April Newsletter

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Events

The AUVSI 2026 Spring Symposium is taking place on April 22-23 in Pendleton, OR.

Click the image for more information and to register!

The Oregon International Air Show is taking place at Hillsboro Airport on May 15 - May 17!

Click the photo for more information!

ODART is inviting GA pilots to join its 5th annual Whale Run exercise on June 13 - 14! 

To learn more and sign up click the image above!

News & Important Information

Oregon Department of Aviation Signs MOU with Cellen H2 to Explore Hydrogen-Powered Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cellen H2, Inc. (Cellen) to explore the use of hydrogen fuel cell-powered Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System for commercial and civil operations across Oregon.

Exploring Innovation: ODAV Visits OMIC in Scappoose

Representatives from the Oregon Department of Aviation, including Director Kenji Sugahara, Planning and Programs Manager Alex Thomas, and the State Airports Manager Anthony Beach, recently toured the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) in Scappoose. They got a closer look at advanced manufacturing technologies and discussed how the center could support aviation and emerging aerospace work.

State Owned Airports Reserve (SOAR) Funding Approval

At the April 2 meeting, the State Aviation Board approved the 2026 SOAR Funding Request, authorizing a total of $2,548,168.94 to support vital improvements across Oregon’s 28 state airports. The funding includes $547,600 for capital equipment across all state airports, as well as $2,098,168.94 in project investments.

Key investments include major drainage, access road, and apron rehabilitation and expansion work in Pacific City, along with a range of safety and maintenance projects across the system. These include the Independence Drainage Study; beacon replacements at Siletz Bay and Independence; windsock pole replacements in Toledo and Siletz Bay; hangar roof repairs in Lebanon and Mulino; specialized tree removal in Independence; building demolition in Mulino; ATCT maintenance and security improvements in Aurora; and access control, signage, and taxilane/tiedown improvements in Nehalem.

Together, these projects reflect ODAV’s continued commitment to prioritizing the most impactful needs across all 28 state airports while enhancing safety, reliability, and long-term system performance for communities statewide.

Wakonda Beach State Airport Temporary Closure - Update

The Wakonda Beach State Airport is still temporarily closed following an aircraft accident in February and resulting turf damage from responding vehicles. With help from local volunteers, the turf is repaired and we expect the runway to reopen by the end of the month!

April 2026 Update – Aurora State Airport Master Plan

The Oregon Department of Aviation is providing a status update on the Master Plan for the Aurora State Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reviewed the draft Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and provided a Conditional Approval letter as of April 6, 2026. A copy of the letter has been uploaded to the project website: Public Project - Aurora State Airport Master Plan 

The Department intends to follow OAR 738-130-0055(6) and ORS 197.180(1) and bring the new master plan to the Board in 2026.  This process will include a public hearing in Salem, Marion County, Oregon, with a public announcement at least 30 days prior to the hearing.   The Board and the Department intend to comply with OAR 738-130-0055(6), which requires the Board vote whether to adopt the master plan and to make findings that the plan is compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plans of affected cities and counties and that it complies with the applicable statewide land use goals.  If the master plan is adopted, the Department and Federal Aviation Administration will then sign the Airport Layout Plan.

The Oregon Department of Aviation appreciates the PAC and public’s involvement and interest in the new Master Plan.

Winter Season

The Crescent Lake, McKenzie Bridge, Santiam Junction, and Toketee State Airports are closed seasonally from November 1^st until May 1^st. With the reopening date approaching fast, please check NOTAMs for the latest airport information as the closures may be extended with NOTAMs due to conditions. We look forward to reopening these airports on May 1^st, or as soon as possible.

Construction

ODAV is hard at work preparing for yet another busy construction season in 2026. This year we are looking forward to the following projects:

• Runway Reconstruction - Oakridge State Airport
• Waterline Improvements and Hangar Construction - Mulino State Airport
• Pavement Maintenance (Surface Seal) and Markings
  • Chiloquin State Airport
  • Condon State Airport
  • Joseph State Airport
  • Lebanon State Airport
  • Mulino State Airport
• Master Plan - Condon State Airport
• AWOS Replacement - Joseph State Airport
• PAPI Replacement - Independence State Airport
• Obstruction Removal - Appraisals and Easement Acquisition
  • Aurora State Airport
  • Chiloquin State Airport
  • Joseph State Airport
  • Mulino State Airport
• Final Runway Markings Application (1-day closure) - Aurora State Airport

While several of these projects are getting out to bid now, we won't have details on operational impacts such as start dates and project durations until we award each contract.

More project specific information and timeframes will be sent very soon! To get the latest project updates, be sure to subscribe in GovDelivery for the specific state airport contact group that you're interested in.

COAR Grant Program

COAR Reminders

With spring already here, and summer approaching quickly, airport projects are ramping up. Be sure to stay current with on your COAR grant monthly milestone progress reports and regular reimbursements. Delays in reporting or reimbursement requests may result in the need for grant amendments, so timely coordination is key to keeping up with the tasks!

If you have not yet executed your 2025 or 2026 COAR grants, please connect with Program Coordinators as soon a possible for guidance and next steps. For projects nearing completion, Program Coordinators are available to assist with reimbursements and final closeout documentation to ensure a smooth process.

The COAR team is here to support you every step of the way, and we appreciate opportunities to work together to advance improvements across Oregon’s air transportation system through the COAR grant program!

Information on the COAR program may be found on our website or by reaching out to COAR Program Coordinators at Grants@ODAV.oregon.gov.

Maintenance

Marlin using the core driller to install tie downs at Propsect State Airport

New signage at Aurora State Airport gates

ODAV staff performing obstruction removal at McKenzie Bridge State Airport

We have wrapped up the winter with a very effective obstruction removal season. We removed a significant amount of obstructions at the Cascade Locks, Mulino, Lebanon, Oakridge, Prospect, Bandon, Siletz Bay, Pinehurst, and McKenzie Bridge State Airports helping improve safety and approach conditions for pilots.

With spring underway, work has shifted into mowing and vegetation control at airports statewide. Pilots are encouraged to check NOTAMs for work in progress.

At Prospect State Airport, staff have also begun core drilling to install new tiedown anchors on the apron. This project is being completed in-house to reduce costs, and the tiedowns are expected to be installed and ready for use by the end of May.

New signage was installed at UAO to inform users about the new rules regarding violations and civil penalties for Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations (V/PDs). The signs also remind users to stop and wait for the gate to close, and prevent piggybacking.

We have seen a reduction in V/PDs and we want to thank users of the Aurora State Airport for their efforts to keep the airport safe!

Next Board Meeting

The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 on TEAMS.