ERIN MELTZER

Social Media Volunteer Erin Meltzer grew up in an aviation family and loved flying with her dad. She attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and graduated with a BS in Hospitality Management and Travel and Tourism. Shortly after college she worked on private yachts as a stewardess and then as a flight attendant with Endeavor, a regional airline.…

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IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT TRIGGER GAP

With the increased popularity of Trigger Gap RAF Arkansas Liaisons Dave Powell and Harper Goodwin began considering noise mitigation. “As an organization, we have truly strived to make as low an impact as possible,” Goodwin said. They examined current usage and flight paths, and coordinated with The Nature Conservancy. With help from fellow RAF members…

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VOLUNTEERS WORK ON SIX HELLS CANYON STRIPS

RAF Oregon Ambassador Bill Ables reports that more than two dozen volunteers arrived to clean up airstrips in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area on April 23.  What may surprise some is that Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge. The Snake River is known for whitewater rafting, jet boating, fishing and access to native sacred…

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Bob Christensen

Bob Christensen of Ashton, Idaho may claim a healthy case of beginner’s luck, but those who know him would say he is simply quite skilled. His first aircraft fabric recover job was on his own “basket case” 1947 PA-11 Cub, which he’d put back together and flew to Airventure in Oshkosh. His friends encouraged him…

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INNOVATOR AND FABRICATOR BUILDS AND DONATES TURF ROLLER

RAF supporter and skilled fabricator Joel Wyttenbach learned that Cornucopia Airfield WI23 needed a turf roller to smooth mole hills and prepare the surface for aircraft use. “Organizations like this are made of people with a lot of different abilities,” he said. “I could help out Corny with a roller, and had to take the opportunity to…

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MACKIE RANCH GETS COMPOSTING TOILET

Mackie Ranch lies at 5,642 elevation a few miles south of Enterprise, Utah surrounded by the Dixie National Forest. Owner Justin Mackie opened the airstrip for public use. Mackie, a supporter of both the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), has cleared room for aircraft parking, a porta-potty and fire ring. Now he is creating…

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HISTORIC, SCENIC KATAMA GETS RAF GRANT

You may not have heard of Edgartown, MA but you probably know of Martha’s Vineyard. The Katama Airpark, 1B2 is a recreational turf airfield on the island, and the RAF has awarded a $10,000 grant toward a facility for pilots and passengers to gather, picnic, and enjoy direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. “First opened in…

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AMANDA LEVIN STEPS UP TO LIAISON

The RAF is pleased that Amanda Levin has stepped up to serve as Wisconsin Liaison. She began helping the RAF as the database volunteer, and Social Media Coordinator. “Now I hope to have more local impact as Wisconsin’s State Liaison,” Amanda says. She has always had a passion for adventure and travel. Her first glimpse of GA was through her…

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US FOREST SERVICE INVITES PARTICIPATION

If your state includes land within a National Forest, the USFS wants to keep you informed of its Forest use public planning steps. RAF liaisons are tasked with tracking their respective Forest planning. If appropriate, RAF Public Agency Consultant Ron Normandeau prepares talking points, and state liaisons let RAF supporters know when public input is…

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RYAN FIELD VEHICLE CAMPING CLARIFIED

Word is out about beautiful Ryan Field. The RAF has worked hard to improve this backcountry airfield, and welcomes visitors with appropriate flying skills. To preserve its premier backcountry atmosphere, the RAF is clarifying vehicle use. Ryan Field welcomes under-wing tent camping, and fly-in use of the rustic cabins. Road vehicles are welcome to drive…

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