Grant County Regional Airport / Ogilvie Field (JDA)

Grant County Regional Airport (JDA), also known as Ogilvie Field, is a premier aviation facility located in the high-desert landscape of John Day, Oregon. Serving as the primary air link for the vast rural expanses of eastern Oregon, the airport is a critical piece of regional infrastructure that supports general aviation, emergency medical evacuations, and significant government operations. Its strategic location and well-maintained facilities make it a vital resource for both local residents and visiting pilots exploring the scenic Blue Mountains and the John Day River basin.

The airport features a modern and energy-efficient passenger terminal that was completed in 2010, designed to function as a multi-use community and aviation center. This impressive facility includes two large conference rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and specialized pilot amenities such as a dedicated quiet lounge with a shower and bunk bed facilities for resting crews. A prominent observation deck, accessible via elevator, offers expansive views of the airfield and the surrounding mountain ranges, making it a welcoming environment for the public and aviation enthusiasts.

Technically, the airport is situated on 335 acres and is equipped with two high-quality asphalt runways: the primary Runway 17/35 at 5,220 feet and Runway 9/27 at 4,471 feet. The site hosts 17 hangars, rental office space for local businesses, and a comprehensive Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) that provides both 100LL and Jet-A fueling services. To facilitate local travel, the airport offers courtesy cars to pilots on a first-come, first-served basis, providing easy access to the services and historic sites within the town of John Day.

Beyond general aviation, Grant County Regional Airport is of national importance as a strategic United States Forest Service (USFS) Helibase and Rappel Training Center. During the summer fire season, the airport serves as a primary operations center for wildfire suppression efforts throughout the Malheur National Forest and the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The base hosts an extensive fleet of heavy helicopters, single-engine air tankers, and fixed-wing reconnaissance aircraft, with specialized crews utilizing the facility for intensive aerial firefighting training and rapid response deployments across the western United States.