The “Tornado” Husky is Home–in Idaho!

Welcome New Members! Thank you Contributors!

Breck Glassinger, Jerome, ID, Wilson Bar Level Richard Petty, Sedona, AZ, Johnson Cr. Level

Steven Sundquist, Yakima, WA, Johnson Cr. Level Kevin Condroski, Wallingford, CT, Johnson Cr. Level

Jerry Highland, Nine Mile Falls, WA, Johnson Cr. Level Wally Glass, Boise, ID

New Corporate Sponsors! T.C. Willis, LLC, Spirit Lake, ID

ATTENTION MO-GAS USERS!

The Idaho Div. of Aeronautics is concerned that owners of FAA certificated aircraft operating with a Supplemental Type Certificate allowing the use of automotive fuel may not be submitting the Idaho Tax Commission Form 75 to report the use of ethanol-free automotive fuel utilized in an aircraft. Submission of this form allows the return of 18¢ per gallon reported to the purchaser, and 7¢ per gallon is transferred from the highway fuel tax account to the aviation fuel tax account.

Currently, filing this form is necessary (though not required) regardless of whether the fuel is purchased at one of the two on-field mo-gas pumps (Payette or Buhl Airports) in the State, or if fuel is purchased off-airport and transported in portable containers to the aircraft. This also applies to home-built, experimental, and light sport aircraft. Simply put, if mo-gas is burned in the air, then the taxes on the fuel need to be collected at the lower rate and the proceeds directed to the Division of Aeronautics to support airports and aviation in the State of Idaho.

We are concerned that many owners find Form 75 to be cumbersome and so don’t bother with it, and may also assume fuel from on-field mo-gas pumps is taxed for aviation use, which is not the case. The EAA and Peterson Aviation Inc. report that over 800 STC’s for auto fuel have been sold to aircraft in Idaho. The Idaho Tax Commission reported less than 25 Form 75s were returned in 2011.

We hereby request users of mo-gas, regardless of aircraft type, contact the Division of Aeronautics and simply let us know how many gallons of mo-gas you use in your aircraft during the year, and whether or not you file the form with the tax commission.

We will use this information to determine if some change in the tax collection process is worth pursuing. The Division feels that tax revenue rightly due to airports and aviation in Idaho is being diverted to support highways. Please help us grasp the scope of this problem. Please contact: Mark Lessor, Aviation Technician; 208-334-8895 (leave a message if I’m out) or by email at mark.lessor@itd.idaho.gov.

February 2013

Events Calendar

Feb 8–9 Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic: Div. of Aeronautics Bldg., 3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise; conducted by Ponderosa Aero Club, 208-344-5401, www.ponderosaaero.org/firc. Feb 12 Treasure Valley Chapter Meeting Div. of Aeronautics Bldg., 3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise. Feb 23–24 Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show:

Showplex Conference Center, Western Washington Fairgrounds Puyallup, WA 300+ vendors! Sat 9a.m.–5:30p.m., Sun 10a.m.–4p.m. Admission $5; tickets available at the door; 866-922-7469. Feb 28–Mar 3 Montana Aviation Conference: Copper King Hotel, Butte, MT; all day. More info: contact Patty Kautz 406-444-9580, Mike Hart 208-528-7672 or www.mdt.mt.gov/aviation/calendar.shtml. April 9 Treasure Valley Chapter Meeting Div. of Aeronautics Bldg., 3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise. April 10 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Emmett Wings & Wheels Breakfast: Spot-landing, short-field, and other flying contests; Show N’ Shine for antique/classic cars; fuel at cost; breakfast benefit for TV Chapter; contact John at 208-365-2164 or 365-4135. May 4 Weiser Airport 3

nd Annual Fly-in and Breakfast:

Bob & Mary Sue Patrick hosting; breakfast 8–10 a.m. by TV Chapter; drawings for rides in a Waco; 208-634-4824. May 11 Ontario Fly-in Breakfast: 7:30–11 a.m., 208-739-3979. May 17–19 Trade Show Aviation Idaho: Idaho Falls. Aircraft, avionics, seminars, door prizes, IAA Gen. Meeting, 208-524-1202. June 1 Carey(U65) fly-in: Breakfast starts at 7 a.m.; “Carey-er” spot-landing contest; more info contact Paul Olsen 208-309-2181. June 13–16 Super Cub Fly-in at Johnson Creek: www.supercub.org. June 15–17 Garden Valley Father’s Day campout/breakfast: A Treasure Valley Chapter event, everyone invited, 208-861-6926.

