OUR MISSION: Aeronautics innovatively develops an adaptable, foresighted, and safe air transportation system promoting economic opportunity and opening gateways to adventure.

Welcome to the Idaho Division of Aeronautics!

A word from our administrator . . .

Dear Fellow Aviators, Airport Managers, Communities and Guests:

Our vision is to forge a nationally renowned, progressive aviation system, but to do so working with Idaho’s citizens and aviation community. We want to ensure you have all of the information necessary to use Idaho’s aviation systems and resources to their fullest—and we designed this website specifically for that purpose.

Our dedicated team at Aero is here to help you with any questions you may have, and our website is a great resource for information on Idaho aircraft registrations; airstrip maintenance; airport planning; grant funding opportunities; requesting airfield supplies; safety and education; aviation-related events; and unmanned aircraft systems/drone regulations.

Since this site is for you, I encourage you to explore the information we have provided. Feel free to contact us with your questions and suggestions.

Idaho’s vast natural resources, unique landscape, and recreational opportunities provide incredible experiences for thousands of Idahoans and visiting pilots every year. Please use our resources to make your flying experience as safe as possible while enjoying all that Idaho has to offer.

Fly safe, plan accordingly, and enjoy our “gem” state!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. Marker
Administrator
Idaho Division of Aeronautics

• Welcome Letter from the Division of Aeronautics

Mark Sweeney, Chairman | Lewiston, ID | Term: 1/2014 – 1/2024
Email: mark_sweeney@selinc.com| Phone: (208) 743-9148

Dan Scott, Member | McCall, ID | Term: 1/2017 – 1/2021
Email: dscott@alscott.com| Phone: (208) 634-9619

Chip Kemper, Member | Rigby, ID | Term: 1/2018 – 1/2023
Email: chipkemper@aol.com| Phone: (208) 745-7654

John Blakley, Member | Boise, ID | Term: 1/2017 – 1/2022
Email: jblakley@avcenter.com| Phone: (208) 466-5432

Todd Hitchcock, Member | Twin Falls, ID | Term: 1/2020 – 1/2025
Email: spuraviation@gmail.com| Phone: (208) 794-2444

See Calendar of Events (above) for Board Meeting Dates and Agenda

Flying State aircraft is the safest, fastest, most reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation available for the employees of the State of Idaho.

Contact Tammy Schoen, Flight Scheduler, at 208-334-8776 or email Tammy.Schoen@itd.idaho.gov for a cost estimate or to book a flight.

View the current Flight Schedule Calendar

The Idaho Airport Facility Directory App is available on iPads, iPhones, and Android devices or a hard copy of the directory can be sent by mail.

For a hard copy of the Idaho Airport Facility Directory email Division of Aeronautics, or call 208-334-8775.

• Airport Facilities Directory (PDF version)

To download the App for the Idaho Airport Facility Directory, click the appropriate App icon below.

App Store – iPad, iPhone	Google Play – Android devices

• Click to watch a video about the Airport Facility Directory iPad Application (App)

• Aircraft Registration – Idaho Code 21.114 (1)
• Dealer Registration – Idaho Code 21.114 (2)
• Rules Governing Aircraft Registration – IDAPA Rule 39.04.05

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.

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: Dan.Conner@itd.idaho.gov
• Or mail your signed agreement to:
  • Division of Aeronautics, Attn: Dan Connor, Airport Mgr.
  • 1390 W Gowen Rd, Boise, ID 83705

Courtesy Cars

Four of our most popular 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	Airstrip Location	Operations (Conditions Permitting)	Contact Phone Numbers
	Cavanaugh Bay (66S)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-April to Mid-September	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 Summer Operations: 208-443-2721
	Garden Valley (U88)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-April to Mid-September	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 Summer Operations: 208-462-6036
	Johnson Creek (3U2) aka Yellow Pine	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-May to Mid-September	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 Summer Operations: 208-633-3333
	Smiley Creek (U87)	Open Year Round, however NO Winter Maintenance provided. Summer Caretaking Operations: Mid-May to Mid-September	Winter Operations: (Boise) 208-334-8893 Summer Operations: 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

In an effort to streamline pilot reporting at the backcountry strips, and offer documentation in one place, Aeronautics is recommending use of the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) webpage for Idaho Airstrips.

