Proposal to build seaplane dock in Alton Bay may be coming in for a landing

ALTON — Ideas for a commercial seaplane base have been swirling for years, and are becoming closer to reality after a local business owner's presentation to the selectboard.

Thomas Wood, president of Epic Seaplane Adventures, spoke with the selectboard on July 14, proposing what he described as a “mutually beneficial long-term partnership” with the town. He requested a 10-year capital lease improvement for the waterfront parcel between the town beach and Harmony Park, to install and operate a seaplane dock.

“It’s an undeniable win-win for the community across three distinct areas,” Wood said.

Wood said it provides financial stability with no cost to the taxpayers, and a “net zero obligation to the town,” as Epic Seaplane will fund the entire capital expenditure. In lieu of cash lease payments, the private investment would be credited over a 120-month term. At the end of 10 years, Alton will receive a valuable, permanent asset, at no cost to taxpayers.

Selectboard member Richard Shea said there are always hidden costs, and legal counsel will likely be involved at some point. Wood said he is willing to discuss that, and has no problem picking up costs in that case.

The plan would be to offer premier scenic air tours and regional charter flights. Wood said the idea is to draw in tourists looking to spend, to not only support his business, but the restaurants and lodging in the area.

Putting summer traffic concerns into clear perspective, Wood said seaplane pilots make up a “mere 2%” of the total pilot population. Seaplane traffic would be just a fraction of what the ice runway experiences.

Wood said Alton Bay is an ideal location. He boasted the town already does aviation better than anyone else, as it hosts the only ice runway approved by the Federal Aviation Administration in the continental U.S. It is also already a registered seaplane base, and was used as such at Downings Landing many years ago. It just doesn’t have the infrastructure.

“This dock would fix that,” Wood said. “It creates a safe haven, eliminating random shore docking attempts.”

Wood said people have tried to dock seaplanes in an area where there simply isn’t a spot. His proposal would keep seaplanes away from the New Hampshire Fish and Game dock, adding it should resolve “longstanding friction” with pilots.

Wood’s presentation was focused on land management, saying he can ensure while Epic Seaplane Adventures retains the commercial berth, any remaining slips would be free and open to the public.

Another perk of the proposal, Wood said, is the historical preservation of the location. It is the geographical birthplace of Alton’s aviation heritage, and he said by working together, they can extend local aviation into a year-round tradition.

Wood brought a concept drawing to show the selectboard. Members recommended he discuss with NH Department of Environmental Services staff about any permitting constraints. Wood said he would, but wanted to run everything by the selectboard first.

Epic Seaplane Adventures operates commercially out of Weirs Beach and Tuftonboro, and also offers charters. He is sensitive to the area, as he grew up in Wolfeboro, and his business is based in Mirror Lake.

Chair Paul LaRochelle asked Wood if there were any other locations he considered. Wood said he was open to suggestions.

Wood likes the proposed location because it is in a no-wake zone, noting operating off the Weirs Beach pier presented safety concerns, because that was not the case. He said boaters weren’t the concerns, but rather the boat wakes, as they tend to slam planes into the docks.

The dock would be for “at least” two planes, Wood said, and ideally would be U-shaped. If that’s not possible, they can also operate from a straight pier, as long as there aren’t high dock posts.

Selectboard member Jack Sleeper asked about measurements, and Wood said while there is more than 150 feet of shoreline, he didn’t think they needed that much space. He also addressed concerns about a nearby swimming rope, saying seaplane propellers are protected by pontoons, and pose no risk.

Wood told the selectboard nothing special is needed from the FAA, as the seaplane base is established. He said the proposal is to construct and maintain the dock, and headaches about management won’t end up on the town. He said none of the town beach property will be lost, and there would be a walkway to the dock.

He will use a de Havilland Beaver, which seats up to seven people, as well as a smaller airplane with four seats. If the project moves forward, Wood said a schedule will be created, only for daytime. He doesn’t intend to have any planes remain overnight.

Bringing the business to Alton would provide for a “permanent, vibrant, four-season attraction,” he said, and noted the brunt of activity will likely be in the fall.

“Our business picks up extremely during the October month, for foliage season,” Wood said.

LaRochelle said Wood should have a definitive plan, with measurements, and be ready to present in a public hearing, where he can field questions. Then, it would need to be included in the next Town Warrant.

Wood was excited about the project.

“I’m not in the business of flying seaplanes and making money; I’m in the business of making smiles,” Wood said. “People have a lot of fun doing what we’re doing, and I think it would be an awesome thing for this town. It is an amazing opportunity.”