AGENCY OVERVIEW
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) is a state agency comprised of a staff of 15.5 fulltime employees and a seven member board appointed by the Governor. Founded in 1921, ODAV was the first aviation department in the United States (US) and predates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ODAV works in collaboration with cities, counties, business and industry, the State of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), public-use airport, the FAA, and is a leading partner in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology. ODAV operates and maintains 28 State Airports of nearly 100 public use airports in Oregon and acts as the State’s Aviation Specialist by providing:
- Airport management and operations of state airports
- Leadership that connects communities and the state
- Advocacy for airports, pilots, and aviation related businesses
- Facilitation of state and federal aviation funding programs
- Oversight of aviation policy and assets as part of the Emergency Management System (EMS)
In fiscal year (FY) 2017, the aviation industry contributed
$24 billion to Oregon’s economy and over
76,000 jobs to Oregonians according to the Oregon Aviation System Plan.