September Newsletter

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Events

The 2026 AUVSI Cascade Symposium is happening October 7th in Hood River!

Click the image for more information and to register!

News & Important Information

Joseph State Airport Fuel Out of Service

Fuel is out of service at the Joseph State Airport until further notice. Those looking to fuel can do so at Enterprise. ODAV continues to pursue funding and other opportunities to resume fuel sales at Joseph as quickly as possible.

Wings over Willamette August 2026 

Winter Seasonal Closures

A quick reminder as fall and winter are approaching, 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. We welcome pilot reports and wish everyone a wonderful fall season.

ODAV is working with the community!

ODAV is working with volunteers and non-profit organizations on several maintenance and improvement projects, including keeping the Pilot Lounge building at the Mulino State Airport operational, and improving camping facilities and other improvements at the Nehalem Bay State Airport. From individuals that help keep us informed, to larger organizations that conduct massive work parties, ODAV appreciates the volunteers in communities all across Oregon who support their local state airport

Explore FAA Aerospace Education Opportunities for the 2026-2027 School Year

Educators play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals. By introducing students to aviation, engineering, drones, airport design, and aerospace careers, you can help students discover possibilities they may never have considered.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proud to support educators with engaging programs, hands-on learning experiences, and connections to aviation professionals that bring aerospace education and career exploration into classrooms and communities across the country.

Explore four ways to bring FAA aerospace education opportunities to your students during the 2026–2027 school year.

• Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program: This new initiative will provide a small group of educators with ready-to-use aerospace lessons, FAA engagement opportunities, and resources to help introduce students to aerospace careers. Interested in participating? Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov for additional details
• FAA Adopt-a-School Program Grades 3-5: connects FAA personnel with local schools to bring authentic aerospace learning and career exploration directly into the classroom. LEARN MORE: www.faa.gov/adopt-a-school
• Airport Design Challenge (ADC): invites K–12 students to explore aviation, engineering, and airport planning by designing their own airports using Minecraft™. Visit www.faa.gov/adc to learn more and get started.
• FAA co-sponsored Aviation and Career Education (ACE) Academies: give students an opportunity to explore aviation and aerospace careers through hands-on activities, mentorship, and real-world experiences. Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov to learn more about getting started.

State Airport Tenant Reminder

ODAV has several lessees that have not sent in current certificates of insurance, or shared updated contact information so we may get in touch with them. We encourage tenants at state airports to review their lease agreement to make sure they’re familiar with and following the terms of the agreement. Please be sure to send in your current certificate of insurance and latest contact information if that has changed recently. We thank you for your assistance

Reminder to use Noise Abatement Procedures at UAO 

The Oregon Department of Aviation encourages all pilots to fly safe and neighborly. At the Aurora State Airport (UAO), we have developed noise abatement procedures to help avoid noise sensitive communities around the airport. Please fly neighborly and follow these procedures to reduce your noise impact.

Construction

Current Construction Projects

ODAV is hard at work preparing for yet another busy construction season in 2026. To learn more about a specific project click the links below!

This year’s surface seal projects have been fully completed.

Work continues on the following projects:

• Waterline Improvements and Hangar Construction - Mulino State Airport - Beginning 9/28
• Master Plan - Condon State Airport
  • We are kicking off the Condon State Airport Master Plan! Keep an eye out for public participation and public meetings including an open house in Condon.
• AWOS Replacement - Joseph State Airport - TBD. Project was delayed due to equipment shipping delays. 
• PAPI Replacement - Independence State Airport - Began 9/21
  • 9/23/26 Update - Independence State Airport PAPI Replacement Project - Runway Reopened - PAPI's have been installed but due to equipment issues we will share a new schedule to complete the project at a later date. 
• Obstruction Removals - Appraisals and Easement Acquisition ongoining:
  • Aurora State Airport
  • Chiloquin State Airport
  • Joseph State Airport
  • Mulino State Airport

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

Critical Oregon Airport Relief (COAR)

COAR Cycle 11 application period opens on October 12, 2026, and runs through October 30, 2026. Now is the perfect time to review the application requirements, gather your materials, and get ready to apply. Application training can be found on the ODAV website here: Aviation : COAR : Planning and Programs : State of Oregon

Have questions? Join us for a virtual Q&A session on Tuesday, October 13, via Microsoft TEAMS. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the application process and get answers before submitting.

COAR Q&A Session

Join: JOIN THE MEETING

Meeting ID: 223 697 696 233 811

Passcode: XD3wP6hm

Dial in by phone

+1 971-277-1965  Phone conference ID: 205 813 835#

Don’t forget to register for the fall Oregon Airport Manager’s Association (OAMA). The conference is being held October 7-9, 2026, in Pendleton, Oregon. ODAV staff will be available to answer questions about the COAR program as needed. OAMA Conference Information and Registration here.

Maintenance

Paint refresh of the wind sock pole at Owyhee State Airport

Before and after of staff painting the electrical building at Independence

ODAV Staff painting at Mulino State Airport

With mowing season winding down, staff have been very busy with other maintenance such as refreshing airfield markings at the Condon, Lebanon, Mulino, and other State Airports. Staff are also repairing and maintaining airport infrastructure such as the electrical buildings and other infrastructure such as windsocks/poles, airfield lighting and signage, fences and gates, and more. Airport maintenance is a never-ending task, and our small staff do a TON for all 28 state airports in Oregon. Next time you see an ODAV vehicle at one of our airports, be sure to give staff a friendly wave!

As nesting season ends, staff will transition to continue obstruction removal and brush clearing at state airports.

Next Board Meeting

The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 10 AM at Oakridge City Hall, 48318 E 1st St, Oakridge, OR 97463.