June 28–30 Backcountry Pilots Fly-in at Johnson Creek: www.backcountrypilot.org. July 12–13 Cessna International 180/185 Club fly-in at Garden Valley: Campout/BBQ, www.skywagons.org. July 12–14 Wilderness Within Reach: Sulphur Creek Ranch, call

Joe Corlett 208-890-1819. August 2–4 International Cessna 180/185 Club Fly-in at Johnson Creek: Campout, BBQ, www.skywagons.org. August 23–25 Cavanaugh Bay Fly-in Campout and potluck BBQ

More info call Doug 208-861-5926. Oct 8 Treasure Valley Chapter Meeting Div. of Aeronautics Bldg., 3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise.

MORE FLY-INS AND EVENTS ON WEBSITE CALENDAR.

2013 Work Party Schedule (weather permitting) Come help your friends, get dirty, and have fun!

June 8 - Atlanta/Graham Jerry Terlisner 859-7959 June 22 - Cabin Creek Jerry Terlisner 859-7959 June 29 - Cayuse Creek Johnny Stewart 476-4647 July 6 – Chamberlain Basin Doug Culley 861-6926 July 13 - Big Creek Dale Gust 375-6759 July 20 – Cold Meadows

Check the website for more details and updates www.idahoaviation.com

President’s Corner Jim Davies

The IAA Board of Directors held their quarterly meeting in January and the minutes are available for your review on the website. There was a lot of good discussion about many things but one of the most significant had to do with an enhancement to the website. As you know, we spend a lot of time and effort trying to improve the safety record of flying in Idaho. We publish articles, harp on common threats encountered, and try to recommend ways to avoid trouble. One of the most common appeals is for pilots unfamiliar with whatever environment they are heading into (backcountry, instrument, night, etc) to get instruction in that arena before heading out. We have not done much to facilitate that goal, however, so we decided to create a page on the site where CFI’s can list their availability, specialties, and contact information. This page is for individual instructors to use as they deem appropriate without having to be sanctioned or endorsed by the IAA. It should help pilots locate an instructor compatible with their needs. Often the recommendation to get instruction is met with an appeal for suggestions of who to go to and what they charge, etc. Hopefully, this page, to be found under “Aviation Resources,” will help answer that question. Instructors, I encourage you to make yourselves known to the other members by using this new capability.

If you have looked at the IAA website recently, you know the webcams at Mackay Bar and Sulphur creek are not working as expected. Those cameras are owned and maintained by a partnership between the resort owners and the Idaho Aviation Foundation. They are promoted and made accessible through the IAA website and all parties have been working diligently to get them back in operation. With the volunteer services of Steve Burak and his ski equipped C-180, tech and maintenance personnel have been ferried into both sites at least twice, but with little success. There may be an effort to fly a representative from Hughes Net in but that is not certain. In any case, that will be the last effort for the winter. Keep an eye on the web site for status and please accept our apologies for the lapse in service. We will certainly get them up and running again in the spring, if not sooner.

There is a lot of information in this issue, from Division of Aeronautics legislative information, to announcements about rebuilding Big Creek Lodge. The calendar of events has Trade Shows, Fly Ins, and work parties. I hope you will stay active in the functions and keep your flying skills sharp. Spring is just around the corner.

Fair Skies Jim

District 2 – Lewiston/Moscow

Bill Ables

Well, what a high pressure system we have had hovering over us for the last several days now. Even though we are calm here in the Wallowa Valley, Hell’s Canyon has had some good winds all day and night of late. For those of you going into Dug Bar, beware that there may be some cows on or near the runway—just a heads up.

