As the eclipse weekend approaches all of us at the Friedman Memorial Airport would like to remind you and advise you of the below information. If you have any specific questions about travel arrangements, please contact your airline, local car rental agency, and hotel. Lastly, be safe and enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
UPDATE: August 21, 2017
Currently both upper and lower parking lots have parking spots available.
Airport Auto Parking
We want to encourage people to get a ride to be dropped off/picked up if able as we expect the lots to be full. We would like to encourage people to use the lower parking lot which will have some capacity early in the week but we are expecting it to fill up fast.
Airlines
All commercial flights are booked 3 days before and 2 days after. Come early for your flights and expect the terminal to be very busy. Keep in mind that arriving early will improve your check-in and security experience.
Rental Cars and Hotel Rooms
All rental car reservations at the airport are sold out. Hotel rooms in the community are also sold out. Contact individual rental car agencies and hotels for confirmation and additional information.
General Community Awareness
This event is going to impact our community in many ways — please reference the Blaine County Emergency website and the Visit Sun Valley Newsletter for more information and preparedness for the eclipse.
Emergency Aircraft Support
The Idaho Army National Guard at the direction of the Governor’s Office is staging two light helicopters at SUN. These helicopters will be available to Local Emergency Management Response officials as deemed necessary.
General Aviation Flying
If you are planning to fly into the backcountry, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) – Division of Aeronautics, advised of the following in regards to the state-managed airstrips:
- Download the Idaho Airports app from the app store.
- Review airport information such as standard operating procedures (SOP)
- Expect busy airspace, airports and ramp areas.
- Use flight plans or proper flight following procedures. Check weather, airport NOTAMS and TFR’s.
- August is wildfire season in Idaho. Chances are good that the air will be smoky, TFR’s will be present, and firefighting aircraft will be active.
- Cell phones may not be operable due to large amounts of visitors accessing the system. Make backup plans for flight plans and other communication needs.
- Airport camping facilities are available on a first-come first-served basis. (see camping rules below)
- Reservations for tiedowns and airport camping areas are not being accepted.
- We expect large crowds. Pilots may find very few available tiedowns or parking spaces.
- Have a Plan B. Maintain a flexible schedule and full fuel tanks.
- Most lodging and public campgrounds are booked and dispersed camping may not be allowed.
For more information in regards to the eclipse visit the State-managed Airports & the Eclipse website.
