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News & Important Information
Press Release: ODAV and Lane Community College Partner to Advance Drone Technology for Wildfire Mitigation and Workforce Development
ODAV and Lane Community College (LCC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced sensors for wildfire mitigation research and workforce development.
The partnership establishes a cooperative framework to explore drone-based technologies, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and visual detection systems, to enhance wildfire detection, suppression, and public safety across Oregon.
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ODAV Closure
The Oregon Department of Aviation office will be closed Thursday, December 25th and Thursday, January 1st.
2025 State Airports Based Aircraft Update
We would like to thank everyone who submitted their based aircraft information. Your participation helps ensure appropriate funding levels for Oregon’s state airports.
Customer Service Survey Results
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete our recent customer service survey. The feedback we received was incredibly thoughtful and valuable, and it is already helping guide our work. We are actively reviewing the suggestions shared and will be taking action on several of them to continue improving how we serve Oregon’s aviation community.
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.
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Construction
Pinehurst State Airport had a temporary runway closure from 12/9 - 12/11 to remove obstructions around the airport. (Pictured on the left).
The Prospect State Airport - Apron Reconstruction project has officially been completed. This project included the reconstruction of the apron and installation of tiedowns and markings.
As we look ahead to next year, the ODAV is already hard at work preparing a full slate of construction and improvement projects across the state. Major efforts include the Oakridge Runway Reconstruction project, the Mulino waterline and hangar project, and surface seal projects at Joseph, Condon, Chiloquin, Lebanon, and Mulino. We’re also continuing our multi-year work on easement acquisition to support future obstruction removal projects at Aurora, Chiloquin, Joseph, and Mulino. These projects take years of planning and coordination before anything happens on the ground, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we keep things moving forward.
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To receive the latest information, please sign up for airport specific outreach using the link below:
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Port of Gold Beach – Fuel Tank Replacement and AWOS Replacement
The Port of Gold Beach received COAR grants in 2022 and 2023 to replace the fuel tank and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at the airport. Fuel availability and real-time weather information are essential for airports on the Oregon coast. The Gold Beach Airport may be used as a base during fire season, provides services for Life Flight, and serves tourist and business customers along with the General Aviation community in the region. The ability to provide fuel and AWOS service ensure safe aircraft operations, reliable emergency response, airport access during bad weather, and support for local communities and businesses. These upgraded systems improve the safety, reliability, and resilience of the Gold Beach Airport.
Questions about the COAR grant program may be sent to Grants@ODAV.Oregon.gov.
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Bobcat stuck while removing obstructions at Cascade Locks
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Thank you cake to the ODOT crew who got us out of a sticky situation!
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Marlin conducting obstruction removal at Cascade Locks
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We are back in obstruction removal season, putting the forestry equipment we acquired earlier this year to good use. Our staff have put in a ton of work at Cascade Locks, Mulino, and Pinehurst, with Oakridge up next. While we love our trees as much as the next Oregonian, we are only removing hazards to navigable-use airspace on state property to help keep our airports and the flying public safe.
That work doesn’t always go exactly as planned. While at Cascade Locks, we found ourselves stuck in a rut, and the ODOT crew on site truly came through for us. They jumped in, helped pull us out, and got us back on track quickly and safely. Huge shout-out to the Cascade Locks ODOT team for their responsiveness and support. The photo of the cake shows a small token of our appreciation for their help and teamwork.
If you see staff at one of our airports, give them a friendly wave!
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Next Board Meeting
The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at ODOT T-Building RM 240 Stuart Foster Conference Room, 355 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
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(503)378-4880 
3040 25TH ST SE, Salem, OR 97302 
www.oregon.gov/aviation
