2019 RAF GRANT PROJECTS ADD RECREATIONAL ACCESS

The RAF is primarily volunteer-driven, meaning your donations go directly toward on-the-ground projects that further the RAF mission to preserve, maintain, and create airstrips for recreational access.

Volunteer RAF state liaisons identify projects, then apply for RAF funds. A grants committee – made up of State Liaisons, RAF members and an RAF Director – then reviews the application. Typically, the liaison must also organize volunteers to help with the labor required. Often, they call in others who are willing to donate or provide equipment and building supplies at no cost, or at reduced prices.

Here is a summary of recent grants awarded:

Wisconsin: RAF Liaison Jeff Russell will oversee improvements at Cornucopia Airport ( WI23). The project includes construction of a pilot shelter, adding picnic tables, tie downs and bicycles. Jeff worked with the airport manager and local businesses to foster support for investing time and money to make the airport more inviting. “This airstrip has high recreational value due to its proximity to Lake Superior and the Apostle Island National Lakeshore,” Jeff said.

Minnesota: RAF Liaison Kurt Pennuto was awarded a grant to improve Bowstring Airport ( 9Y0). He will complete two campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and an outhouse. From each campsite, campers will be able to access the Chippewa National Forest, area lakes, trails and hunting opportunities. The airport commission has committed to maintaining the campsites and outhouse.

New Hampshire: Liaison John Meade has taken Parlin Airfield ( 2B3) under his wing for preservation and improvements, adding picnic tables, and solar chargers. Its amenities include camping and access to local Sugar Hill Recreation Trails with use of mountain bicycles at no cost. John emphasizes that local personnel do much of the work “which increases broad community commitment and teamwork, while insuring lower operating costs for the town. Parlin has become a regional fly-in destination,” he added.

Colorado: Liaison Tom Haefeli says the cornerstone of his pilot shelter project at Ken Rominger airport ( KRCV) will be the new shower and kitchen area. “This will allow airplane campers, mountain bikers, and pilots a place to refuel, refresh and continue great airplane adventures,” he said. The airport is three miles north of Del Norte, central to many Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico airstrips. “This shelter will also be a great resource for cross country travelers as well,” he added. Rio Grande County is a key partner for the project.

Vermont: Bob Burley is fond of Allenholm Airport ( VT26), and wants to preserve it from possible closure and improve it with funding for mowing and added improvements. Maybe the regionally famous Allenholm Farms pies, pastries, cookies available at the airfield is one reason! This historic 2,400-ft field is located in an apple orchard on an island in Lake Champlain. Within one mile of the airfield is a state park with beaches and watercraft rentals, several B&Bs, and a quaint Vermont village. All within a half- or hour-long flight are scenic mountains and islands, a four- star, 150-year-old lakeside resort, golf course and grass strip. “Allenholm is ideal for both hub and spoke day trips and peaceful respite,” Bob said. Vermont Air National Guard pilots are committed to helping out at Parlin.

Florida: What started out in 2013 as efforts to reopen abandoned Blackwater Airfield ( 8FD3), has developed into ongoing cooperation to improve this popular recreational destination. RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi continues to work with Florida Sport Aviation Antique and Classic Association (FSAACA) by adding barbecue grills, and refinishing picnic tables. “These efforts show continued engagement and commitment to foster a positive relationship with the State Forestry Service in preserving and maintaining this recreational airfield,” Bobby said. “Not only was the project approved by State Forestry Manager David Creamer, he was willing to assist with installing the grills,” Bobby added.

Bobby also erected a sign acknowledging participants. “The sign is an investment in advertising for all who worked so hard to get Blackwater open to GA,” Bobby said.

Oregon: RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes has a less tangible need. He was invited to join the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative (HCRC) whose mission is to maintain and improve recreation access into the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area by making recommendations to the US Forest Service. “RAF representation on the HCRC will help protect and maintain public access to the Hells Canyon airstrips, and foster positive collaboration with other river users,” Richard said.

