KPFC

Pacific City State Airport has historical significance. Back in the 1920's the first airplane flew into Pacific City, landing in a mowed cow pasture, which is the current site of the airstrip. In 1951, 22 individuals and Tillamook County donated 8+ acres to the State of Oregon, Department of Transportation's Board of Aeronautics for a public airstrip that would contribute to an important Oregon Coastal Airport System. The Pacific City Woods Chamber of Commerce sponsored fish fries at the airport to attract pilots and tourists to the area. More than 100 airplanes would fly in to these hugely successful events. Barn stormers would occasionally fly into the airstrip to offer people their first airplane ride.

Over the years, the Oregon Department of Aviation has considered closing the airport due to safety concerns. Each time, concerned local residents and pilots have successfully advocated the value of this very unique coastal airport to the community of Pacific City, and to a statewide aviation transportation system. Local government leaders have listened to the concerns and wishes of airport stakeholders and have helped address proposed closures at a political level, ensuring that the airport has never been closed.

Friends of Pacific City State Airport (FPCSA) was established as a grassroots organization in November 2017 when Pacific City State Airport stakeholders learned that the Oregon Department of Aviation Board had voted on October 19, 2017 to "proceed with a real estate transaction" with the intent to sell the State airport to a private individual.

Airport stakeholders mobilized to demonstrate their support for the airport remaining State owned. They formed an organization for airport advocacy, education, volunteer recruitment and management for airport maintenance. Through monthly meetings and organizational development efforts - a SWOT analysis and goal setting - the group established the necessary framework to file as a nonprofit corporation with the State of Oregon on June 11, 2018, and to receive IRS designation as a 501(c)3 tax deductible entity on September 28, 2018.