Boeing 737-800 (N8550Q)

When this pic was clicked, Runway 34L-16R was the only one of RNO's three runways that was open. Overnight, snow had fallen and the crews had been able to keep both parallels plowed and open. But at around 4 AM, the falling snow changed over into a heavy and steady freezing rain. Within 90 minutes, everything was coated with a thick layer of ice. Because both runways 34L-16R and 34R-16L; along with Taxiways Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie; had been repeatedly plowed, there was no build up of snow on them ... so the ice built up directly on the runway and taxiway surfaces. I was at the south end in the nighttime darkness taking pictures and I was amazed to see how quickly the thick ice layer would reform after the Conga Line passed by. As the first aircraft of the new day loaded passengers and were then being deiced for the morning departures, it became readily apparent that the plow crews simply were not going to be able to keep both runways and the three taxiways open. About 30 minutes before the first aircraft, a FDX Fifty Seven, was scheduled to take off, the RNO Ops Supervisor directed that Runway 34R-16L and Taxiway Bravo be closed and that plow crews focus all their efforts on removing the constantly re-accumulating ice from 34L-16R, Alpha, and Charlie. The ice storm became so thick that, at one point, all Conga Line plows formed up in front of an aircraft that had just finished being deiced on November Pad and then plowed ahead of the paxbird as it taxied south on Alpha to 34L. Then, the Line went down the length of 34L while the pax jet lined up. As soon as the Line was off the runway, the flight was cleared to go. RNO Ops was repeatedly cruising up and down the three open aircraft passageways and everywhere I looked there were plows, brooms, and even a blower going back and forth. I really though the airport was going to have to be closed, but as a dull daylight slowly began illuminating the area it was apparent that the crews were doing a fabulous job of removing the ice as fast as it was falling. About an hour after daylight, the temperature went up a few degrees but it was enough that the falling ice became falling rain. Once that happened, the only casualty was me when I slipped on the ice at the perimeter fence and went down on my keester. I truly admired the hard work performed by the plow crews that kept the airport open and running without incident.

great story @Gary :-)

As we'd say, 'Strewth, what a morning'! 5 star story to go with a 5 star shot.

Great shot!

Gary... You should have *F*I*V*E* stars just for personal grit and dogged determination!!!

Beautiful!

Fantastic shot and Great story Gary! 5 *'s!

What's the purpose of the up taper on the end of the wings...stability? Just curious and thank you

Those are called "Winglets" They help keep the airflow over the wing, shorter runway performance especially at high elevation airports on hot days, better time to climb thus getting the aircraft to a higher altitude quicker to allow less fuel burn.

Every week we see outstanding pictures from Reno. Thanks! 5 Stars.

Great story and photo, Gary. You have to have been there to appreciate what all were going through!

Cliff, Gavin, a mentor, Dean W., Big Al, Darryl, hjet, fholbert, and adelma >>> TYVM for your comments / complis.
fholbert >>> Have you ever attended the Silver Springs Fly-In? It is no longer being held but it was an annual two-day event up until five or six years ago. Reason I'm asking is because I was always there and caught many hundreds of attendee aircraft on approach, and I see you've participated in many such gatherings and Fly Ins so if you were ever at SPZ then perhaps I caught a click of you arriving. ??