Highway 41 project grounds flying club

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

RATHDRUM — The Highway 41 widening project will improve traffic mobility — unless you're a member of the Coeur d’Alene Aero-Modeling Society. The two-year highway project that will start next year has grounded the radio-controlled aircraft flying club.

The club has used the Idaho Transportation Department's property on the east side of the highway between Hayden and Lancaster for the past 32 years. However, the club's airstrip is being abandoned since the department’s contractor for the widening project will excavate gravel from the field the club uses.

"The club has been trying to find other properties that it could use, but so far no luck," said Carl Stearns, a member of the club. "If we don’t find something, there’s going to be a bunch of seniors looking for something else to do next summer. Could be trouble."

The club, which has nearly 100 members that fly both foam/electric and gas-powered planes with up to a 5-foot wingspan, hosts air shows, including a special summer camp for those with disabilities.

"We don't need a lot of property — just a few acres of open land with access so our members can drive up to it and no development near it," Stearns said. "People don't want to hear our flying buzzers going all day."

Stearns said the club was willing to keep the property mowed and watered, just as it has done on the transportation department’s land. It also erects a fence for safety purposes.

"We don't fly over major roads," he said, adding that pilots have flown their planes at altitudes of less than 400 feet because of the field’s proximity to the Coeur d'Alene Airport. "We're good stewards of the land and will take care of any gopher holes."

Stearns said the club has recommendations from the transportation department and a nearby farmer as being responsible users of property.

Transportation officials said the agency has had a good relationship with the club, but necessary circumstances for the Highway 41 widening project have arrived.

Stearns said the club is willing to use a grass airstrip at its future location, if one can be found. It has had an asphalt strip on the other property.

Club members understand progress and are not upset with the transportation department because of the situation. He said the club was given a heads-up about two years ago about the possibility it may have to search for a new location. It only recently learned the time to relocate officially had come.

"The worst thing that we were originally hoping for is a new way to access the property, but it turns out that won't be the case," Stearns said. "It turns out that the gravel is indeed needed."

Those who may be willing to offer their property for the club to use can contact Stearns at 208-620-0250.