February 2023 - Recreational Aviation Foundation

Pete Smith

Pete cut his teeth on light metal fabrication in the business his father started in northern Virginia 50 years ago. They moved it to the central Montana town of Lewistown 32 years ago, and are now a substantial employer, with over 40 employees in the town of 6,000 folks. Called “HCR” (for Horizontal Curvilinear Re-circulator), their…

CREIGHTON ISLAND CREW TACKLES TREES

Creighton Island owner Frank Williams welcomed RAF volunteers the weekend of February 17-19 to cut what RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi called “an untold number of trees” encroaching along the runway. In addition to initial efforts to widen the runway, the plan is to run millable timber through the vintage sawmill that has been reassembled…

WORTH THE READ: ERIC HINSON 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 Eric Hinson, the President and CEO of SimCom International. For me, the Recreational Aviation Foundation exemplifies the power of collective action. Over the course of 20 years,…

I GOT IT

We heard those words often in the early years of the RAF. And they are just as relevant today. With only an idea and without a corporate charter, it was Jerry Cain who stepped up and said, “Let me do some homework. I got it,” and within a short time the RAF was officially an…

ANDI HOWELL

Andi Howell has been co-piloting (ok, sleeping) in the right seat of their RV9a since her husband, Pete, finished building it in 2006. Finding the RAF has allowed them to unite their interests: Andi’s for camping, hiking and the outdoors, and Pete’s for flying. Her other hobbies include reading, puzzles, games, theater and travel. Submitted on March…

RAF OUTFITTER MARCH FEATURED ITEM

The RAF prop cover is made of heavy duty vinyl that will fit great over your propeller blade! You can show off your support of the RAF with your airplane, even when you’re not around. The prop cover sports the horizontal RAF logo with the words that we live by… Fly the Backcountry! Made in…

HITCHED TO THE SAME WAGON

Your support of the RAF helps leverage on-the-ground projects across the country, and you know that we value your interest, investment and precious time. We hope you are also a member of your state pilots group. Most likely, you’ve registered with your state’s Aeronautic or Aviation division, and you’ve registered your aircraft. And because you…

MARCH FEATURED AIRSTRIP: WAKULLA, FLORIDA

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Wakulla, Florida. “As for things to do here … plenty!” says Wakulla County Airport Manager Steve Fults, of the airport, 2J0, 25 nm south of Tallahassee, Florida. Its location should say it all, Panacea –…