IAA Web Link: Idaho Airports

Click on the airport you are interested to find:

• Standard Operating Procedures
• Airport Notes
• Pilot reports
• Map of Idaho Airports
• Events happening at the airport
• Photos
• Management Plans

Click to Submit a Comments/Questions/Suggestion

The Division of Aeronautics is under contract with the FAA to inspect 118 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, Flo.Ghighina@itd.idaho.gov, 208-334-8895

The Idaho Airport Aid Program (IAAP) provides for the discretionary allocation of grant funds to Idaho airport owners.

Only public entities are eligible to participate in the Idaho Airport Aid Program. Any county, city, village, or agency designated in Idaho Code, shall be deemed an eligible public entities for the purpose of participation in the Idaho Airport Aid Program.

The funds are derived from Idaho’s Aviation fuel tax. The IAAP is a Trustee and Benefit program providing matching funds to municipal governments for public airport improvements.

Allocations must meet high priority needs and achieve maximum benefit and use of available funds. The allocation program is designed to provide the greatest and best utilization of limited Idaho Airport Aid funds and maximize availability of Federal funds.

The primary goal of the allocation program is to further the proper development of statewide system of airports and fair distribution of aviation tax money.

It is a modest program with a budget that varies from year to year. There are basically six areas where we provide assistance.

• Primary Airports – We provide about ±19% of our annual budget to our seven commercial airports. Funding is calculated upon the relative level of activity. This may be used to match any other source of funding.
• GA NPIAS Airports – We provide about ±40% of our annual budget to 31 NPIAS GA airports. We provide half of the local match required for a FAA-AIP Grant. This covers State apportionment funds, non-Primary Entitlement funds, and GA discretionary funds.
• GA non-NPIAS Community Airports – We provide about ±30% of our annual budget to 30 non-NPIAS airports. These airports receive no AIP funding and must rely on the State of Idaho for assistance. We pay between 50% and 90% of the project costs depending upon the size of the community.
• Airport Maintenance and Safety Supplies – We provide about ±1% of our annual budget to supply airports with cost effective maintenance items such as lamps, light fixtures, wind socks, lens and other items. Simply, we purchase in bulk and provide the smaller quantities of items to the public airports at or below cost.
• Small Projects – We provide less than ±1% of our annual budget for one-time unscheduled and emergency projects that cost under $ 2,000. This ranges from wind sock standards, to tie down chains, crack sealing, radio operated light switches, etc.
• Small Airport Planning Studies – We provide about ±9% of our annual budget to small communities and state-operated airports to prepare current airport planning documents. We also provide a consultant and any airport information available in exchange for the airport operator seating a planning advisory committee. Such studies usually include a Narrative Report with a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and a Land Use and Zoning Plan as well as a drawing set including at least an Airport Layout Drawing, Airspace Drawing, Property Drawing, and a Land Use Drawing.

The IAAP is administered according to the Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 39.04.04. This rule requires that an airport owner must have a State approved airport plan (section 200.01), and protective zoning (section 200.04) in place in order to participate in the IAAP. However, if they do not have a plan or protective zoning in place, or if these need to be updated, the IAAP can provide funding for those items.

The airport owner may use force account (in-kind) work as part, or all, of their required match for IAAP funded projects. The value of the force account (in-kind) work shall not exceed the amount to the Sponsor/Owner’s designated match for this project. The type, amount, and value of the in-kind work must be estimated and approved by the State before the start of work. The owner may use their own internal rates, or the rates listed in the Idaho Transportation Department Standard Specifications for Highway Construction. The airport owner must also show that the use of force account (in-kind) work is in the public interest and must demonstrate that it can accomplish the work with equal to or better quality, and for equal to or less than the cost of having it commercially done. Additionally, volunteer labor, materials, and/or equipment must be listed as force account (in-kind) contributions.

The following lists identify what projects are eligible under the grant program and the general priority of those projects.

Eligible Projects

• Planning, land ownership, airspace, land use, and zoning documents
• Land acquisition including airfield, development, and approaches
• Avigation easements
• Grading and drainage for: runway, taxiway, rampsConstruction of: runway, taxiway
• Reconstruction of: runway, taxiway
• Access roads and parking
• Obstruction removal for “Runway Protection Zones”
• Installation or rehabilitation of a segmented circle
• Installation or rehabilitation of perimeter fencing
• Installation or rehabilitation airfield lighting and electrical system
• Public use helipads
• Navigational and visual aids
• Lighting and other supplies to airports
• Construction of public owned / use buildings for hangars, pilot lounge, rest rooms, etc
• Other items as approved by the Idaho Transportation Board

