October Newsletter

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Recent & Upcoming Events

On October 22 - 24 the AUVSI Cascade Chapter will be having their Fall Symposium in Tillamook. Click the flyer for more information! 

The Oregon International Air Show was held McMinnville Airport Sept. 26–28. 

On November 1st is the Autumn at the Airport held at the Creswell Hobby Field. Click the flyer for more information!

News & Important Information

Press Release: Oregon Department of Aviation Submits Comments on FAA’s Proposed Part 108 Rule 

(ODAV) has submitted formal comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations (Docket No. FAA–2025–1908).

What it is Part 108? 
Part 108 is a proposed FAA regulation designed to formalize and standardize Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the U.S. It aims to move beyond the current waiver-based approach under Part 107 and create a repeatable, scalable regulatory path for more ambitious commercial and public-safety drone missions.

ODAV Building Closure October 9

The Oregon Department of Aviation offices were closed for the day on October 9th after an unexpected issue with the building’s HVAC system. The older heating unit overheated, producing smoke and requiring staff to vacate the building out of an abundance of caution. Maintenance crews have since addressed the issue, and normal operations have resumed.

Winter Season

The Crescent Lake, McKenzie Bridge, Santiam Junction, and Toketee State Airports are closed seasonally from November 1st through May 1st. Other state airports may be closed temporarily via NOTAMs due to winter conditions. Because we do not report surface conditions at all 28 state airports, many state airports may remain open with unknown surface conditions or contaminants.

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.

Construction

On Going Construction: The Prospect State Airport - Apron Reconstruction started on 10/13 for 2 weeks. The runway was fully reconstructed earlier this summer, and now the apron will be fully repaved this month. Along with new pavement, this project will include new tiedowns and markings. Aurora State Airport Second Runway Closure Starting October 20th. The runway at the Aurora State Airport will close for 6 days* starting 7:30am Monday October 20th to cut grooves and apply final markings. Mulino State Airport Pavement Maintenance project which recently completed asphalt patching and joint repairs, will be performing joint repair and crack seal on the parallel taxiway.   Completed Projects:

Joseph State Airport PMP work included asphalt crack sealing on the runway and parallel taxiway. 

The McDermitt Runway and Taxiway Surface Seal Project included crack seal, surface seal, and new pavement markings on the runway and taxiways. 

Cottage Grove work included crack seal, surface seal, and new pavement markings on the runway and taxiways.

Siletz Bay construction included portions of the runway being repaved, resealed, and the dip was leveled out for smooth landings and new lighting was installed. 

Independence State Airport had crack seal, asphalt patch repair, surface seal, and new pavement markings on the taxiway, taxilanes, and apron done. 

The Bandon Runway and Taxiway Surface Seal Project included crack seal, asphalt patch repair, surface seal, and new pavement markings on the runway and taxiways.

To receive the latest information, please sign up for airport specific outreach using the link below:

COAR Grant Program Project

The COAR Grant Application Period is Now Open

The COAR application period will run through October 31, 2025. COAR grant funds are used to assist Oregon’s public use airports with three priorities of projects.

• Priority 1 grants are for projects that are primarily funded by FAA grants.
• Priority 2 grants are for resiliency projects.
• Priority 3 grants are for projects related to economic development.

The ODAV awards between $3M-$4M in grant funding per year. Since 2017 COAR grants have helped fund over 280 projects for 45 of Oregon’s public use airports.

To learn more about the COAR program visit our website or reach out to Grant Program Coordinators at Grants@ODAV.Oregon.gov.

Maintenance

Bandon State Airport got fresh markings, crack seal, asphalt patch repair, and surface seal. 

PAPI's at Cottage Grove State Airport were serviced which included a fresh coat of paint.  

Santiam Junction State Airport Windsock replacement. 

For the last month, staff have been busy wrapping up the mowing and painting season. They’ve not only refreshed airfield markings at 13 state airports this year, but have refreshed windsocks, segmented circles, PAPIs, beacon towers, and more. Staff have already begun brush cutting/obstruction removal with our new equipment, and we are prioritizing airspace obstructions and invasive brush at our airports. If you see our staff out at an airport, be sure to give them a wave and thank them for their hard work!

Question of the month:

What’s your favorite Oregon airport to fly into during the fall, and why?

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

Next Board Meeting

The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place on Thursday, November 6, 2025 on TEAMS.