It’s been several months since I’ve had a chance to go to Minam Lodge, but I flew in today and got to see how the 29-inch tires performed in the 6-inches of snow covering the ground. The RAWS site said it was 2° at Minam. In preparing for the trip I packed my x-country skis and poles just in case, as well as the rest of my winter flying gear. After a low pass over Red’s Horse Ranch airstrip and then the Minam Lodge strip to get an educated guess about the snow depth, I made an upriver landing at Minam. The 29’s did well!

After putting my engine cover on to keep that precious heat where it would do me the most good, I surprised Tim & Melisa with some fresh tomatoes and lettuce. They in turn rewarded me with some very good coffee, good conversation and a tour of the completed cabin. Work has come to a standstill at the lodge for now, but one of the cabins has completely been rebuilt and is beautiful. When the sun hit the canyon here at the lodge the temperature took a big jump to 20°. A remnant of our December wind storms was a large Fir tree that had been blown over and barely missed the north end of the lodge.

Prior to takeoff I found out what you ski plane pilots have to do on occasion, a manually performed 180 using leg power, as my 29-inch tires held about as good as a set of skis during my 180-turn to get set up for a down river take off. But all in all, I had a beautiful flight and I encourage each of you to enjoy our cold thick air this winter, but to go

prepared for even the shortest of flights. Cheers, Bill

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Idaho Aviation Foundation Announces Plan to Rebuild Historic Lodge!

The Idaho Aviation Foundation (IAF) announces formal

plans to rebuild the historic Big Creek Lodge, part of a tiny settlement area in the Payette National Forest, just outside Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The lodge, originally built in the 1930’s, served backcountry pilots, hunters, fishermen and other recreationists until it and an adjacent cabin burned to the ground in October 2008. The IAF has applied for a special use permit from the Payette National Forest and will operate the new Big Creek Lodge for the public after it is built, and will host public service functions at the existing facilities between now and completion of construction. The IAF has already developed an execution plan, acquired the remaining buildings and improvements at the site, started fund raising, and launched a website to get the public involved. By late January 2013, IAF has raised over 50% of the $800,000 budget for the project.

“Thousands of pilots and outdoor recreationists have happy memories at Big Creek Lodge,” said IAF President Jim Davies. “When this project is complete, the public can begin to make new memories at this historic site so many of us love.” Yet, the project is full of challenges. The lodge sits at nearly 6,000’ elevation in rugged terrain with limited access by road—which is snow-free only 4 months per year. The adjacent state-managed airstrip requires pilots to have appropriate aircraft and skills. Although the ‘big town’ of McCall (population 2,900) is only a 15-minute flight away, it’s a 3-4 hour drive. “The logistics are challenging, but if it were easily accessible, it wouldn’t be Big Creek. We’ve planned for the difficulties and consulted with experienced builders and backcountry operators on our budget and timeline,” said Davies.

Fundraising efforts have already raised $410,000, led by a $250,000 commitment from the IAF and public donations of $160,000 thus far. The $800,000 objective includes engineering, design, transportation, construction, and opening the lodge plus long-term lodge operation.

The IAF has also acquired all remaining facilities and improvements at Big Creek. Colleen Back, Vice President of IAF and Big Creek Project Manager, said, “Big Creek Lodge is on US Forest Service land, and will operate within the authority of a Special Use Permit in partnership with the Payette National Forest. So, this acquisition was essential for us to start working more directly with the USFS and refine the plan with them going forward. Our many meetings with the USFS have been very productive. They encouraged the return of public services again at Big Creek.” The acquisition included a duplex cabin, historic store and tack shed, hydro-electric system, water delivery systems, and septic tank. The acquisition was completed in October 2012, through a combination sale and generous donation to the IAF from Scott and Trudy Fodor, previous owners of Big Creek Lodge.

“In addition to all the planning and various committee meetings, we launched the Rebuild Big Creek website and fund raising campaign,” said Back. The website, www.RebuildBigCreek.com, includes a blog to keep site visitors up to date on the project, a history section, and

interactive areas for people to share their favorite Big Creek memories, photos and stories. It also includes donation and volunteer information. “It is evident that the public wants to create new memories at Big Creek Lodge, and we will certainly need their financial and volunteer support to succeed,” Back commented. To illustrate the interest level, Back indicated that many pilots and outdoor enthusiasts have already asked how they can help through donations and volunteerism. “The IAF received public commitments or donations totaling over $160,000 before we even began formal fund raising efforts. In addition to donors, we are grateful for our partners such as Houston-Bugatsch Architects and our marketing firm, CLM, who generously donated major services because they believe in the cause. I’d say we are certainly off to a good start.”

