Madras Municipal Airport - Spotting Guide

Madras Municipal Airport – Spotting Guide

December 31, 2024 - last modified on December 23, 2024

Madras Municipal Airport (MDJ/S33) is a small airfield in the heart of Oregon, USA. The airfield was opened as Madras Army Air Field, but nowadays serves as home to plenty general aviation aircraft and more importantly Erickson Aero Tanker. Therefore, some DC7s and MD80s are parked upon the ramp at MDJ as the airfield is used for maintenance by Erickson.

Madras Municipal Airport is also home to the Erickson Aircraft Collection, which moved from Tillamook Air Museum to Madras airfield back in 2014. The collection brings some rare action to MDJ as it includes a Boeing 17 Flying Fortress or Lockheed P2 Neptune for example. The collection shows off in the anual Airshow of the Cascades at MDJ plus the airport also shows off some exhibitis owned by the Tillamook Air Museum like the private DC3 N56V.

Written by A. Hackenberger. Last Update: Summer 2024

General Information
Runway	MDJ offers two strips: the main runway 16/34 (5091ft/1552m) and another smaller runway 04/22 (2701ft/823m)
Security	Spotting is no issue at MDJ normally: the staff is actually very happy to see some enthousiasts now and then showing interest in their work. However, be aware that you are NOT ALLOWED to enter the ramp like this. The entrance is allowed to airport/airline staff only! Of course, you can ring at any building and ask for a quick “accompanied” tour onto the apron.

	Single spot: NW Berg Dr – Ramp
WHERE	This spot is not one exact position, it is rather located all along NW Berg Dr running past the Erickson Aero Tanker (and neighbouring) facilities. You can just drive down the road, park at one of the parking areas quickly for some minutes and take your pictures from the roadside as there is no fence running between the road and ramp. You will therefore see the signs (shown below) not to enter the ramp. Obviously, do respect the rule and DO NOT RUN ONTO THE ARPON!

WHAT	From here you can see the ramp and taxiways in front. In the back you should also be able to spot the runway.

TIME	This spot works from sunrise till around noon.

MISC.	Nothing around here, nothing needed. There is no fence between the street and ramp, so no ladder needed. Haze can be an issue in summer. Be aware that you are NOT ALLOWED to enter the ramp just like this. The entrance is allowed to airport/airline staff only! Of course, you can ring at any building and ask for a quick “accompanied” tour onto the apron.

FOCAL LENGTH	24-200mm MD88 = 50mm / DC4 =110mm