VOLUNTEERS REOPEN SACATON AFTER DECADES OF CLOSURE

“After FAA approval and no objections from Forest Service Fire and Aviation, the District Ranger approved Sacaton Landing Strip for recreational access this morning,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported on January 9, and his dream that Sacaton reopen by New Years was fully realized. This airstrip had lain unusable for three decades. “At least a…

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FAA CLARIFIES CHARTING TERMS

A September 2022 announcement by the FAA stirred up social media chatter and piqued AOPA and RAF attention over the possible removal of a sector of private airfields from charts. On chart legends, the open magenta circle “R” was labeled Non-public use having emergency or landmark value. The FAA bulletin stated that “only private airports…

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HEATHER HAIR

Day Job: phone care physical therapist Favorite Airstrip: That’s a secret  Next Adventure: Every day is a chance to make a crazy new adventure Submitted on February 16, 2023.

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WORTH THE READ: BEN SCLAIR GUEST EDITORIAL

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 Ben Sclair, Owner/Publisher of General Aviation News. 20 Years of Todays. Generally speaking, the most effective way to ensure tomorrow is better than yesterday is to focus…

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COOPERATION WITH PARKS DEPARTMENT LEADS TO STRIP IMPROVEMENTS

Since the RAF signed an MOU with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, RAF Texas Liaison Tres Clinton reports they have had numerous in-person and online meetings, and the department supports airstrips on Parklands. So far, work has been completed at Del Norte airstrip, in the Devils River State Natural Area. “The main focus now…

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KARI DEFREEST

Vice President of Appreciation Kari is active professionally as an occupational therapist and educator. In addition to the RAF, she volunteers with organizations dedicated to education and the arts. When not flying to remote lake cabins for recreation, Kari enjoys baking, reading, and playing with the local community concert band. She lives in the rainforest…

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GABRIEL JASZCZAK

Gabriel learned to fly in the mountains around Missoula, MT while attending college. He quickly found that his passion for public lands meshed well with the access that flying provided, and started exploring Montana’s backcountry airstrips. Most of his flying these days is professional instead of recreational, but he does his absolute best to explore the…

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