Group establishing Libby flying club

Two local aviators are trying to bring flying to the masses. 

Ron Denowh, Libby airport board chairman, and Jaime Gagnier, airport manager, are trying to test the waters for interest in a flying club at Libby Airport.

At first glance, the club might appear to be for the moneyed few, but the two men are quick to state that a group of interested aviators could buy and maintain a “starter plane” for the price of a used car.

“They could share the cost of a plane,” Denowh said. “It’s an inexpensive way to own an airplane. The cost would depend on how many people join.”

The cost would still not be cheap, with monthly fees for fuel, maintenance and repair, but would certainly be more affordable than buying a plane alone.

Gagnier adds that interested aviators could buy in for a limited time.

“It’s a good way to get a pilot’s license,” he said. “And after a period of time, someone could buy your share out.”

While the lofty goal of a flight club is something Denowh and Gagnier would love to see, the details can’t be hashed out until they gauge the interest. 

Gagnier is soon to start a Facebook page for the group, and he’d like to meet with interested fliers sometime in early March. But he and Denowh’s major drive is toward getting families and young people interested in flying. 

The men would like to see the expansion of the Bonners Ferry Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the local chapter of a national flying organization. More specifically, they would like to see the “Young Eagles” program come to Libby Airport. 

“The program runs from 8-17,” Denowh said. “We want them old enough to know what is going on. The Bonners Ferry group has four scholarships, and they send one to Libby. Last year, we didn’t get any applications.” 

The Boy Scouts also have an aviation merit badge, so the two men hope the Scouts will be part of interested parties.

For more information, interested fliers can contact Gagnier at 291-6650.