Silver Hawk outlines farmhouse redevelopment at Caldwell Executive Airport, cites hangar, restaurant and A&P training school

Brandon Sweeney, COO of Silver Hawk Aviation Academy, told a city council workshop that Silver Hawk plans to redevelop the farmhouse parcel at Caldwell Executive Airport into a two-story FBO/amenity building with a restaurant and a roughly 17,000-square-foot hangar, and would explore hosting an airframe-and-powerplant (A&P) mechanic training program there.

Silver Hawk’s presentation traced the proposal’s timeline and RFP history. Sweeney said the city issued the request for proposals in 2022, Imagine Ventures was originally selected but later withdrew, and Silver Hawk, the number-two awardee, subsequently pursued the project. “You’re gonna need to spend 5 to $7,000,000 on this project,” Sweeney said, describing the development as a long-term investment rather than one with quick payback.

The proposal centers on a site of about 28,600 square feet where the airport’s old cafe once stood. Sweeney presented two conceptual designs — one modern FBO and one with a more traditional Caldwell “log” character — both of which include public lounges, conference rooms, offices and a restaurant overlooking the airfield. He said parking counts tied to restaurant seating mean the team will likely need to reconfigure nearby parking and may take about 15 to 20 feet of the farmhouse parcel footprint to create perpendicular spaces.

Sweeney described the proposed hangar as roughly 17,000 square feet and about 30 feet high, sized to accept light jets. He said the firm plans a two-phase build: construct the hangar first and then the two-story amenity building; his conservative schedule targets the hangar to be fully operational by the end of 2026 and the restaurant by the first quarter of 2027.

A central part of Silver Hawk’s pitch was workforce development. Citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Sweeney said the aviation industry faces a shortage of mechanics, with an average mechanic age near 52 and many planning to retire in the next decade. He argued the hangar footprint and existing company assets make the site suitable for an A&P training program that could help address the regional shortage.

Councilors responded positively and asked specific feasibility questions. Councilor Williams praised the proposal, saying, “What you’re proposing here, is nothing short of what we’ve needed for probably 20 years or more.” Councilors asked whether Silver Hawk accepts VA students and about partnerships; Sweeney said the firm partners with Treasure Valley Community College so veteran students can use VA benefits for ground school while training flights occur at Silver Hawk.

Councilors also clarified property and regulatory questions. Sweeney said Silver Hawk controls adjacent northwest property (about two acres) but does not technically own the farmhouse parcel; Scott Swanson, the city’s director of aviation, and Sweeney both said the concept fits within the scope of the original RFP and that any parking or footprint adjustments would be dictated by permitting and applicable regulations.

The presentation closed without formal motions or votes; staff and Silver Hawk said they would return with architect drawings and regulatory details. The workshop adjourned and the council moved on to its regular meeting.