Generous groups, individuals help Idaho's enviable airstrip system

JV DeThomas
Administrator, Division of Aeronautics

General aviation in Idaho is blessed with wonderful back country opportunities. We also are fortunate to have active and generous non-government organizations and individuals, who contribute to the maintenance and development of these recreational airstrips. It is largely through their generosity -- gifts of time and talent -- that we have created a backcountry airstrip system that is without equal.

Among recent contributions, the Idaho Aviation Foundation, in partnership with the Idaho Aviation Association, the Division of Aeronautics and private individuals and businesses, built a new toilet-shower-shelter facility at Garden Valley last summer. It is a major improvement to our recreational aviation assets. On behalf of the Division of Aeronautics, I offer my heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to this effort.

Another exciting development is the establishment of an Oregon chapter of the Idaho Aviation Association and their efforts, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, to improve and maintain Dug Bar airstrip on the Oregon side of the river in lower Hells Canyon. If you’re a mountain flyer and have not been to Dug Bar, it’s very much worth a visit. It will provide regional aviators a destination after winter shuts down many of our mountain strips.

My thanks also to the organizations and individuals who volunteer to maintain and upgrade many of our other Idaho airstrips, not only the state-operated fields but those operated by the Forest Service and other sponsors. I know I will miss some deserving people, but certainly the Idaho Aviation Association, the Ninety Nines, the Gooding Airport Flyers Association, Ponderosa Aero Club, EAA Chapter 407 and other groups and individuals deserve special acknowledgement for their efforts.

With our small budget and limited manpower, the Division of Aeronautics could not maintain our fields to such high standards without their volunteer help. If you fly in Idaho, I would urge you to consider joining one of these organizations. If nothing else, your membership will provide general aviation a stronger voice with the legislature and other government agencies.

As a final note, we will have an aviation-themed Idaho automobile license plate available in January. Some of the funds from these special plates will go to the Idaho Aviation Network to support general aviation throughout the state. It's definitely a worthy cause. You will be able to purchase the special plates from regular licencing offices throughout Idaho.

Published 11-11-2011