April 2021 - Recreational Aviation Foundation

TRIGGER GAP PAVILION TAKES SHAPE

A small group of generous RAF supporters has offered to match Trigger Gap, Arkansas (17A) pavilion donations up to $10,000 from May 1 to May 15, so contributions during this time double in value! Thanks to an outpouring of support, the pavilion is taking shape. Concrete has been poured for the foundation of the pavilion,…

OREGON AIRSTRIPS RECEIVE FUNDS FOR CONTINUED MAINTENANCE

“McKenzie Bridge Airport in the Central Oregon Cascades is popular with recreational aviators. It provides access to the McKenzie River, mountain bike trails, and remote camping,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes says. To ensure the continued utility of the airport, Mayes has been awarded an RAF grant to employ a contractor to mow the airfield.…

RAF’S AMRAT CHUGANI STEPS UP TO FLORIDA LIAISON

After serving as an Ambassador since 2018, Amrat Chugani (above, right) is now volunteering as a Florida Liaison alongside Bobby Capozzi (above, left). As a child growing up in Singapore, Amrat Chugani gazed skyward in awe, wondering how mammoth aircraft cruised through the open skies with such ease. He was amazed that only two highly…

JEFF DEFREEST

Alaska State Liaison Jeff DeFreest started flying early in life – logging his first hours in 1972 – but his flight training stalled until he was well into his career as a professional geologist with the US Forest Service (USFS). He worked in Idaho, Oregon, and Utah before transitioning to Alaska in 2001. Before moving…

SECOND LIAISON ADDED IN ALASKA

Jeff DeFreest is the new RAF Liaison for southeast Alaska, joining Al Clayton of Anchorage. Jeff started flying early in life – logging his first hours in 1972 – but his flight training stalled until he was well into his career as a professional geologist with the US Forest Service (USFS). He worked in Idaho, Oregon, and…

LOCALS PITCH IN ON CORNUCOPIA IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements are continuing this spring at the RAF-supported Cornucopia, WI airstrip, W123. Cornucopia is the northernmost village in Wisconsin and sits on the south shore of Lake Superior, adjacent to the magnificent Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “Not only is the scenery absolutely spectacular, but there are also incredible recreational opportunities in the area including kayaking…

THE RUS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT – A STATE-BY-STATE RESOURCE

Recreational Use Statutes (RUS) have been enacted by all 50 states to limit landowner liability when owners allow public access to their private land for recreational purposes under certain conditions. The RAF has just updated its RAF 50 State Survey, a tabulation of each state’s RUS, with links and information to assist in finding relevant information.…

Presley Melton

After years of experience flying his Boeing Stearman, Decathlons, an RV8, his award-winning 1943 Howard DGA, and a variety of other aircraft, RAF Ambassador Presley Melton of Arkansas says he has the most fun in his open-cockpit AirCam. Years ago, Presley journeyed out west in his RV8, enjoying Idaho’s groomed turf airfields, but realized he wanted something that he…

VOLUNTEERS RAISE PAVILION AT TRIGGER GAP

The open air pavilion is nearing completion at Trigger Gap Airfield in Arkansas, 17A. Volunteers came from 12 states representing RAF members, the Tailwind Aviation Foundation, and local Fly Oz friends, most of whom are also RAF members. “We had a very successful work party,” RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell said. “All had a great time and enjoyed…

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HAVANA REGIONAL

Each month we highlight an airstrip where the RAF has had involvement. We hope that you will get out and enjoy these airstrips. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Havana Regional in Illinois, (9I0) in a small town located on the Illinois River. “Havana is away from city lights and has a spectacular night sky,” says Illinois Liaison Mike Purpura. …