Archive for 2012
The New Mexico Pilot Association held its third annual Negrito Fly-In Oct. 5-7, 2012. This year’s event marked the first year that NMP partnered with the Arizona Pilots Association to host the event. The Negrito Airstrip (0NM7) is situated at 8,100 feet in southwestern New Mexico’s remote and beautiful Gila National Forest. Most mornings we were serenaded by bugling elk and…
Northeastern Washington at Sullivan Lake was the setting for a work party/fly-in this past weekend. Over 30 airplanes arrived, some by floats on the pristine lake and others landed on the turf 1765’ airstrip. (Metaline Falls, 09S.) The airstrip was already in great shape, but the recurring gopher holes needed filling in, and weeds needed whacking, and we left…
RAF President John McKenna attended a planning meeting regarding a potentially new airstrip in an area of Minnesota known as the North West Angle, or as the locals refer to it as “The Angle.” The meeting, organized by James Hanson of Albert, Lea, Minnesota, was held Monday August 6th in Baudette, Minnesota, which is the county seat…
Sixty-six years of separation evaporated when Ben Ryan climbed the ladder of the P-38, Glacier Girl, at Oshkosh 2012 — it was 1946 when Ben last flew a P-38 in the final days of World War II. In fact, on Columbus Day in 1945, Ben was overrun by his wingman, a fellow aviator in another P-38 in trail. The damage…
Located roughly forty miles west of the Tuweep airstrip in northern Arizona is the historical Grand Gulch Mine. History has this as the first copper mine in Arizona, and you can admire the last remaining earthen smelter in the country amongst the ruins of this wonderful site. Taking the cue from aviation historian, and APA member,…
The Minam River Lodge (Minam Lodge sits deep inside the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. Use at your discretion), airlift was an outstanding success, with 25-plus volunteers in 20-plus planes flying multiple sorties between Joseph, Oregon, and the lodge, on April 14th and 15th. The volunteer crews ferried new supplies in and roughly 50 years of accumulated debris out. The effort was a mutual…
Both Utah and South Dakota have passed amendments to their state recreational use statutes to include aviation as a recreational activity. Bills have passed both the house and the senate in each state and are being sent to the respective governors for signatures. Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) Member Dave Tunge led the effort in South Dakota and contacted Representative…
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It’s flying season in Florida, and with mild seasonal temperatures and plenty of clear weather, it’s the perfect time to visit Blackwater Airfield, 8FD3 near Munson, FL. About 39 nm northeast of Pensacola, you can roll out on the smooth 4,000-ft turf airfield in the peaceful mixed pine State forest near Krul Lake Recreational Area. For years, the RAF has been especially proud of the many improvements brought about by hardworking volunteers with the help of RAF grants. Dedicated volunteers have worked together to preserve and improve this destination in cooperation with the Florida Department of Forestry. A scenic trail off the south end of the field takes you to 6.5-acre spring-fed Krul Lake for a refreshing dip. Wander a bit farther along the Sweetwater trail to the Sweetwater suspension bridge. Keep going eastward another hour to 107-acre Bear Lake, where a well-maintained trail circles the lake. To facilitate “leave no trace” use, you’ll find dumpsters in the campground. History buffs might enjoy exploring the nearby historic grist mill and Frick sawmill. As the sun dips low, your campfire comes to life, and so might the camaraderie with any others camped there. People gather for friendship and flying stories, and sometimes acoustic music breaks out beneath the starlight. If you happen to have your instrument, you’d be invited to join in! A team of RAF and other local volunteers recently spent a weekend refreshing the amenities, barbecue grills, and runway markings. “Arriving in twenty-one aircraft, it was an impressive turnout and a testament to the draw of Blackwater Field and the RAF community,” RAF Florida Ambassador Shane Hartman said, adding, “The sense of community that defines the RAF was on full display. From shared meals and campfire conversations to new friendships and lasting memories, Blackwater Field once again proved why it is such a special place.” For more information about Blackwater, and the required pre-arrival permission and safety briefing, see the Airfield Guide. Submitted December 29, 2025.
At about this time, every year, we have this conversation at the RAF about what our year end letter (code for asking for your financial support) should say to you, and about the RAF and the accomplishments of the past year.
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Stef Goza, a pilot and an RAF Alaska liaison.
Bill credits aviation for much of his success in business and the ability to serve his companies and family. What began in a Champ, and a Tri-Pacer owned by five people, turned into what Bill calls, “a key business tool” in which he accumulated 9,000 hours – in a Cheyenne, a Pilatus, and a TBM, where ninety-five percent of his flying was for business. “My retirement enabled me to recall ‘Why I Learned to Fly’, a slogan from an old RAF video.” Bill’s son, Patrick, purchased the C185 they now share. “While attending a business function, some associates arrived in corporate jets. As they joined up on the tarmac, the jet pilots gathered around Patrick’s 185, and one of the passengers asked, ‘What’s special about this?’ No explanation needed for this RAF audience,” Bill says. “My involvement in the RAF is, in a partial way, repaying the rewards aviation has endowed me with. Having been involved in many worthwhile nonprofits, this is one where financial support is only part of the picture. Physically participating in great projects that have a lasting effect, with good people, returns a great personal benefit,” he says. “My only regret is that I wasn’t there at the start.” Bill and his wife Jane are privileged to be able to split time between their long-time home in eastern Nebraska and Scottsdale, Arizona. While still serving on several boards, he enjoys golf “about every third shot,” biking, cars, and reading, but always looks forward to the time he can be involved in the RAF. “It’s flying with a purpose,” he adds. Bill can be reached at bdugan@theraf.org
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