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Pearson Field Airport

One of America’s oldest continuously operating airports

Pearson Field is one of the oldest operating airfields in the US and in September 2012 received national recognition through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as a historic aerospace site.

Whether you want to see the sights, rent a hangar, learn to fly, or re-live a colorful slice of aviation history, Pearson Field has it all.

Overview

Pearson Field has unique approach/departure procedures that visiting pilots must be aware of. Please take time to read about the procedures and view the video guide.

Location

Pearson Field
201A East Reserve Street
Vancouver, WA 98661

Contact

About Pearson Field Airport

Take time to explore Pearson Field’s rich history and continuing role as an important link in the transportation system of the region. In 2001, the National Air Transportation Association named it one of America’s 100 “Most Needed” Airports.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division, each year Pearson Field and Museum attract 39,500 visitors to Vancouver, generates $26,998,080 and supports roughly 460 jobs. Funded by users of the airfield, Pearson receives no operational funding from the City.

Located directly east of I-5 and just north of Highway 14 and the Columbia River, Pearson Field is easily accessible by land and air. The airport is operated by the City of Vancouver, Washington, which owns 61.8 acres of the 134.4-acre airport site. The remaining 72.6 acres are owned by the National Park Service and lie within the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. Pearson Field is the only airport in the U.S. that operates totally within the boundaries of a national historic reserve.

The site itself has seen many aviation firsts, with its use as an airfield dating back to a dirigible landing in 1905. Today the airport is home to the Pearson Air Museum and Jack Murdock Aviation Center, which combine a celebration of aviation history with hands-on demonstrations involving the science of flight. Pearson Field is also home to the Pearson Field Education Center which provides experiential aviation, STEM, and history education for youth ages K-12.

Aero Maintenance Inc. is located on the field, offering a full range of parts and services, flight training, and scenic flights to Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and elsewhere – all just a short flight away.

Historic

Pearson Field is noted as one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the United States. Documented use of the area dates to the early 1800s when it was farmed to feed residents of adjacent Fort Vancouver.

When the U.S. Army came to Vancouver in the mid-1800s, this area south of the barracks was used for ammunition storage, a blacksmith shop and garden. It was later popular as a polo field. In 1905, Lincoln Beachey piloted the dirigible Gelatine to Vancouver Barracks in the first aerial crossing of the Columbia River. In 1911, the field’s first airplane landed there.

During World War I, a spruce mill was established for mass production of wood components for military aircraft. The mill played an important role in the modernization of America’s early aircraft industry. From 1923 to 1941, Pearson was home to the U.S. Army Air Service and many key events during the “Golden Age of Flight.” One of its first commanders, Lt. Oakley Kelly, made the first non-stop transcontinental flight in 1923.

In 1924, Pearson Field was a stopover on the army’s first round-the world-flight. In 1937, Soviet aviator Valeri Chkalov and crew landed there at the end of history’s first non- stop, trans-polar flight. Over the years, the field was visited by such notables as Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Eddie Rickenbacker and squadrons of barnstormers. Two occupants of an adjacent commercial field, Pacific Air Transport and Varney Airlines, later joined with two other companies to form United Airlines.

Pearson Field was named in 1925 after Lt. Alexander Pearson, “one of the best known and finest pilots in the Air Service.” Pearson attended high school in Vancouver, won the first cross-country air race in 1919 and made the first aerial survey of the Grand Canyon. He was killed while preparing for an air race in 1924.

After World War II, the airfield was declared surplus by the U.S. Army and sold to the City of Vancouver.

The western portion of the Pearson Field runway sits on property owned by the National Park Service. In 2010, the City and Park Service signed a 40-year lease agreement that will allow Pearson to continue to operate as a general aviation airfield.

Procedures

Flying to Pearson/Airport Data

All Traffic Patterns are North of Pearson Field

  • Left hand pattern for 08
  • Right hand pattern for 26

Pearson pattern altitude is 1025′ MSL (to remain below Class C base of 1100′). Please be considerate of aircraft noise impact on areas below traffic pattern.

Departures

  • Contact Pearson Advisory on CTAF(mandatory) for traffic advisories (119.0).
  • After takeoff, remain at or below 700′ MSL until turning cross wind
  • Reduce power as soon as practical for noise abatement.
  • Remain clear of Class C airspace as depicted on Seattle sectional chart Runway 26 departure delay turn to crosswind until past I-5 freeway, cylindrical apartment, and downtown, and Esther Short Park.
  • Do not fly over Fort Vancouver Stockade.