The old lodge at Big Creek was a premier destination for visitors throughout Idaho, the US and around the world. Motorcycle and ATV users, horsemen, hunters, snowmobilers, cross country skiers and pilots alike have enjoyed the area, the home-style meals, and overnight accommodations. “Although everyone misses the old lodge, it endured more than 75 years of harsh winters, and materials used then led to modern-day maintenance challenges,” Davies explained, noting that new lodge operations would run mid-spring to mid-fall. The IAF will consider options for winter operations if demand and logistics permit. “The Fodors and other previous owners of the Lodge have been great resources to teach us what has worked and not worked in the past. This history led us to depart from the old lodge ‘look’ and start over from a design standpoint to make the lodge maintenance more manageable and the visitor experience that much better,” he continued. It is currently in design phase which needs to go through an approval process. “The plan calls for a two-story log structure that will have a comfortable seating area for serving meals, big windows to take advantage of the mountain views, a few rooms to rent, caretakers’ quarters, and space for small retreats or training sessions, all built to fit into the near-Wilderness scenic environment.” Davies explained. A future phase may include small cabins for rental adjacent to the lodge. The IAF will host several open house or breakfast events in 2013 at Big Creek Airstrip. “Between now and end of 2013, a great deal of work will be going on in the background that most people won’t see or realize is happening,” stated Back. “We will be working on obtaining additional permits, refining short-term and long-term plans with several government agencies and developing logistics for the actual construction when all requirements have been met. Four committees run by IAF Directors are focused on the project, and a timeline and budget are in place,” she continued. Assuming all permitting goes as planned, the Foundation plans to break ground and complete the structure in 2014 or 2015, depending on weather conditions and permit status.

“We need the public to get on the RebuildBigCreek.com website and talk with us. If they like what they see, we hope they will choose to get involved in some way. We need the support of everyone interested in rebuilding Big Creek Lodge in order to make this project a success,” Back stated. Tax-deductible contributions to the IAF can

also be mailed to: PO Box 2016, Eagle, ID 83616

District 3 - Boise/McCall Wayne Thiel

The 3rd annual New Year’s Day fly-in

to Hells Canyon was called off due to cold weather and poor visibility. However, one family, the Bobos from Moscow/Pullman area made it there and sent pictures. It looked cold, unlike last year when the temperature was 40 at 11 a.m.

It pays to check the website for updates on fly-ins and work parties just in case the weatherman does not smile on us. We are planning another fly-in

to Dug Bar (35 miles north of Hells Canyon Dam on the Oregon side) on Ground Hog Day, February 2. If this happens, it will be the alternate to the New Years Day fly-in. Check the website and bring something to cook on the grill, chairs and a little firewood. A table would be nice. I will try to have hot coffee and chocolate.

On January 8th, the Treasure Valley Chapter Board met to lay out plans for the coming year. Check the upcoming events in this newsletter to mark your calendar for fly-ins and work parties. Then check the IAA website for up to the minute reports on these events. I am not good at checking the website. However, that is one of my goals for this year!

It has been cold in District 3 for a month (single digits at night and teens during the day). I have only made two short trips, one to Owyhee Reservoir where there was too much snow for 75B’s wimpy 850 tires (or maybe 75B’s wimpy pilot), and one to Weiser to visit the Patricks. With 30 events on the State calendar already, and I am sure that is not all of them, you will need to choose the ones you want to attend. Mark your calendar and “go for it”!

Fly every chance you get; do your maintenance on both

your aircraft and your skills. Fly safe, Wayne Thiel, 4775B wthiel@idahoflyer.com 890-8866

Dug Bar, New Year’s Day photo courtesy Alan Bobo

Book Review - Crista Worthy Galen is on temp assignment w/Mont. Aeronautics

Recently, your Editor had the

great pleasure of reading West by 180: A Journey into Some of the Most Rugged and Remote Airstrips in America, penned by former airline Captain and IAA member Harry B. Harden.

