Silver Ranch Airpark

at Jaffrey Airport-Silver Ranch

From Christopher Dingman on 20-Jul-2008

No problems at all for me during a recent visit. Traffic was using 16, as winds were 5-7 knots from 190. The departure on 16 is a little interesting as there are trees and slightly rising terrain just outside the airport boundary. The downhill takeoff gives the feeling that you're sinking into a pit. It was also a warm day and we'd increased T.O. Weight with the lobster rolls. :-) GREAT stop! We'll definitely be back.
 

From Anne Lapkin on 23-Jun-2008

We flew into Jaffrey last Friday. I have to say that I think Harvey is getting a bum rap from the vast majority of who post here. He was friendly, cooperative and helpful. When we contacted him on the Unicom and said we were getting ready to land on 34 (uphill), he advised us that the wind indicated a landing on 16 (downhill). We followed his suggestion and landed without issues. As we were getting ready to take off, we asked if he minded if we took off downhill on 16 rather than uphill, as there were thunderstorms north of the field. After takeoff, we radioed back to tell him that now we understand why he prefers an uphill takeoff - he knows the airport better than we do and in retrospect we should have followed his advice. The downhill takeoff is difficult - the previous poster who said he was at max weight and had an uncomfortable uphill takeoff would have had a MUCH less comfortable downhill takeoff. We never did get to the ice cream, so we'll have to go back.
 

From Jim Langlois on 11-Jun-2008

Good ice cream, bad guy earlier today, my girlfriend and I went to Jaffrey for ice cream. The ice cream stand is a five-minute walk from the airport, and was a good time. Upon leaving, we decided that we would take off on runway 16 even though the winds (300 at 4) favored runway 34 because runway 34 has a steep incline. Upon announcing holding short of runway 16 for departure, Harvey, the airport manager, started shouting at us on the Unicom that he would not allow it. After arguing on the radio for a couple minutes, we shut the plane down and confronted the manager face to face. We got second opinions from two CFIs and told Harvey that they also recommended runway 16 even with the tailwind, which was when Harvey announced that he would close the airport if we attempted to take off on runway 16. We decided that we were fighting a losing battle and used a performance takeoff in our C152. The ice cream was good, but not worth the encounter with Harvey. We will not go back to Jaffrey.
 

From Michael Stewart on 21-Dec-2007

The assisted self serve is only for people who have an account there. Hours are 8-sunset
 

From Lucas Hartford on 03-Sep-2007

Visited the airport for the first time and was a bit worried about the possible reception from the comments I read here. On final another plane on 34 moved onto the runway just as I was ready to land; he appeared to be holding prior to the displaced threshold but to be safe I went around (which was good because the cross wind was much greater than I expected). On the second landing, which was not pretty, I met the airport manager who was very friendly. Told me my radio was working poorly, offered some suggestions on what it might be, told me I could stay parked right where I was and had a big smile the whole time. What I was afraid would be a trip tainted by a bad attitude ended up being a great trip with a welcoming manager. And the ice cream next door is FANTASTIC!
 

From Bill Gordon on 01-Aug-2007

In 52 years and 10, 000 hours of military fighter and GA flying, this was the worst experience I have had at an airport. On departure, Harvey, the Airport Mgr, told me I had to taxi down to runway 34 to do my run-up. I decided not to do a run up. Then he told me to get off the ramp since my idle was too high. I announced my intention to T.O. On rwy 16 downhill. He told me that takeoff on 16 was not allowed. When I asked why, he said for safety reasons too numerous to tell my on the radio. I made a very uncomfortable rwy 34 TO up hill on a hot day at nearly max gross. Harvey thinks he is ATC and directs pilots on his radio. This is extremely dangerous and will eventually cause a serious accident. In a subsequent phone conversation he told me that unless I followed his "rules" I was not welcome at "his" airport. I think this is a case for FAA intervention. He is making decisions for the pilot. Check out the last comment on this page. BE CAREFUL AT THIS AIRPORT MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS.
 