Arrivals

  • Contact Pearson Advisory on CTAF (mandatory) for traffic advisories (119.0).
  • Fly downwind pattern at 1025′ AGL to remain below Class C airspace restrictions as depicted on Seattle sectional chart.
  • Remain at or below 700′ MSL while turning and proceeding on final approach.

Caution: Pearson Field lies directly below the final approach to runway 10L at Portland International Airport (PDX). Please adhere to recommended pattern altitudes.

Caution: Heavy jet activity over Pearson Field.

Caution: Wake turbulence.

Caution: Abrupt climb or flying on intercept heading with jet aircraft may cause TCAS Alert.

General Information

  • Location Identifier: KVUO
  • ​Latitude: 45 37′ .41 N
  • Longitude: 122 38′ .85 W
  • Owner/Operator: The City of Vancouver
  • Airfield Elevation: 25′
  • Unicom Frequency: 119.0
  • Portland Approach (North): 124.35
  • ASOS frequency: 135.125 (or call 360-696-1280)
  • Portland ATIS: 128.35 (or call 503-284-6771)
  • Servicing: Aero Maintenance Inc. (or call 360-735-9441)

Runway 08/26

  • 3275′ x 60′, asphalt, Average condition
  • Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL)
  • Basic Striping

Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)

  • 24 Hour automated weather information on field
  • Frequency: 135.125
  • Phone: 360-696-1280

Airport Facilities

  • 134.4 acre airport site (61.8 acres owned by The City of Vancouver, 72.6 acres owned by The National Park Service)
  • 150 T- Hangars available for lease
  • Tie-down facilities
  • Free transient parking for up to 2 weeks

Airport Services

  • Full-time airport manager
  • 100LL fuel available
  • FBO:  Aero Maintenance Inc.
  • Flight School: Aero Maintenance Inc.

Operations Annually: General Aviation

  • 52,560 operations annually
  • 144 operations daily
  • 175 based fixed-wing aircraft

For additional details about Pearson Field Airport,please contact the Pearson Field Manager at 360-487-8619. FBO services are presently provided by Aero Maintenance Inc. 100LL fuel is available, as well as a full range of FBO Services. Aero Maintenance Inc. is located midfield on the north side of the runway.

Disclaimer: The diagrams, descriptions and information herein are for general orientation only, and not valid for navigation or pre-flight planning.

Always obtain operational information from current and approved charts and publications, and FAA pre-flight briefing, including current Notices to Airmen.

Pearson Airfield (FVUO) Northbound Procedures

Pilot Information

Wake Turbulence Information

Weather

Flight Planning

Pilot’s Lounge

  • Flight planning computers
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Mini Kitchen with microwave
  • Lounge seating
  • 2 LED TVs, 55″ and 60″
  • Classroom space available
  • Restaurants in walking distance
Hangar Information

Airport Security

Access to the Pearson Field Airport is controlled by a computerized access control system, which uses proximity cards issued to each authorized person for access. Two gates provide vehicular access at key locations around the airport, complimented by several pedestrian walk gates.

Pearson Field Airport has procedures and practices for authorized access to the airport. Pearson Field Airport also allows for easy access to the airport facilities by pilots and passengers, as well as providing traditional aircraft operations viewing opportunities for the general public, which has been a tradition at general aviation airports.

The Pearson Field Airport is located entirely within the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Police Department has law enforcement jurisdiction at the airport. Please dial 911 if you need to report an emergency or suspicious activity at Pearson Field Airport. The location is 101 East Reserve Street.

Hangars

There are currently 150 general aviation T-hangars in use. Tie-downs are also available. All spaces are rented on a month-to-month basis.

First and last month’s rent is required once a rental agreement is signed. Notice of thirty days must be given to terminate a rental agreement.

For more information about T-hangar rentals, please contact the Pearson Field Manager at 360-487-8619.

Hangar Rates

T-Hangar RowT-Hangar RateT-Hangar End Unit
A$297$442
B$297$442
C$330$491
D$330$491
E$330$491
F$330$491
F$330$491
G$330$491
H$330$491
I$330$491
J$330$491

Tie-Downs

Reserved Tie-Downs are $49 per month

Key, Keycard, and Lock Fee schedule

  • Replacement/Extra Key (2 provided): $10
  • Lock Replacement (includes: lost, stolen, or removed city owned lock): $75
  • Replacement/Extra Keycard (2 provided): $10
  • Re-key lock (actual charge by contracted locksmith): Actual cost
Waitlist Form

Pearson Hangar Waitlist Form

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