Archive for 2022
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 month’s guest editorial is from Mark Baker, President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. There are many thousands of pilots in this great country, flying millions of miles each
What’s significant about your 20th anything? Most of us can likely recall turning 20 years old; some may recall their 20-year high school or college reunion …. Heck, when my children turned 20, I recalled just how quickly those years had elapsed. So, I am guessing most of us can look at some 20 year benchmarks as just a blink in life’s eye. The same can be said about the RAF. It really does seem like little time has passed since those six of us were sitting around the campfire talking about the need for an organization like the RAF. About all we had were some ideas, some energy, and some vision – and limited resources. But on reflecting on those 20 years, much has occurred. This organization – voted “least likely to succeed” more than once from the established aviation community to the halls of D.C. – grew from six of us to now 11,000. And thanks to all of you joining the mission, we have gained wisdom and resources. What do we feel is most significant about the RAF at 20? We are the recognized leader in volunteerism and very proud of it. We started out as all volunteers, and the RAF has fostered that culture these 20 years. Sure, it might have been easier to do all this with paid help, but we simply had faith that volunteers could accomplish great things for the RAF. And you have proved us right. You have been part of a movement to save special places we call “the backcountry.” And in partnership with others with common goals, we are proud to own that term. You, the donors and the doers can be justifiably proud of the successes we share. We’ve grown up some, gotten an education, and surrounded ourselves with good friends who are smart and generous. So, when we meet throughout this coming year in these special places, let’s celebrate in the spirit of a 20-year reunion. Let’s raise our glasses to the organization, pat one another on the back, thank a volunteer, applaud our partnerships, and celebrate the backcountry. It’s truly an event you’ll want to be part of. Recreational Aviation Foundation John McKenna, Chairman
“We just concluded our phase two work party at Sacaton landing strip, and I think we are about ninety percent finished,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported. Approval must come from the Glenwood District Ranger before Sacaton is open for general recreational use after decades of closure and neglect. As of now, u
“Fifteen volunteers braved hours of rutted out 4×4 roads to come help rebuild Chicken Strip in Saline Valley on November 5 and 6,” RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov reported. It’s ironic that an airstrip in the driest place in North America suffers occasional flooding, but a regional deluge in July created washou
RAF supporters with the popular O-470 model engine will be thrilled to learn that Hartzell Propeller has expanded the applicability of its popular three-blade aluminum Voyager props. The Voyager is now STC approved for Cessna aircraft powered by Continental 470-A (s/n 41000 and higher) -J, -R, and -S engines. This incl
Not everyone could get volunteers to show up for outdoor work on a Wisconsin airfield on the windy shores of Lake Superior in December. But RAF Director Jeff Russell and Wisconsin Liaison Amanda Levin were successful gathering a dozen folks who cheerfully helped take on maintenance and improvements at Cornucopia, inclu
RAF Georgia Ambassador and Bonanza pilot Eric Davis and his father Gary evaded poor flying weather and made the four-hour drive and boat ride into Creighton Island in October to make a variety of improvements to the unique fly-in island setting. They have proven to be a multi-skilled “dynamic duo” when it comes to upke
An RAF grant funded improvements in conjunction with a major repaving project at New Cuyama airstrip in California, L88, and as planned, on October 13 folks gathered for a celebration. The ribbon was cut by key volunteers Steve and Nancy Sappington from the Blue Sky Center, who helped drive the project. Alex Guerrero, the craftsman of Warrior…
“Success has many fathers,” RAF Director Tim Riley says, using the proverb to point out that many people put in a lot of time and effort toward preserving Stovepipe Wells airport in Death Valley National Park. The Park Service had planned to close the airstrip in favor of stargazing. After meetings with aviation advocates, and…
“Thanks to an RAF infrastructure improvement grant, California’s Lone Pine Airport now has new flushing toilets and enclosed restrooms with running water,” RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov reported. The work was completed as part of a greater rejuvenation effort by Friends of Lone Pine, a non-profit group of local volunteers who recognized the potential of…
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We have a BIG announcement planned for AirVenture this year, and you're invited to join us to celebrate the news. Put these special events on your AirVenture schedule for Tuesday, July 21: 8:30 - 10:30 am: Donuts & Coffee at the Redbird Booth, #301 11:30 am - 12:45 pm: RAF Forum - Beyond The Pavement by Mike Goulian, Forum Stage #10 We can't wait to share what our volunteers have been working on. Submitted June 15, 2026
“It's hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area; it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses. The RAF is thrilled to announce that Monache Meadows is officially charted as L80, and has been brought back into safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors. RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 80s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach became an RAF Liaison in 2011, and determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use after being abandoned. Persevering for 15 years with respectful communications with a series of District Rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts. "After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again," said Lach. Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock. The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow. Barilov said, “We appreciate everyone's help. The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.” The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows. The RAF's Expanding the Map initiative is a nationwide effort focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. Learn more about Monache Meadows Airstrip and how the RAF is Expanding The Map . Submitted July 15, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
By Matt Foster - Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee Chair Your backcountry adventure likely involves a heavily loaded airplane, a short strip, challenging terrain, and limited options. Your practice should reflect those realities – at your home airport. Weave exercises into your normal flying, and consider bringing someone along to observe and keep you honest. Make your normal operations backcountry-ready operations. Seek out an instructor with backcountry experience or challenge your local instructor to learn about your upcoming mission and play a role in your preparation. Load the airplane as you expect to fly it. Bring the camping gear, survival equipment, and ballast that simulates your expected weight and center of gravity. You’ll learn more about how the airplane performs when it's configured for the mission…not when it's empty and light. Make all your landings “spot” landings (remember: your “worst” landing is your standard). Know your performance for takeoff distance and power settings. Learn to lean for density altitude. Practice these calculations for your aircraft. Fly non-standard patterns where airports allow. Practice go-arounds with varying flap settings. Practice slow flight and canyon turns. You can do many of these on every local mission with only a little more thought and purpose…and it can be fun and rewarding. Visualize the adventure, and practice before you launch your adventure. The backcountry is no place to discover your limitations. Submitted July 14, 2026 Photo Credit: Bill Brine
The annual Meadow Creek, Montana cooperative work party occurred on June 20. Volunteers from Montana Pilots Association, Montana Aeronautics, and the RAF flew in to do seasonal maintenance together on this popular NW Montana Forest Service airstrip adjacent to the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade originally came on board as Liaison in 2016 and has recently volunteered to add Vermont to his Liaison role. We are thrilled to have his help in both states going forward. John grew up in New York and had the Navy take him away; eventually depositing him in Massachusetts. John’s father-in-law was a pilot, and in the late 80s, John got bitten by the flying bug as well. Eventually, a SuperCub on floats became his pride and joy. It became a convertible with Bushwheels, skis, and floats. He credits his association with SuperCub.org for coast-to-coast friendships and finding a cadre of local New England pilots in search of backcountry adventures. John’s current airplane is a Bearhawk Patrol that he built. John and his wife Jennifer split their work week between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where they have a home and airfield. Their Wentworth Aerodrome – affectionately known as the “WAD” – is located 12 miles from Vermont, where he flies routinely. John has one son and five grandchildren. RAF NH/VT Liaison John Meade can be reached at jmeade@theraf.org . Submitted July 14, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