In an all-too-short 99 pages, Captain Harden details his adventures in 2002, flying his Cessna 180 solo from his home in

New Hampshire across the U.S. in early spring, to a number of challenging and isolated airstrips in southern Utah’s redrock country. A few of his stops include Mineral Canyon, Hite, Dirty Devil, Hidden Splendor, and Mexican Mountain. Reluctantly departing Utah, he leaves his plane with his pilot daughter in Southern California, returning in summer with his wife Rita. Harry and Rita continue the 180 adventure up through northern California and Oregon and into Idaho and Montana. Just a few of their many stops include Memaloose, Big Creek, Upper Loon, Thomas Creek, Cabin Creek, Sulphur Creek, Cold Meadows, Fish Lake, Cavanaugh Bay, and Schafer Meadows.

Pilots who love backcountry flying will smile as they read Captain Harden’s adventures and recall their own. For this reader, the book brought back forgotten details of many thrilling flights over Utah’s incomparable topography.

Captain Harden’s folksy style will make you feel like you just pulled a campstool up to the fire and settled in to an evening of exchanging flying tales—“Miller Time”, as Harden calls it. Look for both Harry and Rita Harden at Moose Creek this May/June; in the meantime, I can think of no better way to anticipate this year’s flying season than by thoroughly enjoying this little book, as I’m sure you will.

$16 + $3 mailing, CaptainHBH@aol.com, 812 338 3845.

Contacts

State President: Jim Davies 859-5537 Vice Presidents: Jack Kotaki—Back Country Issues 340-7177 Bill Miller—Gov’t Affairs 853-8585 Larry Taylor—Agency Liaison 855-0261 Jerry Terlisner—Activities 859-7959 Doug Culley—Membership 861-6926 Joe Corlett—Communications 336-1097 Paul Jorgensen—Awards 343-0290 Nadine Burak—Secretary/Treasurer 861-9056 Directors: Dist #1 Jan Lee 255-9954 Dist #2 Bill Ables (541) 263-1327 Dist #3 Wayne Thiel 890-8866 Dist #4 Galen Hanselman 788-5176 Dist #5 Kerry Requa 785-8980 Dist #6 Mike Hart 528-7672 FLYLINE Crista Worthy (310) 560-7324

editor@idahoaviation.com Page 4

“Tornado” Sighted in Idaho Crista V. Worthy

Each year, the AOPA gives away a Sweepstakes airplane. Usually, it’s an older aircraft with sound airframe and engine, but badly in need of TLC. AOPA then spends a year refurbishing the aircraft with the aid of various sponsors. But the 2012 Sweepstakes airplane was virtually brand-new. The AOPA partnered with the RAF and

Aviat Aircraft to rescue N40WY after a freak tornado damaged it at Sun-n-Fun 2011. After on-site repairs to make it airworthy, the Husky was flown to the Aviat factory in Afton, WY, for complete repairs. Officially known as the “Tougher than a Tornado” Husky, it’s the most famous AOPA sweepstakes airplane ever, having spent much of 2011–12 criss-crossing the U.S., gathering thousands of fans. The airplane was won by an AOPA member in Florida who later put it up for sale. Brian Burnett, a pilot from Anchorage who now resides in Boise, seized the opportunity to buy the famous plane. Burnett, along with friend and fellow Husky pilot Ross Parton, flew the Tornado Husky from Florida to its new base in Caldwell. The Husky is finally at home—in Idaho, where you’ll find more backcountry airstrips than anywhere in the lower 48.

Your Editor jumped at the chance to fly with pilot Ross Parton in this immaculately maintained aircraft. Like all tandem planes, it takes agility to get in back, but the Husky provides ample comfort and luxury details like padded leather seats, state-of-the-art seatbelts, excellent visibility, beautifully-inlaid wood flooring, and ample heating capabilities—impressive, as temps at altitude were below zero! The Husky is quick on the stick yet without that kitey feeling some lighter planes have over the mountains. The Owyhees were draped in snow; ice coated the edges of the Snake River, yet the 29-inch Alaska Bushwheels and Parton’s skill kept the Husky from sliding on Nampa’s icy runway and taxiways. You can keep up with N40WY on the "Tornado Sightings" tab at www.tornadohusky.com.