The area encompasses 652,488 acres of rugged backcountry between northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. There are no roads across Hells Canyon’s 10-mile wide expanse. Six backcountry airstrips deep in the canyon along the Snake River are open for public use. Administration of HCRC is funded by contributions from key participant organizations. Richard works entirely at his own expense, but the largest HCRC administrative cost is the salary of the part-time facilitator. Idaho Aviation Association pledged support, and Richard requested a like amount.

Submitted on July 8, 2019

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RAF FEATURED SUPPORTER: JOHN PRISCU

By Carmine Mowbray • November 13, 2026
The RAF is fortunate to have notable scientist John Priscu as a supporter. John has helped at work parties, assisted HQ with the Airfield Guide, and contributed his wide academic/science expertise on occasional airfield projects. John grew up in the clear sunshine of Las Vegas, NV, where his uncle introduced him to flying. “My first flight was at age four, roped to my father in the open cockpit of my uncle’s PT-19. At the ripe age of 15, my uncle taught me to fly his Howard DGA-15P during our many visits to dirt strips in the Southwest, including Chicken Strip,” he says.  Like many, John got the aviation bug early on, then spent years raising a family before returning to flight. He settled in Bozeman, MT, where in 1984 he began his 40+ year career at Montana State University. He earned his SEL ticket in 2002 and bought a Maule, which he says suits his flying profile, supporting conservation flying, and flying the backcountry. When he’s not flying the Mountain West or caring for his 1979 Porsche 911SC, he might be found anyplace in the world as he fulfills his assignments as Regents Professor Emeritus at MSU. He has spent over 40 seasons conducting ice field research in Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, and the Himalaya. Or he may be nosed into a project for JPL or NASA. He returned recently from a whirlwind lecture tour for the US State Department in the far Southern Hemisphere. Engaging John in conversation, one will always learn something scientific before the talk turns to flying. While flying in the backcountry, he met McKennas. “We bonded because we like to camp, mountain bike, and fly, among other things. I became an enduring RAF supporter. My wife, Barbara, and I took McKennas’ suggestion to buy a winter place near St. George, Utah, a decision we do not regret. We bought a hangar in Hurricane, where I met other RAF supporters like Gordon Rock (RAF supporter extraordinaire and all-around great guy), and we all enjoy flying in the Southwest.” While mountain biking together, John McKenna told him about the great biking and flying in Bentonville, AR. “I was sold.” In spring of 2024, John planned a flight to Bentonville with a stop in New Mexico. “One phone call to John McKenna mentioning my intentions was all it took to get the RAF connections moving. Within days I received emails from RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller and RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell, providing background and support. I began by flying to Gallup to visit RAF supporters Perry and Sandra Null, who were superb hosts. I highly recommend their Perry Null Trading Post.” At Bentonville, he was met by a welcoming crew organized by Dave Powell. The next day they flew “The OZ” with Dave in John’s right seat, Chip Gibbons leading, followed by RAF Texas/Montana Ambassador Steve Maus. “Having Dave in the right seat was invaluable because everything was so green, I couldn’t tell a grass strip from a mowed agricultural field.” The next day Dave had a mountain bike delivered to his hangar, and he took John on a “fantastic ride” followed by dinner with his wife Julie and Steve. Grounded for three days by IFR at Bentonville, John was able to depart in an MVFR window. After dodging weather through Oklahoma, Texas, and eastern New Mexico, he overnighted in Santa Fe, then flew directly back to 1L8, ending his journey. "Returning home, I reflected on the great folks who helped me along the way, and the huge role those RAF connections played. RAF really is a huge family of individuals who drop what they’re doing in a minute to help a fellow RAF’er. I am honored to be part of the RAF, and am forever indebted to all the RAF folks who make this happen.” Submitted November 13, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