From Eric Poole on 05-Jul-2007

The Assisted Service (A/S) price is only available to members of the fuel plan. You deposit an amount approx. Equal to 10 times the current fuel price, and then you get a discount of between 30 and 50 cents off of the full service price.
 

From John Taylor on 01-Jul-2007

This is the only uncontrolled field at which I've had to argue with an uninformed person on the frequency about which runway direction I would use. Actually, I didn't have to. Next time I depart from there, I'll just turn the volume down.
 

From Carl Kovamees on 24-Jun-2007

My first time to Jaffrey, there was a nice and friendly reception. 4 airplanes on the ramp when I showed up and two more arrived after me. Only 2 minutes walk to the ice cream place (they serve food too), it was very crowded on this nice day. $4.30/gal cash for 100LL, but the runway need some maintenance. I'm will go back there!
 

From Richard Seelig on 14-Oct-2006

The $3.50 price as of October 10, 2006 is only available for pilots who prepay $350.00 into an account.
 

From Philip Greenspun on 16-Sep-2006

Massive debris field in SE corner of the field with 1000+ items of trash, including soda cans, paper cups, and other picnic leftovers. Unfortunately, this is where the airport manager on the Unicom will insist that you land your helicopter, which would be an extremely unsafe thing to do (soda can into tail rotor = accident). It doesn't look that bad from the air, so you won't know that you're in trouble until about 20' AGL. Getting out is tough because the same airport manager will yell at you for trying to sidestep to the runway to avoid most of the debris.
 

From Gary Jones on 31-Jul-2006

This was my first flight into Silver Ranch. My wife and I found Harvey and Lee accommodating and helpful. I am not sure I agree with the negative comments I have read here. The one thing that did concern me was the runway surface condition. Harvey told me that the airport does not receive funds for maintenance. In addition, taxes are so high in New Hampshire that it prevents him from making the repairs to the runway. They are working hard to get financial aid. I wish these people only the best. If strong winds are not a factor, taking off uphill makes sense here, as you will NOT encounter 'rapidly rising' terrain that occurs should you take off downhill.
 

From Alex Kominski on 31-Jul-2006

A real "off the radar" airpark. Harvey was very helpful in arriving and departing his field. The only problem I encountered was landing at sundown, this is when the field closes, so no ice cream. This airpark is a definite must for any rustic airpark enthusiast. Will return soon!
 

From Andrew K. Zastrow on 08-Jul-2006

Please be careful when operating out of Jaffery, and use your best judgement about which runway to use. Four out of six times I have been here I have encountered degrading and rude comments from the UNICOM about my runway of choice, as I prefer to land uphill and depart downhill. DO NOT let the UNICOMs tone of voice or insistence make you change your mind, but be polite. Remember two things: 1) FAR 91.3, and 2) UNICOM is not ATC, and will not be held responsible for any incident they help create, so make your decisions accordingly.
 

From Chris Matthews on 13-Sep-2005

The problems continue... After years of issues with the airport owner, Daniel Webster College (the largest flight school in the Northeast) has now listed the airport as "OFF LIMITS" to its aircraft. Apparently there were a number of safety concerns including: Non standard and improper radio communications, lack of appropriate NOTAMS for the airfield, and even harrassment of college students by airport employees. The FAA has reportedly been notified of these incidents. Hopefully the Portland FSDO will 'go for some ice cream' soon and shut Harvey up before someone gets hurt.
 

From Scott Dunn on 27-Jul-2005

I've had no problems at Jaffrey. The runway is 'rustic', but Kimball's is a must. However, the last time I departed, the manager came on UNICOM to correct my rather clumsily phrased announcement that I was "taking the active" when I was really back-taxiing for departure on 34. He also informed me that the airport was closed after sunset, which was news to me. I haven't seen a notice of such in the AFD.