The AOPA “Tornado” Husky is home—in Idaho!

Tornado Husky N40WY, parked on the ramp at Nampa on Jan. 12. Look for it around the state and follow its adventures at:

http://www.tornadohusky.com/index.html. Crista Worthy photo

State Drops Fuel Tax Increase Proposal Larry Taylor

Idaho transportation officials will not ask the Idaho

Legislature for an increase in aviation fuel taxes this year. The Idaho Transportation Board earlier had proposed a two-cent increase in both jet fuel and av-gas taxes. Legislation to boost aircraft registration fees from one cent to three cents per pound of aircraft gross weight and to eliminate airmen registrations, which costs as much to administer as it produces revenue, will go forward.

Division of Aeronautics Administrator Mike Pape said the decision to drop the fuel tax increases came after significant negative feedback from stakeholders and others. The increases would have had the greatest impact on airlines which have been struggling during the slow economy.

The IAA had endorsed all three proposals because Idaho is at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funds for eligible airports if it cannot help communities match federal grants. Maintenance of the state’s own airports, which we all enjoy and help fuel our economy, is in jeopardy without additional funding, as well.

Increasing the aircraft registration fee and eliminating airmen registrations will result in a net increase in annual aircraft operation costs for the typical general aviation aircraft owner of less than $75. It will produce about $155,000 for the Division of Aeronautics which will help, but certainly not solve, the Division’s annual shortfall of nearly $800,000, according to Pape.

Members who agree with Aeronautics’ position are encouraged to contact their legislators and ask them to support the remaining legislation. Those who do not know who their legislators are can simply log on to www.legislature.idaho.gov. Then just click on “Who’s My Legislator.” That same site also provides email contacts for

all legislators.

District 5 – Pocatello/Blackfoot

Kerry Requa

Well, here we are in the middle of winter. I am not seeing much activity at any airfields due to the extreme cold and low visibility we have had for several weeks. Things are looking up, we usually have a January thaw, so I hope it arrives soon. I did venture out last

week and it was a very fun flight. I took the plane out of the hangar; it was about 45 degrees in the hangar. Outside it was 5 above. The runway has been snow covered with ice underneath. It has been plowed but we get the freezing fog that puts down a layer of fluffy snow. Winds have been light but they are there, usually around 5-7 and variable. I took off and flew for just under an hour, wow, I really like winter flying. The performance is fantastic and the views are unequalled. I found two herds of elk and a few deer (continued on Page 6) Page 5

near the farm ground. After I decided to return and land I started to think about the landing with the icy runway. The winds were not much but it was straight across the runway at about 7. It was about the time I turned final that I began the think about that fluffy snow that had been present at my departure. I have the wheel pants on and I thought what if I got some snow up under the wheel pants? Did it thaw because the temps in the hangar were much warmer than the outside temps? If so, it would surely freeze again while in flight. On short final I decided I better be prepared for the brakes to lock up and hoped that I was wrong. The runway had some spots with clear pavement but they were few and far between. I decided to plant it somewhat firmly on the centerline and in the middle of an icy spot. Sure enough the brakes were frozen solid. I laid into the left rudder as the nose began to go to the right. I thought I sure hope the left wheel does not break loose first, but it did, compounding the sudden turn toward the weeds. Fortunately I was ready with a little blast of power and the brakes came loose and all ended well. We all need to be aware of the changes winter flight presents to us. After I landed I began to think about my flight. I had very little in the way of survival clothing, no food or water, nothing to start a fire and no signal device of any kind. I told myself I had only intended to do a local flight and stay near the farmland. But as I neared the edge of the valley I decided to look for elk. I did not go far but it made me think what may have happened if something had gone wrong and an off-airport landing was at hand. So I would like to remind everyone that no matter what time of year you fly, think about the unthinkable. Let’s hope it never happens but being unprepared can make an uncomfortable situation turn into something far worse very quickly. As far as landing on an icy runway with a slight crosswind, most of us have done that. The frozen brakes added a little excitement but fortunately I was ready and I had control of the outcome. An off-airport landing and survival situation was far beyond anything I considered prior to departure. I hope this will make some of you think about your preflight and what you may want to take with

you. I know it gave me a bit of a wake-up call. Tailwinds, Kerry Requa—District 5

