b'38 B18GENERAL AVIATION During his first year, 2009, LaRochelle received guidance fromfor the full length of at least 2,600 feet, and for the taxiway and the state for coordinates, latitude and longitude markers andparking ramp as well.layout instructions. He and other volunteers constructed a smallMany people think we need 12 inches of ice for the planes, runway, obtained state approval, and ran a successful, albeitbut its really for the plow trucks, Leavitt explains. We need short, season. From that moment forward, LaRochelle was all in. to maintain the runway; and if theres an incident, emergency Leavitt succeeded LaRochelle as airport manager in 2021, butvehicles need to reach the site safely. LaRochelle continues as the runway manager and provides plentyOnce the minimum thickness is reached, crews plow the of vital hands-on assistance. runway, meeting FAA specificationstypically at least 100 feet How it Happens wide and 2,600 feet long.As soon as the snow flies, preparations for the ice runway Leavitt and New Hampshire Department of Transportation begin anew. Its like starting an airfield from scratch every year,Aeronautics personnel inspect the layout to ensure it meets notes Leavitt.length and width requirements. They also document any changes of nearby terrain or obstructions, such as new buildings or tree As soon as we get about 4 inches of ice, were out theregrowth, to ensure safe aircraft approaches.on four-wheelers with cordless drills and spade bits, measuring the thickness, he explains. Once we have over 4 inches ofWith state approval secured, Leavitt files a NOTAM (Notice to ice, we put out cones and markers to let the ice fishermen andAirmen), officially opening the runway for the season. As soon as snowmobilers know the runway is coming and to request thatthe NOTAM goes in, its like flipping a switch, he marvels. Within they stay clear.30 minutes, well have planes circling overhead, ready to land.After the ice is 10 inches thick, crews prep the runway, taxiwayPilots can receive information about operating conditions on the and parking ramp, marking them with cones. But the runwayrunways official Facebook page, through NOTAM updates and by doesnt open for traffic until the ice hits a consistent 12 inchescontacting the New Hampshire Aviation Department.Eco-Friendly Airport SnowplowsNIAGARA FALLS Sept 22-25 2025September 2025AirportImprovement.com'