Salem Airport-McNary Field
Airport Master Plan
Executive Summary

Click here for a complete copy of the Airport Master Plan

Salem Airport-McNary Field, is a civil aviation facility that also accommodates military facilities with the Oregon Army National Guard. The airport is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a commercial service airport under Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 139. The airport is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a public use airport. As part of the national airport system, Salem Airport-McNary Field is considered to be in the public interest and is eligible for financial assistance for airport planning and development under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982.

This Airport Master Plan updates previous master planning conducted in 1979 and 1987. The master plan documents and airport layout plan drawings contained herein, replace all earlier versions as the official planning guidance for the airport.

To guide the preparation of the master plan update, a twelve-member Airport Master Plan Subcommittee was formed. The subcommittee held eight meetings to review and comment on the draft materials as prepared by the consultant. A public forum was held to present plan recommendation; the draft plan was presented to the City of Salem Airport Commission, Planning commission, and the City Council through a series of public meetings. The substantial participation of the Airport Master Plan Subcommittee was a very important contribution to the success of the master planning process. The master plan provides a clear direction for the future development of the airport while maintaining an effective balance with the overall spirit and values of the community.

The objective of the master plan is to provide a ten to twenty-year guide for the future operation and development of the airport. The airport is in conformance with the City Comprehensive Plan, including the Airport Overlay Zone which coincides with FAR Part 77 airspace surfaces. The predominate zone designation on the airport is PS-Public Service, with IP-Industrial Park on the southwest portion of the airport, near Airway Drive and the southeast portion of the airport adjacent to Turner Road. The portion of IP zoning located adjacent to the taxiway connecting the ends of Runways 31 and 34 should be changed to PS, to reflect recommended development of aircraft hangers and other related aviation activities. Beyond this change, the existing zoning on the airport appears to have adequate flexibility to accommodate projected development needs.

Salem's potential for commercial air service was evaluated as part of the master plan. The air service market is dynamic, highly competitive, and ever-changing. Although the market area available to Salem is sufficient in size to support scheduled service, competition from established air service points (Eugene and Portland) with convenient access via Interstate 5, currently accommodates demand. Factors such as convenience (travel time to/from the airport), cost (ticket prices), and choice (frequency of flights, number of airlines, destinations, etc.) are weighed by the traveling public when choosing among many options.

Airport and community leaders believe that Salem and the surrounding market will soon be sufficient to attract scheduled air service. An aggressive community-based effort is generally required for any airport seeking to establish service or expand on existing service. Salem Airport-McNary Field is strategically located to play a role in accommodating the region's future air service needs.

The primary airport facilities, runways, taxiways, aircraft parking, terminal, navigational aids, control tower, and airport rescue and fire fighting (ARFF)--are all capable of accommodating scheduled service without significant upgrades. Longer term improvements to terminal facilities may be addressed as demand materializes. A terminal reserve area has been identified to accommodate potential expansion requirements of the terminal building, curbside, surface access and parking which may be associated with the resumption of scheduled air service through and beyond the twenty-year planning period.

The master plan identified alternative development concepts which were each capable of accommodating projected airport needs. The preferred alternative protects the fundamental aviation needs of the airport, while also identifying areas of the airport that can be developed to support non-aviation tenants.

It is the primary objective of the City of Salem to facilitate private sector development at the airport through the lease of land, thereby generating additional income for airport operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. There is existing demand for hangar space on the airport. Recommended taxilane improvements on the west side of the airfield will permit the development of several conventional hangars for larger business aircraft. Areas at the south end of the existing aircraft parking apron have been identified as sites for aircraft T-hangars, which will require minimal site preparation or improvements (i.e., extension of electrical power).

Aviation and light industrial development opportunities are identified for the approximately 38 acres located on the east side of the airport, adjacent to Turner Road. This property is available for development with services adjacent to the sites. Careful considerations must be given to construction pad elevations, detention basins, and changes in the existing floodway located in the area along Turner Road. In the south portion of the airport approximately 61 acres may be available for light industrial/aviation development.

These properties will require fill and utility extension. This area is also located within the Fairview Urban Renewal Area. Resources of the renewal process, as they become available over the next three to five year period, are planned to be utilized in readying this area for development.

In summary, the master plan provides an effective tool to manage and improve the airport as the community needs continue to evolve. The mater plan has the flexibility to respond to unanticipated needs without abandoning the overall development concept. McNary Field has both existing facilities and the undeveloped land necessary to accommodate a wide range of users through the current twenty-year planning period and beyond.

note:

Portions of this executive summary were drawn from a summary staff report prepared by Richard A. Hayden, Urban Development Director, City of Salem.