Projects

Current Projects

Idaho Airstrip Network
STEM Program Grants
Idaho Aviation License Plates A Success Because of YOU!

Past Projects

35th Annual Wilderness Within Reach
Idaho book of aviation history "IMAGES OF AVIATION"

Current Projects

Idaho Airstrip Network

The IAN consists of owners and users of Idaho's backcountry airstrips. The primary purpose is to establish standards and coordinate projects for all public use backcountry airstrips in Idaho. Both the IAF and the Idaho Aviation Association hold key positions on the IAN steering committee. The IAF has become one of the major supporters of the IAN and has been designated as the entity that receives and distributes grants and donations for IAN projects. For more information see the Idaho Airstrips page on the Idaho Aviation Association website.

STEM Program Grants

The IAF has given grants to local high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs conducted by Rich Stowell, a 20-year Master Instructor.

Here's a five-minute video memorializing the six-hour ACE Academy Living Lab held at Boise State University on June 14, 2017. The lab brought teens and teachers together to learn about aviation using STEM. Using rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes, participants worked on NASA's Glide Trajectory Problem as well as calculated the speed of their planes flying around pylons.

Idaho Aviation License Plates A Success Because of YOU!

Aviation enthusiasts have another way to display their love for flying in Idaho. By purchasing a "Fly Idaho" license plate, they will also be supporting organizations that work to preserve and enhance the airstrips that help make Idaho a special place for pilots.

Thank You for Your Support

ORDER YOURS TODAY (Click on link):
https://www.accessidaho.org/itd/driver/plates/personalize?ScriptForm.startstep=type

This special program was in jeopardy of being cancelled as of June 30, 2021. In 2020 the Idaho legislature passed a law that would end Idaho’s “Fly Idaho” specialty license plate program, changing the required number of plates sold from 1000 to 2000. BUT, because of YOU STEPPING UP AND BUYING ENOUGH PLATES, WE MET THE 2000 PLATE REQUIREMENT AS OF JUNE 30TH, 2021!
We could not have done it without your help and support. Thank you for taking the time to register your vehicle(s) with the aviation license plate.

Past Projects

35th Annual Wilderness Within Reach

Wilderness Within Reach, a program IAF funds to enable handicapped/disabled to fly and experience the backcountry

Although many have the ability to fly into the Idaho backcountry to enjoy the wilderness, there is a segment of the population who cannot physically or economically access these remote areas. There are those who are physically unable to hike, ride a horse, or float a river, due to age, conditioning or disability. Every summer for decades now, Wilderness Within Reach (WWR) has brought disabled children, adults, and veterans out to various ranches in Idaho, so that they can enjoy the outdoors in a setting they might otherwise never get the opportunity to visit. The Idaho Aviation Foundation organizes and funds this worthy program.

Over 30 years ago, several Idaho pilots and air taxi operators, in cooperation with Boise Parks and Recreation Department, decided to start WWR, a program that provides air transportation to the Idaho backcountry at selected airstrips for such individuals. Today this program is sponsored by the IAF, air taxi operators and volunteers along with the Boise Parks and Recreation Department to conduct the annual event.

2023 Wilderness Within Reach, a program IAF funds to enable handicapped/disabled to fly and experience the backcountry

A huge debt of gratitude to the Idaho Aviation Foundation and its President Jim Davies for providing the financial resources necessary to make it possible these many years. When you see an aviation license plate on your or another’s car, be reminded of the good works that program puts in place and Wilderness Within Reach is a great example. Next year we will be hosting disabled children

History of the Wilderness Within Reach Program

Contact John Davis for more information:

Cell: 208-867-4600

Email: [email protected]

Idaho book of aviation history "IMAGES OF AVIATION"

The IAF provided a grant to subsidize the Author for the writing of this book that details the many ways that aviation has contributed to the public good and enjoyment of life for people who live in Idaho and those who visit from elsewhere. This book aligns with the goals of the IAF to protect Idaho’s irreplaceable backcountry airstrips and promote Idaho aviation in all its many forms.

The book explains how aviation in Idaho is unique from that of any other state, due largely to its unique geography: The entire central part of the state is a giant batholith—a hunk of granite—with tall, jagged mountain peaks, cut by deep canyons. Thus, from the earliest days, aviation became especially important in Idaho. Airplanes could fly over the otherwise nearly impassable mountains, and land within these otherwise almost unreachable areas.

There are over 200 photos with detailed captions: the photos are interesting, the captions explain the story, and, as the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

This book is a permanent record of how aviation has become a critical component of life in Idaho. It serves as a testament to the value of Idaho aviation in all its forms, and the legal right of all our backcountry airstrips to continue to be open to all pilots, in perpetuity.

You can order your copy, signed by the writer, Crista Worthy, from the Idaho Aviation Association at https://idahoaviation.com/product/idaho-aviation-book-images-of-aviation/