Aeronautics Aircrafts – An employee of the State of Idaho can use state aircraft to travel for business purposes. Our pilots are top notch and will get you to your meeting on time and even on short notice.

• Flight Schedule Calendar

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To request a flight or information about a flight go to:

• Request Flight Information
 

Other benefits of flying with Aero:

• Payment is streamlined
  • We set up the payment for you and will direct bill your agency.
• Our pilots will wait for you
  • *Only $64 per pilot per hour!
• Saves money
  • No need to pay for a hotel room for each passenger, plus per diems, rental cars, mileage reimbursements, etc.
• Better ROI (return on investment)
  • An important factor to consider is the hourly pay of each traveler and the total time they are spent in travel status. Managers and high-level executives time is valued and should be considered when deciding on travel options.
  • The average rate of pay for “Directors” in the State of Idaho is $60 per hour.
  • A full 8-hour day spent driving and having to stay overnight is ~$480 in wages that was spent traveling whereas it could possibly be spent contributing to business operations.
• No TSA check or waiting in long lines
  • No long lines, or having to remove your belt and shoes, or getting a body scan.
  • Arrive 15-30 minutes before the flight and enjoy coffee, water, tea and snacks in our lobby.
• Free Parking
  • Parking is available at no charge in our lot and this includes overnight or multiple days.
  • Our parking lot has a security gate which locks from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

See Aeronautics Upcoming Events for Board Meeting Dates and Agenda (above)

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Idaho Division of Aeronautics proudly manages and maintains over 30 backcountry airstrips throughout the state. We are governed by Idaho Recreational Use Statutes and Idaho Code. We ask that our guests keep it clean and green for the beauty and adventure that Idaho has to offer, and assist in our continued efforts in keeping the locations safe and enjoyable for all users.

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Provide feedback on Idaho’s Backcountry Airports

• Take this survey: Idaho Backcountry Airport Safety & Conditions Survey
  • Poster: List of Idaho Backcountry Airports & Feedback Survey Link

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Group Fly-Ins

If your group would like to host a fly-in, you need to review the information packet covering the necessary requirements and complete an application form.
Your application must be filled out completely, signed, and returned ASAP for planning purposes.

• Host a Fly-in Agreement Information Packet
• Fly-In Application Form – Filled out completely and submit to: Airport.Management@itd.idaho.gov
• Or mail your signed agreement to:
  • Division of Aeronautics, Attn: Airport Manager
  • 1390 W Gowen Rd, Boise, ID 83705

Four of our most popular backcountry airstrips offer Courtesy Cars, and many locations have campgrounds for our flying public. Courtesy cars are on a “first come/first served” basis, and donations are very much appreciated. We DO NOT accept reservations for any amenities, at any location.

Airstrips with Courtesy Cars	Operations (Conditions Permitting)	Contact Phone Numbers
Cavanaugh Bay (66S)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-April to Mid-Sept. • Cavanaugh Bay Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 On-site Caretakers: 208-443-2721
Garden Valley (U88)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-April to Mid-Sept. • Garden Valley Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 On-site Caretakers:: 208-462-6036
Johnson Creek (3U2) aka Yellow Pine	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-May to Mid-Sept. • Johnson Creek Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) • VIDEO: Johnson Creek SOPs	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 On-site Caretakers:: 208-633-3333
Smiley Creek (U87)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-May to Mid-Sept. • Smiley Creek Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) • VIDEO: Smiley Creek SOPs	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 On-site Caretakers:: 208-774-2984

The Idaho Airstrip Network (IAN) Steering Committee continues working towards full implementation of the Action Plan which was approved by the Idaho Transportation Board (ITB) in July of 2005.

• Final IAN Action Plan
• Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) Website with map of IAN Airstrips

Title & Web Link	Description	Resources	Based on Law, Rule, or Other	Contact
Idaho Airport System Plan	A comprehensive plan for linking statewide aviation facilities with those of the nation and the world.	• Idaho Airport System Plan (IASP) | Executive Summary, July 2020 • Idaho Airport Economic Impact Analysis • IASP Final Technical Report	FAA requirement	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Airport Pavement Inspection Report	Airfield pavement inspections through the use of a Network Pavement Management System (NPMS).	• Interactive Pavement Management Tool	FAA requirement	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Airport Capital Improvement Plan	A continuous, multi-year funding program that will assess short-term and long-term airport improvement needs.		FAA requirement	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Airport Supplies	Airport materials available from the Division of Aeronautics	• Airport Supply Order Form	Idaho Administrative Code 39.04.01	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Land Use surrounding airports	Effective compatible land use planning around airports addresses airspace, safety, and noise considerations.	• Land Use Guidelines	Land Use Guidelines	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho Airport Aid Program	Provides funding to qualified airports to assist with approved airport projects.	• ITD Web Grants link	Idaho Administrative Code 39.04.01	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
Obstruction Evaluations near an airport	Structures in excess of 200 feet or those of a lower height located within 20,000 feet of a public-use airport are required to notify Division of Aeronautics of construction.		Idaho Administrative Code 39.04.01	Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov
FAA Notice of Construction near an airport	The requirements for filing with the Federal Aviation Administration for proposed structures vary based on a number of factors: height, proximity to an airport, location, and frequencies emitted from the structure, etc.	• FAA Obstruction Notification Tool	14 CFR Part 77.9	FAA Contacts

The Division of Aeronautics is under contract with the FAA to inspect 121 public-use airports in the state of Idaho. These inspections are conducted on a three year cycle. The inspection includes verification of airport data, services, and evaluation of runway/taxiway surfaces and navigation aids. Airport Facility Directories issued by both the State of Idaho and the Federal Aviation Administration are updated using information gathered during the inspection. Interaction with Airport Managers or sponsors during the inspection provides an opportunity to address safety and maintenance issues. Between inspections, airport managers or sponsors can assist in keeping airport specific data current by contacting the Aviation Technician to report changes or corrections.

For more information contact: Flo Ghighina, Airport.Planning@itd.idaho.gov, 208-334-8895

Introducing Idaho’s Youth to Careers in Aviation!

In 2025, the ACE Academy will be held June 25-27.

• Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy is available to ages 14-18.
• ACE Academy introduces high school students to aviation and space-related careers.
• Activities may involve field trips, forums, and a hands-on satellite project.

For further questions, email: Idaho.Aeronautics@itd.idaho.gov

2025 Aviation Safety Stand Down was held March 8, 2025

This annual event presents topics and discussions to improve pilot safety in Idaho.

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FREE event for Aviators

When registering for this event use your FAA WINGS email address for WINGS Credit.

For additional information, email: Idaho.Aeronautics@itd.idaho.gov

The Idaho Aviation Accident Score Card (IAASC) provides details on all Idaho aircraft accidents that have occurred from the NTSB’s latest Probable Cause issuances. The source of data accumulated in this IAASC is compiled directly from the NTSB aviation database.

IAASC specifically includes total number of fatal accidents, fatalities, class of aircraft, pilot qualifications, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. In addition, IAASC provides an overview of Idaho aviation safety trends while final investigations of these accidents are being conducted by the NTSB. It will be published annually during the first quarter of the following year.

For ideas, comments or suggestions, we would be glad to hear from you.

Email: Idaho.Aeronautics@itd.idaho.gov

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are proven operating practices that will ensure your Idaho flying experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

• Big Creek SOP
• Cavanaugh Bay SOP
• Garden Valley SOP
• Johnson Creek SOP | VIDEO: Johnson Creek SOP
• Smiley Creek SOP | **New VIDEO!** – Smiley Creek SOP
• Stanley SOP