Ineligible Items For Use As Force Account Contribution

• Previous land acquisition
• Previous building construction or improvements
• Previous state grants
• Previous federal grants

Ineligible Items

• Facilities under exclusive lease or private/corporate control
• ARFF equipment
• Purchase or construction of income producing property
• Decorative landscaping, art, and sculpture

Project Priority

• Preservation and acquisition of existing landing facilities in danger of being lost.
• Projects at existing airports that demonstrate need and provide statewide benefits.
• Development of new/additional landing facilities in areas of greatest need, such as:
  1. Large areas where there is no air accessibility
  2. New landing facilities in urban areas that are losing airports
  3. Recreational areas where land is becoming difficult to obtain
• Projects improving aircraft operational safety.
• Projects to maximizing use of federal funds.
• Projects to protect prior public investment.

For more information contact: Bill Statham, Airport Development Project Manager, bill.statham@itd.idaho.gov, 208-334-8784

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Aeronautics recognizes the significance of a proactive approach to ensuring aviation’s role in the statewide transportation system. The Idaho Airport System Plan (IASP) provides the ITD-Aero an opportunity to stay abreast of changes in the aviation industry and to determine how Idaho’s airports should be positioned to respond to future needs and challenges.

• Idaho Airport System Plan Update – August 2019

• Learn more about the Idaho Airport System Plan & Comment

Idaho’s State Airport System Plan provides input for federal planning documents. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) is updated every two years. The FAA provides money for eligible airport development from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Airports must be included in the NPIAS for their projects to be eligible for AIP funding. Recommendations from the Idaho Airport System Plan will be included in the NPIAS.

The IASP is the Idaho Transportation Department’s comprehensive plan for linking statewide aviation facilities with those of the nation and the world. Idaho’s system plan also works in concert with Idaho’s Transportation Vision. The Transportation Vision examines all of the state’s transportation needs and sets the direction for making improvements and investments in all modes of transportation.

For more information contact Bill Statham, Airport Development Project Manager, bill.statham@itd.idaho.gov, 208-334-8784

The Division of Aeronautics evaluates structures under the authority of Idaho Code 21-513 through 21-520 and Idaho Transportation Rule No. 39.04.08. All proposals for structures in excess of 199’ or those of a lower height located near a public-use airport are evaluated for impacts on safety of flight and aircraft navigation. Mitigation of aviation hazards typically involves marking and lighting of structures. Proponents of vertical structures can contact the Aviation Technician directly, if clarifying details are needed or technical questions arise during the project-planning phase. Notification of the Division of Aeronautics prior to construction is best accomplished by submitting a copy of the FAA form 7460-1 to our office. This form contains all the information needed by the State of Idaho to accurately evaluate a structure and its location. You can find the FAA Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration at the following link:
https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/186273.

It should be noted that proponents of structures described above are required to notify the Federal Aviation Administration to allow that agency to evaluate the structure for impacts on the national airspace system.

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

Interactive Pavement Management Tool

2016 Inspection Reports
Click on the Pavement Management Tool to view an interactive map of Idaho with reports on the following airport locations:

Purpose

Like the highway system, Idaho’s system of 126 public use airports are a critical component of the state’s transportation system. And, also like the highway system, constant maintenance and improvements are necessary to meet the needs and demands of the traveling public. Simply put, current aviation system needs far outweigh available funding.

The State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) is tackling the challenge of targeting state and federal resources in a more strategic way by better identifying and prioritizing aviation related projects. This process helps ITD-Aeronautics and local governments communicate to decision-makers the need for continued and increased investments into Idaho’s airport system. The program is intended to be a continuous, multi-year funding program that will assess short-term (0-5 year) and long-term (5-20 year) airport improvement needs for the Idaho airport system. The SCIP is helping agencies including ITD-Aero, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local governments to better anticipate future airport development capital needs and to make strategic investments to maximize financial resources.

ITD-Aero is developing and implementing the program on two fronts:

• A program for airports eligible for FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds.
• A program for airports only eligible for Idaho Airport Aid Program (IAAP) funds.

For AIP eligible airports, the SCIP program is being developed in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Northwest Mountain Region and the FAA Seattle Airports District Office (ADO). The Seattle ADO is the primary FAA regional Line of Business overseeing airport development and funding in the states of Idaho, Washington and Oregon. In support of this partnership, the FAA has provided ITD-Aero with a grant to develop an AIP eligible SCIP.

