OREGON’S SILVER LAKE AIRFIELD RECLAIMED

Silver Lake airfield (45S) is located in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in central Oregon. For the past several years, maintenance at the 3,000 x 55-ft runway had been neglected. “Earlier this year the Forest Service discussed closing and de-listing the airfield because it was considered unsafe and a liability risk,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes said. He…

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RYAN BARN RAISING UPDATE

We’ve made significant progress raising the Ryan Barn. Thanks to your generosity, we expect to fulfill our goal of completion by fall! The concrete floor was poured, and while more on-site construction continued, our Amish contractors were busy building the sturdy trusses.  As you may know, seasonal dry conditions have forced us to close the airfield,…

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COWBOY’S AIR RANCH IN… MAINE!

Cowboys may not first come to mind when one thinks of eastern Maine, just a few miles from the Saint Croix River, Maine’s border with New Brunswick. RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe identified Cowboy’s Air Ranch Airport, (84ME) in Forest Township near the village of Brookton, ME as a desirable recreational airfield. He received an…

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RYAN AIRFIELD CLOSES FOR SEASONAL FIRE RISK

We regret that extremely dry conditions have forced us to close Ryan Airfield (2MT1) to all operations until further notice. Due to the potential for forest fire this season, we must take this precaution.  Thank you for your understanding.  We will announce a re-opening when it is safe for all concerned.

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Ray Huot

Ray and his wife load up their 200-hp “Back Country Explorer” and enjoy camping at airstrips in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  He’s worked on a few of those airstrips, installing vault toilets, windsocks, and making other improvements with the RAF, alongside volunteers from other aviation groups. “[RAF Alaska Liaison] Al Clayton has done a…

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COLORADO AVIATION WEATHER CAMERAS NOW ONLINE

In March, the RAF reported that aviation weather cameras were in the works in Colorado, and now the official announcement is out. Thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Division of Aeronautics and the FAA’s Alaska Weather Camera Program, there are now four new aviation weather cameras functioning on the Division’s network of 13 Mountain…

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RAINY MESA REOPENING NOW A REALITY

RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller has announced that after more than forty years of disuse, the Rainy Mesa airstrip is now open for recreational use, after removal of encroaching trees. “RAF Ambassador, and former State Liaison Larry Filener’s vision and dream to reopen Rainy Mesa airstrip is now a reality,” Ron said. He credits…

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SOLSTICE CELEBRATION ALASKA STYLE

RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton’s Fireweed airstrip was the site of an unofficial gathering of Alaska pilots for this year’s Solstice, a way for locals to try to outlast the midnight sun with axe throwing contests, campfire, and plenty of fresh Alaska potluck. “Despite some inclement weather that kept a few pilots stuck west of Tahneta…

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FEATURED AIRSTRIP: DRIGGS, IDAHO

You’d have a hard time finding a more beautiful setting than Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ), located on the Idaho side of the Grand Tetons. “Driggs is a world class destination for the pilot community, with access to hiking, biking, fishing, floating, golf and a small town with numerous shops and restaurants,” RAF Idaho Liaison Tim Riley said.…

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