Warbird Information Exchange

Hillsboro, Oregon Citizens and Port of Portland Say, "The 2007 Show Will Go on!


The Port of Portland has decided to grant a permit for the Oregon International Airshow to be held in 2007. A four-month review of a fatal accident last July led many to question if there would be future shows at the Hillsboro air port. Nearing the end of the July 16, 2006 show, California aviation attorney Robert Guilford had just taken off in his 1951 Hawker Hunter when the engine failed and the plane crashed in a residential neighborhood near the airport. In a release, the Port of Portland said, "Over the past few months, we have solicited input and feedback from Washington County residents; the support from the community has been overwhelming. The Oregon International Airshow is valued by Washington County residents, and a majority of public comments received encouraged us to continue to allow this community event to occur at the Hillsboro Airport. At the same time, we've heard concerns about safety and suggestions for making the event better-suggestions we've taken to heart," the Port said. "We have forwarded these to air show organizers for their consideration. The Port and the Oregon International Airshow have instituted changes that we believe will improve the safety of the 2007 air show." Judy Willey and the OIAS team deserve a huge round of applause.

The residents where the hunter crashed actually came out in support of the airshow. The new safety plan includes no fly-bys and only straight out departures with a 180 and overflight of the airport upon climbout.