Van's Air Force

The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!

Our own Alton Bay in Michigan KTEW

rockwoodrv9

Well Known Member
Friend
Patron
I turned on the engine heater this morning with my Switcheron so I would be ready for a flight. Just got here and checked out the runway. Ice covered. I know people land on Alton Bay but not me! I could hardly stand up!! I thought I would like to try Alton Bay one of these days but not sure now. I do have a lot more respect for those who have landed on ice.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8399.jpeg
    IMG_8399.jpeg
    5.6 MB · Views: 44
  • IMG_8398.jpeg
    IMG_8398.jpeg
    4.8 MB · Views: 44
I turned on the engine heater this morning with my Switcheron so I would be ready for a flight. Just got here and checked out the runway. Ice covered. I know people land on Alton Bay but not me! I could hardly stand up!! I thought I would like to try Alton Bay one of these days but not sure now. I do have a lot more respect for those who have landed

I turned on the engine heater this morning with my Switcheron so I would be ready for a flight. Just got here and checked out the runway. Ice covered. I know people land on Alton Bay but not me! I could hardly stand up!! I thought I would like to try Alton Bay one of these days but not sure now. I do have a lot more respect for those who have landed on ice.
Hi Rocky, maybe try this one next Saturday, it’s a bit closer.
1738941923524.jpeg
 
I turned on the engine heater this morning with my Switcheron so I would be ready for a flight. Just got here and checked out the runway. Ice covered. I know people land on Alton Bay but not me! I could hardly stand up!! I thought I would like to try Alton Bay one of these days but not sure now. I do have a lot more respect for those who have landed on ice.
I would be reluctant to takeoff or land on your ice covered runway. However, I've landed my RV-8 a few times at Alton Bay. At Alton Bay they usually leave an inch or so of crusty snow on top of the runway which helps with directional control. The parking area is where you need to be careful. It is usually polished ice where you can easily push your plane sideways by pushing on the wingtip!
 
I turned on the engine heater this morning with my Switcheron so I would be ready for a flight. Just got here and checked out the runway. Ice covered. I know people land on Alton Bay but not me! I could hardly stand up!! I thought I would like to try Alton Bay one of these days but not sure now. I do have a lot more respect for those who have landed on ice.
Alton Bay Ice runway is perfect with some crusty snow on it. You have some traction. With glassy ice, your at the mercy of someone. I landed my C140 with a quartering headwind a few years ago. The plane kept weathervane into the wind once you slowed down. I'd have to stop, turn the plane, go for a bit, repeat. Wasn't easy. I was there on opening day a few weeks ago with my RV-6 with perfect conditions. But then I'm only 20 minute away
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1371.jpg
    IMG_1371.jpg
    481.7 KB · Views: 31
Last edited:
Alton Bay Ice runway is perfect with some crusty snow on it. You have some traction. With glassy ice, your at the mercy of someone. I landed my C140 with a quartering headwind a few years ago. The plane kept weathervane into the wind once you slowed down. I'd have to stop, turn the plane, go for a bit, repeat. Wasn't easy. I was there on opening day a few weeks ago with my RV-6 with perfect conditions. But then I'm only 20 minute away
Gary sent me info on a fly in about 20 min from me for next weekend. If the weather is good, I may give it a try. Cool picture of you and your plane on the ice!
 
Back
Top