B18, Alton Bay ice runway.
The Ice Runway opened January 31st this year.
It's the only FAA certified ice runway in the lower 48 states.
Alton Bay seaplane port is located on the south west corner of lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
They open when the ice is over 12 inches thick and will stay open as long as it stays over 12 inches. It's usually stays open for 3 weeks. This year the runway is 2900ft long.
I've been 3 times this year in the Cherokee. Jan 31st, Feb 3rd, and Feb 14th.
Each time the runway was very different. On the 31st the temp was around 9F, and calm winds. Grip not bad.
The 3rd the temp was low 20s with calm winds. Grip was a bit less.
Today It was about 30F with variable winds, 2-4 kts. Grip was much less, as expected.
If anyone is in range I recommend it! Very interesting and fun!
Short field procedure's and no brakes until very slow.
This last time I got my certificate and "ice chip" (poker chip)
Comments
Mach, thanks that's pretty cool information. Carl
50yrs A/P IA DAL A/C inspector. 172N Rotax IRMT 912/914
Well worth the trip. A good short field landing will have you adding throttle at midfield to reach the end of the runway where the taxiway begins. It is well staffed which made it easier to park and more comfortable taxing to and from parking. If you’re thinking about trying it I would go on a weekday. I have heard weekends can get busy in the pattern with very long extended downwinds common because departing planes, entry to parking lot from taxiway and landing all need to cycle in small groups.