COEUR d'ALENE — Efforts for a public viewing pavilion at the Coeur d'Alene Airport may be taking off.

Phil Cummings, the airport's deputy director, told Kootenai County commissioners on Monday that he's exploring the possibility of moving an air traffic control tower here from the Hailey airport. It could serve as the viewing area.

Logistics including cost — other than moving the tower here — and the possible move itself haven't been determined, Cummings said.

"That all needs to be sorted out," Cummings said. "They seem to be happy about the idea of getting rid of it."

He said the conversation started during a recent airport conference he attended. He said the Hailey airport bought the structure in the mid-1980s from a Colorado airport and the Hailey site is having a new tower built.

Cummings said the idea for the viewing area here started several years ago with the Coeur d'Alene Pilots Association. He said airport staff and the Airport Advisory Board are also collaborating on making such a facility a reality.

Five locations at the airport for the viewing pavilion are being explored.

"We need to discuss the pros and cons of each site, and some will need grading improvements," said Steven Kjergaard, the airport director. "Typically the best locations are inside the fence, but the question then becomes how do we get there?"

Cummings added: "Money and locations are always the issue."

Details of the pavilion, such as if there would be a charge, haven't been determined.

Cummings said staff will also work with the FAA if moving ahead with the pavilion becomes a reality.

"We think it's a great idea," Cummings said of the viewing area concept.