August Newsletter

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Recent & Upcoming Events

Experience the Thrill of Flight at the Oregon International Air Show at McMinnville Airport  September 26–28. Click the photo for more information!

News & Important Information

Fire Season

Wildfire season can be in full force through October. Several state airports are heavily utilized by firefighting aircraft and equipment, or may be closed for firefighting activity. Please be sure to check NOTAMs for any closures or restrictions. Please help prevent forest fires.

Winter Season

As winter approaches, please note that Crescent Lake, McKenzie Bridge, Santiam Junction, and Toketee State Airports will be closed from November 1 through May 1.These seasonal closures help ensure safety during the months when snow and weather conditions make operations at these mountain airports challenging. Pilots are encouraged to plan accordingly and check NOTAMs for the latest updates before flying.

Aurora State Airport - User and Visitor Safety Training

ODAV has developed Safety Training intended to help users and visitors of the Aurora State Airport (UAO) to better understand the airport layout, hazards in airport environments, and how they can maintain safety for themselves and others.

If you use the Aurora State Airport, please read through the training for helpful safety information and tips & tricks for maneuvering on airfields.

Most importantly, please recognize how to stay out of the controlled Movement Area and Protected Area of the runway to prevent Vehicle / Pedestrian Deviations and Runway Incursions.

Pacific City State Airport has a New Bike Shed!

The Friends of Pacific City State Airport and Recreational Aviation Foundation have replaced the bike shed at the Pacific City State Airport with a new/larger space. Thank you Friends and RAF for your continued efforts to support PFC.  

Oregon Air National Guard F-15C Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II in Mount Hood

Photo Credit: Dylan Phelps

Photo Credit: Dylan Phelps

Photo Credit: Dylan Phelps

Photographer Dylan Phelps of Centerline Images captured the 142nd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard flying the F-15C Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II through Mount Hood a couple weeks ago! Click the photos to get a better look!

www.centerlineimages.com

Construction

9/11 Update - Aurora Runway Rehabilitation Project  The base lift for the runway at the Aurora State Airport (UAO) is complete, and the final lift is being paved. Work is ongoing with minimal delay due to weather earlier this week. Approximately 5 construction days remain to finish paving the runway. After paving, the first coat of markings will be applied and the work area will be cleaned up before the runway can reopen. The Bandon State Airport Runway and Taxiway Surface Seal Project has begun today. The Cottage Grove State Airport Runway and Taxiway Surface Seal Project will begin September 22nd, 2025. 9/11 Update: Independence State Airport Taxiway, Taxilane, and Apron Surface Seal Project: Working with the EAA and contractor, ODAV has revised the project schedule to avoid impacts during an event on Saturday 9/20. Please see the updated remaining work schedule in the link. A full resolution pdf of the phasing plan is attached via a link at the bottom of the notice. 9/8 Update: Siletz Bay Runway Rehab and Electrical Project construction on the runway and electrical equipment is ongoing, the anticipated reopening date is Friday September 19th. The runway and taxiways are closed while this work is being done. To receive the latest information, please sign up for airport specific outreach using the link below:

COAR Grant Program Project

COAR Cycle 10 Announcement

Oregon Department of Aviation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025-26 Critical Oregon Airport Relief (COAR) grant cycle. The grant application period will run from October 13-31, 2025, and the State Aviation Board will announce grant awards in February 2026.

A virtual training for the COAR grant program will be held September 17. The meeting link and agenda will be sent out prior to this date.

Additional information can be found on our website under the Be Informed section. Questions about the COAR program may be sent to Grants@ODAV.Oregon.Gov.

Madras Municipal Airport

Madras Airport completed a four phase helibase project in 2024, with COAR grant funds contributing to each phase. The work completed includes site grading, an aggregate turf base and pavement for the touchdown and liftoff area (TLOF), paved taxi route and parking areas for small and large helicopters, and paved access road to the helibase. The helibase was built to help accommodate helicopter operations during fire season, allowing helicopters to move more efficiently as well as aiding in movement of personnel and equipment to and from the site. The helibase also separates helicopter from fixed wing operations at the airport, allowing routine air traffic to continue without interruptions during fire events.

Maintenance

Wasco State Airport got fresh markings featuring one of our Airport Maintenance Staff Marlin Pilcher at the helm!

Gerry Sturis taking a selfie with the newly repainted beacon at Cottage Grove State Airport. 

McDermitt State Airport and it's newly sealed surface!

Question of the month:

What do you think is the most important role Oregon’s airports play in your community—economic impact, emergency response, or recreation?

Replies can be sent to: marketing@odav.oregon.gov

Next Board Meeting

The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place on Thursday, October 2nd at the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.