Fog grounds traffic at Carson City Airport

Poor visibility from the unremitting ice-fog in the valleys has virtually shut down the Carson City Airport for a week, according to Ron Martin of El Aero, an on-site aviation fuel and mechanical shop.

The weekend tourist traffic of Cessna Citations that usually coasts in from the Tahoe area was either diverting to Reno, "or just staying at home," said Martin.

Being an "uncontrolled airport," the small hub for mostly single-engine planes lacks a control tower, forcing "pilots to make their own calls regarding safety," according to Martin.

While the 5,900-foot runway and taxiways were clear of snow, flying remained a dangerous proposition as Instrument Flight Rules remained in effect.

But as the afternoon sun began burning through the blanket of frozen mist, things were looking brighter for this week, according to National Weather Service technician Jessica Kielhorn.

"There's a slight chance of light rain today and tomorrow as a frontal system comes through," she said. "Though weak, the system should be enough to mix up the prevailing inversion conditions."

Martin explained one of the dangers of flying in the winter haze.

"Just taxiing out to the runway," he said, "the ice starts sticking to the plane and building up."

Back at the El Aero office, a telephone call comes in, shattering the huge silence. Someone is canceling his landing date due to the weather.

"The FAA has tough rules about fog," said Martin, who's training to become a pilot. "It's tough to fly in. You've got to trust your instruments and really know how to use them. It's real easy to lose perspective up there."

"I've never seen fog like this in this area," added Martin. "Ever."

Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.