News and Press Releases

Oregon Department of Aviation Takes Action to Address Vehicle and Pedestrian Deviations at Aurora State Airport

Alexis Morris, Communications & Administrative Specialist

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has published a safety training and is calling on all users and visitors of Aurora State Airport (UAO) to play an active role in maintaining a safe operating environment.

The Aurora State Airport User and Visitor Safety Training provides essential guidance on runway incursions and vehicle/pedestrian deviations, clearly outlines individual responsibilities, explains the airport's layout, and highlights other critical safety information. Most importantly, the training helps users identify restricted areas, including the Movement and Safety Areas, and understand how to avoid them.

Since the Air Traffic Control Tower opened in 2015, UAO has experienced a high number of Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations (V/PDs). A V/PD occurs when a person or vehicle enters the Movement or Safety Area without authorization from Air Traffic Control. In recent years, UAO has recorded the highest number of V/PDs in the Northwest Mountain Region. Ensuring a safe operating environment for aircraft, airport users, and the surrounding community is ODAV's highest priority. To address this, the Department is taking decisive action by expanding safety training, enhancing signage, implementing physical improvements to deter unauthorized access, and establishing enforceable rules with penalties for violations.

Effective February 5, 2026, ODAV has adopted Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 738-050-0005, Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations and Civil Penalties, and amended OAR 738-140-0020, Violations for Which a Civil Penalty May Be Imposed. These rules establish enforceable standards and civil penalties for unauthorized entry into movement and safety areas, reinforcing the importance of compliance and accountability in maintaining a safe operating environment at Aurora State Airport.

All airport users and visitors are expected to follow these key safety practices:

• Identifying and remaining outside of controlled movement and safety areas
• Do not share airport access information and always maintain control of guests
• Stop and wait for gates to fully close to prevent piggybacking
• Use the most direct vehicle gate and route to reach your destination
• Drive with heightened situational awareness at all times and always give way to aircraft

ODAV also recognizes and appreciates the significant efforts made by airport users operating on private property with Through-the-Fence access. Willamette Aviation and the South end Corporate Airpark have implemented substantial improvements, including enhanced secondary access controls and signage, to help prevent unauthorized access to the Movement and Safety Areas. These operators, along with others at UAO, have also supported outreach efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the airport's safety culture.

Continued collaboration is essential. All operators and users must remain vigilant, clearly identify restricted areas, and take proactive steps to prevent runway incursions and vehicle/pedestrian deviations.

ODAV thanks all users and visitors of Aurora State Airport for helping keep the airport and community safe.

About the Oregon Department of Aviation

Established in 1921, the Oregon Department of Aviation was the first state aviation department in the nation. ODAV enables and advocates for a safe and efficient aviation system that connects communities and drives economic growth.

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