General Benefits

• Capture for the first time at the state level both the constrained and unconstrained needs of Idaho airports. This data will be used to demonstrate to state legislators and other local decision-makers the financial needs to maintain and enhance this critical component of the statewide transportation system.
• Use the process developed in partnership with the FAA for federally funded airports for non-federally funded airports within Idaho.
• Increase predictability, consistency, and efficiency amongst ITD-Aero, airport sponsors and FAA when prioritizing and distributing Idaho airport capital improvement funds.
• Eliminate duplication of efforts. ITD-Aero will be responsible for the annual collection of CIPs from airport sponsors, which will alleviate airport sponsors from having to duplicate communication with both the FAA and ITD-Aero.
• Maximize efficiency by designating ITD-Aero as the organizer of CIP submittals. ITD-Aero will then work with the FAA to provide a more timely response from the agencies back to airport sponsors regarding their CIP requests.
• Joint coordination with FAA Project Managers as part of the five year SCIP development process will result in:
  • Increased resources for airport sponsors to discuss your individual airport CIP and airport needs.
  • The ability of Idaho to work with the FAA and airport sponsors to better incorporate statewide aviation needs into the overall SCIP development process.
  • More efficient use of available AIP funds to Idaho airports as well as the potential for increased access to certain AIP funds as a result of better SCIP planning.
  • Create a proactive, continual planning process for years to come. This will result in a more sustainable airport system, enabling ITD-Aero, FAA and local governments to look ahead to determine how the system can continue to be improved and preserved.

Schedule

As a new program within ITD-Aero, full development and implementation of this program is expected to take two to three years. Over the coming months ITD-Aero will be visiting with airports to discuss the program, answer any questions and gather input about existing CIPs.

Stay tuned – More information will be added to this website as it becomes available .

For more information contact: Jennifer Schildgen, Airport Planner and SCIP Project Manager, Jennifer.Schildgen@itd.idaho.gov, 208-334-8640

Introducing Idaho’s Youth to Careers in Aviation! Available to Ages 13-18.

Aerospace Career Exploration (ACE) Academy is designed to introduce high school students to aviation and space-related careers.

As a participant in the ACE program, activities may involve field trips, forums, and a hands-on satellite project.

ACE Academy was cancelled for 2020 and will resume in 2021.

For further information, contact Tim Steffen at 208-334-8780 or Tim.Steffen@itd.idaho.gov

The Idaho Airport Facility Directory App is available on iPads, iPhones, and Android devices or a hard copy of the directory can be sent by mail.

For a hard copy of the Idaho Airport Facility Directory email Division of Aeronautics, or call 208-334-8775.

• Airport Facilities Directory (PDF version)

To download the App for the Idaho Airport Facility Directory, click the appropriate App icon below.

App Store – iPad, iPhone	Google Play – Android devices

• Click to watch a video about the Airport Facility Directory iPad Application (App)

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 Report

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 and a brief summary will be added to the spring issue of the Rudder Flutter.

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

Tim Steffen | Safety/Education Coordinator | Phone: (208) 334-8780 | Tim.Steffen@itd.idaho.gov

Safety Stand Down Events

October 17 to November 15, 2020
Locations: All over Idaho

Idaho Pilots,

This year, instead of bringing everyone together in a big hotel during a pandemic, Division of Aeronautics would like to work with aviation organizations around the state to set up safety events as local conditions allow. See the posted letter below for details and contact us with your ideas or any questions.

• Resource Options for Safety Stand Down Offerings & Announcement Letter

Start planning your local event and let Aeronautics know. If you have questions, or special requests, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for getting the word out to your local communities, and we look forward to this year’s Safety Stand Down.
 
For further information, contact Tim Steffen at 208-334-8780 or Tim.Steffen@itd.idaho.gov

These are proven operating practices that will ensure your Idaho flying experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

• Big Creek
• Cavanaugh Bay
• Garden Valley
• Johnson Creek
• Smiley Creek
• Stanley SOP

The “Rudder Flutter” is published bi-annually and is available in print, via email, and online. Select from the editions in the table below to review past issues of this Idaho aviation newsletter.

• Request your FREE subscription to the “Rudder Flutter”

These are proven operating practices that will ensure your Idaho flying experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

• Big Creek
• Cavanaugh Bay
• Garden Valley
• Johnson Creek
• Smiley Creek
• Stanley SOP