Something for everyone at Shoshone County Airport
An Apple representative demonstrates how the “Sphero Robots” can be programed with the use of Swift Code during a “Inspire Idaho” event at the airport in March. Photo by CHANSE WATSON
SMELTERVILLE — The Shoshone County Airport has been doing its best to be at the forefront of expansion over the past few years. Even with last month’s announcement it was becoming a more pet-friendly facility, managers are pushing to do even more to be a community friendly airport.
Airport manager Richard Abers has been working to get the word out that he and the rest of the county officials have been cultivating a friendly environment.
From school programs like the airport’s STEM program, drone training programs, rentable conference space and other commercial amenities — the Shoshone County Airport has something for just about everyone.
“Our airport is one of seven Aviation Career Education Academy workshops in the state,” Abers said. “Participating students who pass an aptitude test (and have a clean police record) can go directly to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as soon as they graduate. No college required.”
The starting salary in that field is about $42,000 per year.
The conference room at the airport has already drawn a few crowds, including the University of Idaho and Apple when they joint-hosted an introductory seminar to teach locals how they could work for Apple from their homes.
The property the airport sits on has become something of a recreational park as well for those who enjoy walking trails along the river, or as mentioned, a popular place to take the dogs out for a good walk.
Abers believes his work and his steady promotion of the area has made the airport a destination for pilots who are looking for the best fuel prices, a place to land and go stay and play, or those who want to fly in for a brief stop.
“Numerous returning pilots from last month’s Oshkosh Airshow 6 (in Wisconsin) commented on our Kiosk visibility in the Pavilion area,” Abers said. “We have gained attention as one of the best, small airports to visit out West. The recognition is good for business.”
For more information on the happenings at Shoshone County Airport or to schedule a time to use any of its amenities, contact Richard Abers at 208-786-5381 or visit them online at shoshonecounty.id.gov/airport.