Flying high in North Idaho

By Jen Heller
Reader Contributor

Summer in North Idaho is always so hectic. It’s hard to pack in all the adventures, gatherings, foods, and fun. But, as the light leaves us with a sigh of relief, it’s good and healthy to come up with projects for the winter months. 

Last winter, my self-assigned project was learning to fly — and it sure turned out to be a timely goal, since the snow never showed up! I didn’t mourn the dearth of skiing nearly as bad when I was up in the sky, admiring our whole landscape from above. (Let’s be honest — it was less time sightseeing, and more of me sweating heavily through various drills, lessons and confusing rituals.) 

Operating any aircraft is expensive, so, like a lot of student pilots, part of my pregame research involved locating an aircraft I could rent on a budget. This past spring, I lucked out when one of Bonner County’s newest nonprofits launched from the modest little airport in Priest River (Airport Code 1S6). 

The 1S6 Flying Club is a gift to the local flying community, as the flying club at the Sandpoint airport is often full, with a waitlist to boot. Flying clubs are one of the easiest ways for new or experienced pilots to fly as affordably as possible. Upkeep expenses are covered by monthly fees, and the stress of organizing maintenance and other tasks are shared by several rather than shouldered by one. 

Joining a young club meant an extra bonus, for me: the plane was available to check out any time I wanted it. I commute to Priest River two days per week, so the location was decently convenient for me already; but, even if I wasn’t working there, it’s a relatively short and beautiful drive, compared to the distances some people drive for the privilege of flying. On the days I wanted to fly, I could often just pull up the scheduling app an hour beforehand, plunk in my reservation and head for the heavens. 

While the 1S6 Flying Club has boldly gone where no flying clubs have been before, it should be noted that the Priest River airport was already a great little hub of passionate aviators. I’ve found all of them to be friendly and welcoming toward the little bit of extra traffic on their side of the Bonner divide. Plus, the airstrip feels even more welcoming now that the runway was repaved and repainted this summer. 

For those seasoned pilots who have already racked up flight hours in the past, 1S6 airport is a fantastic home base. It’s close to some more adventurous airstrips at Priest Lake and beyond, quiet enough that you don’t have to wait for traffic and easy to access off Highway 57. 

While many flying clubs have strict limitations in how long you can check out a plane, the 1S6 Flying Club recognizes the appeal of our Idaho “backcountry” access, and members can check out the plane for a limited number of overnights or full weekends over the course of a membership year. 

The folks who run the club are approachable and enthusiastic about providing flying opportunities to the oft-neglected western side of the county. The Cessna 172L that we fly (Tail No. N9894G) is also in great shape for a gal in her 50s. She’s soon to get an upgrade as well: the club recently received a donation of avionics equipment that, once installed, will allow for instrument flying. Those gray winter skies will soon be even more accessible. Finally, a piece of good news as we head into an El Niño year for the record books. 

Keep up those snow dances, everyone. But if crossing all our fingers and toes fails us once again, I’ll be spending my spare pennies up above the mountains, instead of on the rocky slopes.

When she’s not wandering or working, you’re most likely to find Jen Heller pinned down under a heavy orange cat and her laptop in central Sandpoint. Find her monthly posts about African memories and North Idaho adventures at jenstify.substack.com.