YOUR ANNUAL LETTER FROM THE RAF

“I’ll have what she’s having!” You may recall that famous line from the movie When Harry Met Sally. In a funny way it characterizes the RAF. We are the group that others look to, wanting what we are having. We’re having fun, we’re getting stuff done and we’re doing it with a nearly all volunteer…

Read More

RAF TO PARTNER WITH NPS ON CHICKEN STRIP MAINTENANCE

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and Death Valley National Park officially signed a five-year cooperative maintenance agreement for the Chicken Strip in Saline Valley. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated October 18, also renews the established maintenance agreement at Furnace Creek Airport and Stovepipe Wells Airstrip.  “The RAF has proven that this partnership works since…

Read More

GRAPEVINE FLY-IN WEEKEND

Grapevine (88AZ), central Arizona’s 3,800 ft runway in the Tonto National Forest was the site of a casual fly-in the weekend of December 20-21. Arizona Pilots Association members serve a lunch the third Saturday of the month, typically September through May at this scenic place. The suggested $8 donation represents a bargain for the ample meal. Donations…

Read More

TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT CREIGHTON ISLAND

RAF Georgia Ambassador Eric Davis reports another successful weekend fly-in at Creighton Island December 6-8. Attendees Eric and Sandy Peyrot flew their C182 in from Summerland, FL and said it was a “fantastic fly-in location,” adding, “getting to see the area by air and then get up close on an undeveloped island was a real treat.” While…

Read More

DAN BARNHILL

Alabama State Liaison There was an Aeronca Champ on the family farm in south Alabama where Dan was raised. “My dad got his pilot’s license while at Auburn University in the late 60s,” Dan says. He flew it from their grass strip overseeing the row crops, pecans, fruits and vegetables, and hog and cow operation during Dan’s…

Read More

DAN BARNHILL NEW ALABAMA LIAISON

RAF is pleased to announce our new Alabama State Liaison, Dan Barnhill! There was an Aeronca Champ on the family farm in south Alabama where Dan was raised. “My dad got his pilot’s license while at Auburn University in the late 60s,” Dan says. He flew it from their grass strip overseeing the row crops, pecans, fruits…

Read More

RAF WELCOMES NEW TEXAS LIAISON

Please welcome new RAF Texas Liaison, Tres Clinton! Tres Clinton is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma, earning his B.S. in Aviation Management. He began flying in 2004, with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. “Landing a Super Cub for the first time, my path was altered,” he says.  Owner of C3 Air flight school…

Read More

NEW PILOT SHELTER AT ASTRONAUT KENT ROMINGER AIRPORT

Thanks to a $30,000 grant from the RAF, a new pilot shelter is near completion at Astronaut Kent Rominger Airport (KRCV) in Del Norte, Colorado. RAF Colorado Liaison Tom Haefeli reports that other funding includes $5,500 in cash donations, $18,200 in donated labor, supplies, heavy equipment use and operation from the various contractors involved. Rio…

Read More

SARAH TAMAR

New York Ambassador Day Job: Caravan Seaplane Pilot  Favorite Airstrip: Anywhere with a liquid runway! Also KPAN in Payson, Arizona. Next Adventure: Cold weather airplane camping (aka Flamping) and getting my CFI.

Read More

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: ALTON BAY

When winter comes to New England, the seaplane base at Alton Bay, (B18) on Lake Winnepausakee starts to freeze.  Local volunteers watch it closely for an ice thickness of 12 inches – the magic number that triggers contact with the NHDOT Aeronautical Division. This is normally late January or early February. Once NHDOT gives the green light, volunteers plow a  2600′ x…

Read More