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Mission + Vision

The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority is committed to providing the Wood River Valley, surrounding communities and traveling public a safe, reliable and friendly aviation facility. The protection of life and property in the community as well as that of the aviation public is paramount. Teamwork, cooperation and effective application are the mechanisms of our service.

Blaine County Airport Strategic Plan 2012
In an effort to communicate effectively with all stakeholders involved with the airport project, the Board of County Commissioners has developed a strategy map to articulate steps necessary for a successful airport project. This document presents:

  • Guiding Principles
  • Community perspective
  • Replacement Airport
  • Friedman Memorial Airport

 

Hailey Guiding Principles Resolution 2012
A resolution of the Hailey City Council adopting guiding principles for the operation and relocation and discontinuation of the Friedman Memorial Airport.

Airport History

Friedman Memorial Airport has been in existence since shortly after the Wright Brothers flew the first manned aircraft 100 years ago. There is photo documentation of the site presently known as Friedman Memorial Airport being utilized for aviation as early as 1916. The original airport was officially recognized as such in 1932 after much of the land upon which it is located was donated to the City of Hailey in 1931 by the Friedman Family. Since then, the Airport expanded and grew conservatively through investment by Blaine County, State and FAA Grant funding. On August 1, 1960, the Airport experienced the advent of commercial, scheduled passenger service with the arrival of West Coast Airlines. Since then, several other scheduled air carriers and numerous other commercial aviation ventures have thrived serving Hailey, the Wood River Valley and Central Idaho. The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and Airport Staff have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the community through support of and participation in a variety of interest areas. These areas include but are not limited to:

 

  • Long term associations in the Hailey and Ketchum/Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Wood River
  • Economic Partnership, and Fly Sun Valley Alliance.
  • Regular hosts of community events to include Airport
  • Appreciation Days and Business After Hours.
  • Long-term supporters of Hailey youth to include airport tours and employment to provide student exposure to the Airport and aviation.
  • The Airport Authority and
  • The staff has worked diligently to improve community-related environmental and safety issues through its “Good Neighbor” noise abatement program. The airport has received national recognition for its work in noise abatement.

 

The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority was formed in 1994, replacing the Blaine County Airport Commission. The present Authority is an extremely dedicated group of community leaders.

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