SITUATED

By John McKenna • November 12, 2026
Credit this month goes to Angela Duckworth, whose new book Situated suggests that our best comes when we work to shape our external environment so that good choices become automatic. To an outsider, it might seem obvious where the RAF finds itself today, but I assure you there has been a good deal of effort put into arranging the table so that good things are on it, and good people are there to be a part of it. I believe it starts with our RAF culture. You have heard it before around the RAF campfire when someone asks a question beginning with “why.” The answer they often hear is, “Well, that’s just the way we do it around here.” That applies to how we manage our resources, take on new projects, and most importantly, treat the people we deal with, as well as one another. To build that culture, the RAF has chosen people and partners who share the ideals and values our organization represents. I am pretty sure that most all of us would concur that the RAF has the best of the best when it comes to its greatest asset, its people. Author Duckworth goes on to say that you may not be able to control the world, but you can reign supreme over your surroundings. The RAF, IMHO, has done this as well as any organization. We have clearly focused on sticking to our mission in the backcountry, and that has allowed us to be a useful voice in the larger world of aviation. When you roll the principles of Ms. Duckworth's book into a formula for success, it’s my hope that you will see how the RAF has worked darn hard to be the kind of organization that is respected, and that you all are happy to be part of it. So, the next time you are asked “why” about something the RAF does, you too can answer, “It’s just the way we do things around here.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted November 12, 2026

SHOP RAF OUTFITTER HOLIDAY SALE

November 12, 2026
RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale - up to 50% off! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale! Now through December 31, enjoy up to 50% off select RAF Outfitter gear and apparel. Whether you're shopping for the backcountry pilot on your list or treating yourself to something new, it's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite RAF gear! Start shopping here ! Submitted November 12, 2026

VOLUNTEERS WORK TO KEEP OREGON'S POPULAR RAGER AIRSTRIP SAFE

November 12, 2026
USFS Rager Guard Station Airstrip in Central Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest is a popular destination for backcountry pilots. RAF volunteers have long collaborated with the USFS to undertake seasonal maintenance of the airstrip. Braving early winter conditions, eight Central Oregon RAF volunteers gathered in early November to improve safety and amenities at the airstrip. While fighting a nearby wildfire in 2024, the USFS brought in heavy equipment to grade and profile the 2,800-ft gravel runway. “This greatly increased safety, making it suitable for use by a wider variety of aircraft and pilot capabilities,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes said. The RAF had previously provided a grant for the installation of a new windsock and picnic table and the rental of equipment to mow the runway, turnarounds, and parking areas. This year, Mayes reported that volunteers in five aircraft flew to the airstrip while others drove two and one-half hours hauling their own equipment for mowing and grading. The team cleared overgrown brush from the runway, parking, and camping areas; mowed and leveled the gravel runway; restored a badly weathered picnic table; repainted runway markers; and installed new signage. “Paulina District Ranger Robbie Piehl expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ commitment to maintaining the airstrip,” Mayes reported. As a result of these efforts, the District Ranger has asked that RAF investigate what may be required to reopen two other long-neglected airfields. Find more information on Rager USFS Airstrip in the Airfield Guide . Submitted November 12, 2026

WORK CONTINUES ON RAF FLY ROCKY TOP AIRFIELD AMMENITIES

November 11, 2026
Volunteers gathered at Rockwood Airport in eastern Tennessee the first weekend of November to continue working on two Fly Rocky Top airfield projects. The RAF project leaders are Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley and Fly Rocky Top Team Lead Jeff Smith of nearby Lenoir City. RAF Ambassadors Kevin Johnson (OR) and George Weaver (ID), along with Liaison Steve Thompson (OK), traveled to help direct the efforts, aided by dozens of local and regional volunteers, many of whom camped on site. Heavy rains had ceased, leaving morning mists and sunshine for outdoor work. The crew concentrated efforts on a large pilot pavilion at Smuggler’s Landing, the 2,400-ft turf landing area with under-wing camping at Rockwood, KRKW, which will be the basecamp for the network of up to seven backcountry airfields, as part of the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. In October, the crew poured concrete for the pavilion, and started building small post-and-beam picnic shelters at McGraw’s Backyard and Higdon Field. The crew focused work on McGraw’s and Smuggler’s Landing. Higdon Field is currently closed, with a planned opening date in 2027.