand feet just to be safe. As you can see, it's a big 747. |
| |
 |
|
|
Just after crossing the Susquehanna. The ground is no longer snow covered.
|
| |
 |
|
|
Our route of flight. So, check off another item on the bucket list. Good trip. Something new. I'd recommend landing on the ice to any pilot. It was fun.
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|