AV-8B Harrier II Jet to Land at N. Oregon Coast's Tillamook Air Museum

Published 08/01/25 at 6:16 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) – It's going to be a spectacular, even ground-shaking week in the Tillamook area. (Photo @pasley_photo, Chris Pasley)

A combat-tested AV-8B Harrier II jet is scheduled to make its final flight into Tillamook Airport on Monday, August 4, arriving under its own power from China Lake, California between 3:30 and 4:30 PM. The family of awe-inspiring aircraft at the Oregon coast's attraction is about to get bigger.

The AV-8B Harrier II is a unique fixed-wing aircraft capable of short takeoffs and landings, hovering, pivoting mid-air, and executing steep climbs from a hover. Originally introduced in the late 1960s and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, the Harrier has undergone decades of improvements to enhance safety, range, and combat effectiveness. It remains the only short takeoff, vertical landing jet in active U.S. military inventory and plays a key role in Marine Corps expeditionary operations.

“This is truly a once-in-a-generation event — don’t miss your chance to be part of it,” organizers said.

After landing, the Harrier will taxi to the north end of Hangar B, near the Museum’s Mini-Guppy aircraft. Following a brief safety inspection and removal of select components, the public will be invited to a 30-minute viewing period to approach the aircraft, meet the pilot and maintenance crew, and take photos before it is moved indoors for exhibit preparation.

Map of suggested viewpoints

Recommended public viewing locations include the gravel turnout at Long Prairie Road and Highway 101, the mooring circle near the UPS facility off Long Prairie Road, and the Cemetery Road access point. Visitors may park near the Museum’s large cargo aircraft and walk up Cemetery Road for a view of the airfield.

The Harrier’s powerful Rolls-Royce engine produces 22,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to hover like a helicopter and accelerate forward like a jet at near-supersonic speeds.

The Tillamook Air Museum will close early at 3:00 PM on Monday to support the safe arrival and transition of the aircraft into its collection. Because this is a live military jet arrival, attendees are advised to bring ear protection. All arrival times and activities are weather and mission dependent and subject to change.

503-842-1130. info@tillamookair.com

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