Area 805 Test Range
A Strategic Advantage
Area 805 is the cornerstone testing infrastructure—a 500-square-mile FAA-authorized airspace over Camarillo, Oxnard, and the Ventura County coastline. Now FAA-approved and slated to be fully operational in fall 2026, this test range enables companies to conduct rigorous testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems in a real-world environment. With air traffic primarily over the ocean and full coordination with Oxnard and Camarillo towers, Area 805 provides a safe, streamlined, and cost-effective alternative to traditional testing facilities.
500
Square Miles
FAA-Authorized Airspace
1–3
Daily Flights
Anticipated Autonomous Operations
Fall 2026
Fully Operational
FAA Certificate of Authorization in Effect
Status Update
FAA-Approved. Fully Operational Fall 2026.
The FAA approved the 500 square miles of airspace that make up the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range. The Certificate of Authorization (COA) took effect on May 6, and Area 805 is slated to be fully operational in fall 2026. The range is operated through the Ventura County Department of Airports' partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and all flights are coordinated with the Oxnard and Camarillo towers.
Why Area 805
Real-World Testing at Scale
01
Value Proposition
Area 805 offers a unique, 500-square-mile testing corridor that seamlessly integrates coastal and oceanic airspace for the advancement of next-generation autonomous flight systems.
02
Safety
Operations maintain current safety standards through rigorous FAA, UAF, and Department of Airports screening and full coordination with regional air traffic control towers.
03
Community Assurance
The anticipated 1–3 daily autonomous flights will have minimal impact on air traffic and may actually decrease local noise levels by displacing repetitive training maneuvers like "touch-and-go" landings.
04
Economic Benefit
By establishing Ventura County as a hub for advanced air mobility, the range attracts high-tech innovation and industry leaders, fostering local job growth and technological prestige.
For Operators
Access Area 805
Companies ready to test at the forefront of aviation can apply to fly in Area 805. Send each completed form to Keith.Freitas@venturacounty.gov, Sean.Herder@venturacounty.gov, and Luis.Ortiz@venturacounty.gov.
1. Submit a Concept of Operations. Start here and send it to the contacts above.
2. Complete the COA Questionnaire and lease documents. Once your ConOps is approved, you'll be directed to these.
3. Final review. The County submits your forms to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for final review and approval.
Step 1
Concept of Operations Request
Request for Submission of Concept of Operations (ConOps) for Test Range Use.
Download PDFStep 2
COA Questionnaire & Flight Planning Guide
Complete after your ConOps is approved.
Download PDFStep 2
Area 805 UAF Exclusive Lease
Lease document to complete alongside the COA Questionnaire.
Download PDFThe Airspace
Area 805 Maps
Airspace Overview (View 1)
Airspace Overview (View 2)
Class D Airspace
Get Started
Test Your Technology With Us
The Department of Airports maintains the official Area 805 site, with program background, partners, and the latest updates.