HAYDEN — A Black Hawk helicopter is currently getting a makeover during its transition from a military vehicle to civilian use in North Idaho. 

North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing is handling the paint job for the project and Jared Thompson said the project is attracting attention. 

After Timberline Helicopters and North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing began sharing posts on social media about project, the familiar sight of the Black Hawk helicopter generated excitement among the military community. 

“On the side of this Black Hawk, it says ‘Dustoff’ and it went viral. A medic used it in Afghanistan,” Thompson said. “They were really excited to see their bird in America.” 

North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing paints aircraft with under 50 feet wingspan, which Thompson said has helped the business carve out a niche for themselves.  

This helicopter and two others will be redone at the Hayden and Sandpoint businesses to prepare them to join a firefighting fleet in Kern County, California.  

Thompson said his shop of nine will restore the fuselage exterior and paint and Timberline will do the helicopter restoration and conversion work with their team of 30. The mechanical restoration and updated equipment can then be used in construction or in power lines that cross through the forest or firefighting. 

A similar helicopter was redone last year to aid in Australia during their fire season, Thompson said.   

“We’re just getting rolling,” Thompson said. “We’re the only paint shop for small planes in the Pacific Northwest.”  

   This is the finished look planned for a refurbishing project to transition a Black Hawk helicopter to civilian use by North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing.