About
Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS) opened July 3, 1958, in southwest Tulsa to serve as a reliever airport for Tulsa International Airport. At that time, this 752-acre facility had a single 4,000-foot (1,200 m) long runway, an aircraft ramp, and one concrete building.
Since then, the airport has grown to become a hub of business and economic activity for the Tulsa region. It now includes three runways, over two hundred commercial and private hangars, and over 500 based aircraft.
RVS is home to 350 employees, generating an annual economic output of $95 million. Aircraft operations (takeoffs / landings) totaled 199,880 in 2018, making RVS the busiest airport in the state and one of the top 60 busiest airports in the nation. Six flight schools along with over 500 based aircraft contribute to this high level of operations. On November 9, 2021, the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution to change the name of the Richard Lloyd Jones, Jr. Airport to Tulsa Riverside Airport.
To view the RVS Minimum Standards, please click here.
The airport drives economic activity in the region in a multitude of ways:
- The airport provides access to the nation’s air transportation system, allowing business owners to save time by making point-to-point travel.
- The airport’s flight schools make RVS a hub of flight training activity, bringing students from around the world to the Tulsa area.
- Ground operations, hangar rentals, and engine maintenance and repair services are several of the services provided by businesses on airport property.
- The airport drives business to local suppliers of aircraft engine parts and interiors.
Jones Riverside Airport Association
Jones Riverside Airport Association (JRAA) members are dedicated to protecting their interests in Tulsa Riverside Airport.
Observation Area
The first-class observation area for Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS) is located on 91st Street between Elwood Ave. and Elm Street. Amenities include:
- Park-like setting including a shelter
- Picnic tables on concrete pads
- Raised viewing platform
- Concrete pad with an airport diagram
- Gazebo
- Restrooms
- Visitors in the observation area can listen to air traffic control communications on their radios tuned to 91.1 FM.
All construction has been performed by Tulsa Riverside employees other than the airport’s diagram that was painted onto the concrete pad by a local young man, Jesse Durney, as his Eagle Scout project. The ability to listen to the tower was provided by the Jones Riverside Airport Association and equipment donated by LDGregory, Inc.
Master Plan
The Tulsa Riverside Airport Master Plan provides long term guidance to assist management and airport users in the development of airport facilities for Tenants, Students and the Public. The existing document (LINK), created in 2006, has served the Airport well. However, at over 16 years of age, the document is in need of a comprehensive update due to changes in the aviation industry and new regulations. The update will reflect current trends, address future needs and provide guidance to maximize Airport facilities and services for customers and the surrounding communities.
Initially, the airport constructed a parking area with six paved parking spaces off of the southwest corner of the main runway, the single best vantage point to view aircraft taking off and landing but was not able to justify budgeting the considerable funds to purchase amenities. A community-wide effort to raise funds for the improvements to the observation area began in October 2009 with a golf tournament. The 2009 golf tournament was followed by another golf tournament in 2010 and the sale of personalized brick pavers to edge concrete areas. The most recent fundraising effort was the sale of taxiway lights that were recovered from Tulsa International Airport and Tulsa Riverside Airports and rewired as desk lamps. The original taxiway light fixtures were replaced with new LED fixtures.
Planning chapters and development information
- RVS Master Plan – Draft – Goals and Objectives
- RVS Master Plan – Draft – Inventory of Existing Conditions
- RVS Master Plan – Draft – Aviation Demand Forecasts
Other Documents
- RVS Master Plan – Alternative 5
Public Meeting Presentation Material
- RVS Master Plan Public Meeting #1 – To view a copy of the presentation presented at the first Public Meeting, click here. Comments may be sent to [email protected].
- RVS Master Plan Public Meeting #2 – To view a copy of the presentation presented at the second Public Meeting, click here. Comments may be sent to [email protected].
- RVS Master Plan Public Meeting #3 – The Final Master Plan Public Meeting will be Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Tulsa Tech Riverside Campus. Located at 801 E. 91st st, Tulsa, OK 74132. To view a copy of the presentation that will be shared at the third Public Meeting, click here. To view a copy of the handout that will be shared, click here. Comments may be sent to [email protected].