Flight to New Hampshire's Ice Runway

A couple years back Phil and I attempted a flight to the ice runway in Alton Bay, NH. Approaching the airport we found the early arrival of spring like temperatures had created open water along the shoreline. A low pass was all we dared and then headed over to Laconia for lunch.

Monday, thanks to a warming Arctic, slowing of the polar jet and everyones' favorite "Polar Vortex" keeping us in the cold this season, we were assured of a solidly frozen lake Winnipesaukee.

On this morning the low was -8 in Syracuse and -12 in Hamilton. Even a couple hours later as we were pulling Phil's plane out, the temperature was around zero. While cold weather is great for ice runways, it isn't for airplane engines. Phil's propane pre-heat wasn't enough to overcome the cold. A couple electric heaters placed right in the engine compartment gave just enough warmth to allow a start.

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Started and taxiing over to the fuel pumps.

Settling into cruise at 5,500 we cross the Mohawk River and Thruway at St. Johnsville.

Lake George in the distance as we approach the Hudson Valley in smooth air. 

It is cold in the plane. We can see our breath. At one point Phil's breath landed on his GPS and the screen iced over! I'm glad I decided to wear a sweatshirt under my coat. Four layers on my upper half, long-johns under my pants below, double socks and yet my legs were starting to shake by the end of the flight. 

Checking the OAT, Phil said it was -10. Being a wise guy I responded, "and it's probably even colder outside..."

Mountains in VT

Originally, we had planned on making this flight on Sunday to coincide with the Ice Festival in Alton Bay but a storm system moving up the coast would have made crossing the mountains difficult or impossible with mountain tops obscured in clouds. Also, strong winds would have made for an uncomfortable ride as well as gusty difficult conditions on the surface.

Even a day later with this weather system moved off to the northeast there was still significant NNW winds aloft. Forecasts called for 40 kts @ 6,000'. These winds required a significant correction and made our 2.5 hour flight take 3 hours.

Looking out my side window I could see that we were moving towards a point to the right of the nose. It wasn't until we got over the mountains where the terrain gave some real depth to the view that I realized just how much the winds were pushing us. I've seen this before, but looking out the front and seeing the hills moving sideways across the nose was amazing.

Approaching downwind at Laconia, NH

We decided to stop for fuel at Laconia before heading on to Alton Bay. I was looking forward to a rest stop and warming up in inside rather than on a giant ice cube of a lake.

Phil's 140 in a heated hangar

It was a good decision to stop at Laconia first. The engine wouldn't even turn over so we could taxi to the fuel pumps. Fortunately the FBO Emerson Aviation was there to help. Their mechanic guided Phil's plane into a heated hangar, pulled the battery to charge and tested the electrical system while with the use of the airport courtesy car we went for lunch in town.

Phil and mechanic discussing electrical system

The mechanic said we should have turned off the master when we realized there was a problem with charging. This would have reset the alternator charging circuit. With a tester connected the system showed it was charging at near 14V when started.

Turning onto a wind blown runway 28

It was late afternoon as we taxied out. With gusty winds that would be a crosswind at Alton Bay and the sun already low in the sky, we agreed that we would try another time.

Looking north with Mt Washington in the distance

Departing Laconia and watching Mt Washington in the distance my camera can't capture the feeling of how imposing this 6,288' mountain looks, even 50 miles away. After completing my 46er here in New York I will have to climb this. Before then, maybe an airplane ride to explore and photograph.

Okemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, VT

(I used Google Earth to identify this ski area)

Hudson Falls, Glens Falls and Lake George

The sun is approaching the horizon for us, but for those on the ground it has already set. Colors from The Belt of Venus, the line separating sunlight and sunset, is visible sloping upwards to the east.

Phil in the setting sun

By evening the winds aloft over New York have subsided. We are now making good speed with our ground speed nearing our airspeed of 107 mph.

Looking west over Herkimer, Mohawk, Illion, Frankfort with Utica and Oneida Lake beyond.

Phil's panel as we descend into Hamilton

Final for runway 17 at Hamilton

Back at the hangar

I have a camera flash version of this image, but I prefer the much closer to real look of natural light.

Thanks again Phil for a great flight. Try again,

maybe the "third times' the charm..."

International Cessna 120/140 Association

September 18 at Sky Manor (N40) near Pittstown, NJ

Phil called me Tuesday afternoon as I was readying my Cessna 150 for a local flight. He was online and had just discovered that the Cessna 120/140 Association's fly-in was starting the next day, and rather than some distant location it was only 1:45 from Hamilton where his 140 is based.

At first I said 'no', not wanting to take the time off or the expense of staying out of town for a couple days. But when he said it was just for the day I couldn't pass it up.

I worked the night before and even did some overtime in the morning before making the one hour drive from Syracuse to Hamilton. Phil was already at the airport when I arrived at 8:00 am. A quick change of clothes for me and with camera in hand I was ready to go.

The weather was perfect for the flight. A high pressure ridge over the eastern US kept skies clear and with light winds aloft the ride was smooth as glass.

Departing Hamilton we found fog filling many of the valleys through southern NY and into PA.

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Looking south over the nose with a direct path towards Sky Manor 139nm distant

Norwich airport was partially hidden

The skyline of NYC is visible in the distance on this cropped photo

Fog was slowly pouring through the Delaware Water Gap and evaporating.

Sky Manor airport was now only 25 miles distant and we covered this distance quickly in a well timed descent that brought us across the airport and right into the downwind leg.

On final for 29 at Sky Manor

Phil taxied up onto the grass parking area to join about a dozen and a half Cessna 120s & 140s already there.

Phil's teal and white Cessna 140

Phil at the Association tent

Only one person with a question?...

 A few of the beautiful planes that flew in for the event.

NC3128N

NC3600V

Panel of NC3600V

This aircraft was so shiny that from certain angles it was almost invisible.

I was surprised to find someone from Baldwinsville, NY was in attendance. B'ville is only about 15 miles from my home.

Not all the aircraft were as well cared for. This Cessna 170 tied out in the elements looks like it hasn't been touched in years

Lichen on the horizontal stabilizer...

and a toad on the wing!

A van carried a half dozen of us into Frenchtown for lunch. In town everyone headed off in different directions. Phil and I sat outside a small cafe for a relaxing lunch.

Arriving back at the airport we reviewed the line of planes one last time and watched a few take-offs and landings before climbing back in his 140 and heading north.

Our course took us across the approach and departure path for aircraft in and out of NYC. Departing aircraft were well above us, but one regional inbound passed directly under us. 

Settling into cruise at 9,500'. I began to get drowsy. Phil asked if I was getting hypoxic and wanted to descend to a lower altitude. No the altitude was fine, I'd been up for about 26 hours at that point. The smooth ride and relaxing drone of the engine was putting me to sleep.

We made good time and after about 1:45 flight time we were turning final into Hamilton

Phils Cessna 140 back in Hamilton.

Thanks Phil for a great day of flying!