Alton Bay, NH Seaplane base and Ice runway “B18”
As many of you know the Alton Bay Ice runway has been in operation for many years. It has had various sponsors. For many years the Aviation Association of NH promoted it as an annual association fly in. Alas the modern times have caught up with us and the association was forced to stop promoting it as a sponsored fly in due to insurance and liability concerns.
Here is the good news. A local group of Alton Bay business owners lead by Paul La Rochelle have stepped forward to open and maintain the runway. The NHDOT lead by Trish Lambert is also supporting this unique airport by supplying the necessary equipment to maintain the runway, taxi way and parking area. Your association plans to donate to the airports support from our general fund.
The local business and residents of Alton Bay are very supportive of the airport. Paul reports that on a good weekend 30 - 40 planes fly in for breakfast and or lunch and the locals gather to watch the planes.
Here is how it works:
When the ice in the bay reaches @ 12 inches in thickness and the runway is plowed and ready for use Mike Pouliot of the NHDOT visits the sight and if everything is in order the runway is opened.
This usually happens around the 10th of January. From that point on NOTAMS are posted at (pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/pilotweb/) by Paul to keep everyone abreast of the ice conditions, runway length and width, and if the runway is open. Large snow storms and warm weather can impact the operation. There is also a local phone number, 603-875-3498, with a recording that provides up to the date information. If you are planning to fly to Alton Bay simply call before you launch!
The runway is typically maintained to 3000 ft and 90 – 100 ft wide. Taxi ways are also maintained and there is parking for about 20 - 30 planes.
While there is not a specific date for an official fly in Paul says that a great time to fly into “B18” is during the Alton Bay Winter Carnival. This year’s event is scheduled for February 19th. Hope to see you there!!
Here are some local restaurants that are in walking distance:
JP China Restaurant
Shibley’s Restaurant - lunch and dinner (opening weekends starting Jan 27th)
Bay Diner - breakfast and lunch
Amy Lyn’s Corner Convenient Store – serves coffee, breakfast sandwiches and lunch specials.
Donation cans to help support the airport are placed at various locations– please help out!
Thx,
David DeVries, President
Aviation Association of NH
www.Newhampshirepilots.org