Ice Runways Aren’t As Crazy As They Sound

March 4, 2015
Turns out, an iced runway provides a surprising level of traction.

AFTER SEVERAL BRUTAL months, most of America is ready to see winter’s backside. But for aviation enthusiasts in New England, the longer and colder the season, the better. As long as the waters of Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire stay frozen, pilots can use the only FAA-certified, plowed ice runway in the continental US.

Weather permitting, Alton Bay is used by about 50 seaplanes each month. But come the freeze, conventional aircraft come in droves. It’s been that way since the 1960s, and the runway will see more than 100 planes from throughout New England on particularly busy days. (The average is closer to 10 or 15 a day.) There are restaurants and shops nearby, but landing on a runway made of ice may be the main draw.

Now, ice is usually something to be avoided, and airports go to great trouble to be rid of it. So why is the FAA willing to certify a runway you could play hockey on? How is this not a terrible idea?

More details here.