Airport to be named after Forrest Bird

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Airport is being renamed in honor of Dr. Forrest M. Bird, an inventor and lifelong aviator who died this summer.

Sandpoint Airport will remain the official name of the county-owned facility in the eyes of the Federal Aviation Administration and on aeronautical maps. The airport's International Civil Aviation Organization airport code - KSZT - will also remain.

"That's going to be an honorary name," Jim Kaiser, director of Bonner County airports, said of the Bird moniker.

Kaiser said a petition was circulated by Sandpoint Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1441, the local hangar of Quiet Birdmen and local aviators who frequent the airport to name the facility in Bird's honor. Bird is listed as a notable member of Quiet Birdmen, an exclusive club of male aviators.

"His contributions have been amazing," Kaiser said of Bird.

Bird died on Aug. 2 at the age of 94. Bird, also a biomedical engineer, is perhaps best known for developing some of the first reliable mass-produced mechanical ventilators for cardiopulmonary care. He founded the Bird Aviation Museum and Percussionaire, a ventilator manufacturing company, in Sagle.

Bonner County commissioners are slated to take up a resolution on bestowing the honorary name on Tuesday. Bird's widow, Pamela, has been invited to attend. Kaiser said the local EAA chapter is footing the bill for a sign and plaque.

Sandpoint Airport has also been given the honorary name of Dave Wall Field. Dave Wall is a retired businessman and aviator who was credited with securing grants for airport improvements.