District 6 – Idaho Falls/Salmon Mike Hart

Private Airstrips and Recreational Use: Idaho is not only blessed with great public airports, but also numerous private airstrips where we aviators can land (or not). The challenge is determining who owns them and whether or not pilots are welcome to visit. The default assumption should be that you are

not welcome to land without prior consent. Last summer I learned of something called a

Recreational Use Statute. Not all states have one of these, but the good news for private land owners in Idaho is that we do have one in this state.

The purpose of Idaho Code 36-1604, Limitation of liability of landowner, is to “encourage owners of land to make land and water areas available to the public without charge for recreational purposes by limiting their liability toward persons entering thereon for such purposes.”

This statute exempts owners from the need to warn recreational users of safety hazards or conditions and also provides exemptions to the owner from certain liability. (d) Owner Assumes No Liability. An owner of land or equipment who either directly or indirectly invites or permits without charge any person to use such property for recreational purposes does not thereby: 1. Extend any assurance that the premises are safe for any purpose. 2. Confer upon such person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed. 3. Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by an act of omission of such persons.

It goes on in Section (g) to state: (g) Owner Not Required to Keep Land Safe. Nothing in this section shall be construed to: 1. Create a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to persons or property. 2. Relieve any person using the land of another for recreational purposes from any obligation which he may have in the absence of this section to exercise care in his use of such land and in his activities thereon, or from legal consequences or failure to employ such care. 3. Apply to any person or persons who for compensation permit the land to be used for recreational purposes.

On the flip side, if you visit your neighbor’s pasture at his invitation and set his field on fire and kill his chickens, I hope you have insurance, because you are not exempted from liability, in fact, you retain full liability while on somebody else’s land, even with their permission. (h) User Liable for Damages. Any person using the land of another for recreational purposes, with or without permission, shall be liable for any damage to property, livestock or crops which he may cause while on said property.

So given the fact that land owners with private airstrips have no need worry about liability, can’t a pilot just drop in and say hi? Absolutely not. Private property is still private property and pilots need to behave responsibly by seeking permission directly from the land owner or having it on good authority that your recreational use is acceptable to the airstrip owner.

There are lots of private airstrips in District 6; not all of them are on the sectional. Some are known to host occasional pilot breakfasts, some are frequently used for RC aircraft as well, and others are very much private. In the future, as I come across good information, I will try to outline the ones I know about in this part of the state. If you own a private airstrip in Southeast Idaho, please contact me about your airstrip. If you have any preferences or conditions for private aircraft landing on your property I would like to know. My number is 208-528-7672. You can

reach me at comdesigns@gmail.com.

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and Remote Airstrips in America. Join Captain Harden as he flies around the West for three months with no

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FREE PILOT SAFETY SEMINARS: Pilots and others interested in aviation are invited to the

Mission Safety International (MSI) and Moody Aviation annual safety event Thurs–Fri Mar 7–8 at the Moody Aviation facility at Spokane’s Felts Field (KSFF). MSI is the “NTSB” of Christian missionary aviation safety. It works with nearly 50 missionary organizations around the world. Moody Aviation, established 65 years ago, has trained over 50% of the missionary pilots in the world. Students at Moody Aviation earn their A&P, private and commercial pilot licenses, and receive a Bachelor of Science in Mission Aviation Technology upon completion of the five year program. Worldwide, over 500 aircraft perform humanitarian flights and support missionary efforts in over 35 countries.

Every year the MSI/Moody safety event assembles a program of highly experienced pilots and leaders in aviation. Previous annual events discussed weather, post crash survival, flight physiology, decision making, pilot and mechanic error, personal security, emergency upset recovery, tire maintenance, and other pertinent topics. Pre-registration and seminar descriptions for the free FAA Wings seminars will be available online at www.faasafety.gov by February 14

th, 2013.

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Idaho Aviation Association PO Box 2016 Eagle, ID 83616

The FLYLINE February 2013

The Monthly Newsletter

of the

Idaho Aviation Association