January 2022 - Recreational Aviation Foundation

GUESTS GATHER TO ENJOY CALIFORNIA’S LAS TRANCAS

One of the most scenic airstrips in the west, Las Trancas, 17CL lies alongside the Pacific Coast just north of Davenport, CA. It was developed by redwood mill owners Bud and Lud McCrary. Thanks to the family’s wishes to keep the airstrip active after Bud’s passing, and a generous RAF grant and volunteer help, the…

Ray Steinmeyer

At age 77, Ray Steinmeyer has chosen an encore career that continues his passion for aviation. A career that included professional A&P/IA services, then 30 years with the power company in Maine, he now enjoys providing his expertise among pilot friends at his home field of Bowman, B10 near Livermore Falls, Maine. And his neighbors…

NEW VAULT TOILET AT ARIZONA’S GRAND GULCH

Grand Gulch airstrip in northern Arizona’s Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is a 3,100-ft dirt strip a short walk from the abandoned Grand Gulch Mine. Although there is a gravel road to the site, it’s many miles from pavement, and flying in is a good alternative. It offers dry camping with views of the Upper Grand…

TONI WRIGHT

Vice President of Appreciation Toni Wright gave up milking cows for a faster-paced profession in flying.At age 53, her major career change began with a commercial rating and aerial photography for the US Soil Conservation Service. Her first part 135 job was with Exec Air in Montana flying checks across the state. “Fourteen takeoffs and…

AVIATION ACCESS TO BE IMPROVED AT CHILDS GLACIER, ALASKA

The Recreational Aviation Foundation is pleased to announce good news for Alaskans and visitors to Alaska seeking access to a US Forest Service campground facing Childs Glacier. On January 31, RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton received approval from the US Forest Service for his RAF request for $50,000 to improve and expand the small airstrip…

CINDY CROSS

Vice President of Appreciation “My introduction to aviation began in 1996 when my husband Terry took me on a backcountry flying and camping adventure in Idaho and Montana. After a flight to Death Valley over the dunes I was hooked,” Cindy Cross of San Carlos, CA says. Although Cindy is not herself a pilot, after…

ALTON BAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE FEATURED IN GA NEWS AND CONWAY DAILY SUN

The ice runway at Alton Bay, New Hampshire (B18) is now open and was featured in General Aviation News on February 22, 2022. The article is HERE. The Conway Daily Sun also published an article on recreational flying into Alton Bay on February 22. The article is HERE. Submitted on February 23, 2022.

STEVE JOHNSON

Idaho Ambassador What is your day job?Patent Attorney Favorite airstrip?It’s hard to choose, but Big Creek, Idaho, is among the best. Your next adventure?Flying in and wandering about the Utah and Idaho backcountry. Flying opens up a host of hiking and unique photo opportunities. Submitted on February 1, 2022.

JOANN BAKER

After 40 years as a Human Resources leader in the corporate world, JoAnn is loving retirement and the freedom to enjoy the aviation world and the outdoors – anywhere between the Florida Keys, Northern Wisconsin, Driggs, Idaho and beyond.

VOLUNTEER HELP WANTED

Are you seeking a fulfilling purpose as a volunteer? We invite you to consider helping the RAF – a volunteer-driven national non-profit organization. We have tasks for volunteers who’d like to join us. Social Media Volunteer – Do you enjoy producing social media? We could use your help creating and scheduling posts for the RAF…