LUKE LACHENDRO

Favorite Airstrip: C37 Brodhead WINext Adventure: Exploring the strips of Northern WI and the Upper Peninsula this summer

Read More

BILL ABLES

It was natural for Bill Ables of Enterprise, Oregon, to take up backcountry flying and advocacy. He makes a stunning image when he approaches a forest strip in his beautiful 1952 red Cessna 170B.  Bill has served as RAF Ambassador, but has made the commitment to step up as Liaison, joining RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes. Bill…

Read More

Ron Normandeau

It’s hard to believe that Ron Normandeau’s aircraft started out as a box of airplane parts. Ron, of Polson, Montana built a beautiful 1947 Aeronca Chief and now enjoys flying his own plane. He began flying in 1962 between junior and senior high school years, and earned his license. Ron’s wife Kathi earned her private…

Read More

RAF HOLDS EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES

The RAF, in its passion to carry out its mission with informed and motivated volunteers, organizes regional educational conferences for its State Liaisons, Ambassadors, VP’s of Appreciation and other support persons.  These RAF Mini-Educational Conferences, or RMECs are geared toward regional issues and typically include authorities speaking on the challenges and opportunities to further the…

Read More

COOPERATION ON HELL’S CANYON AIRSTRIP MAINTENANCE

RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables reports that April 22 brought perfect weather and 16 aircraft from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon into Hells Canyon to help with an annual Canyon airstrips volunteer work party.   Everyone arrived at Dug Bar, OR8. “We enjoyed the heat of a campfire for a short time while we introduced ourselves around the group of…

Read More

MAINTENANCE AT OWYHEE RESERVOIR AIRSTRIP

Owyhee, 28U is an 1,840-ft dirt airstrip along the west side of the Owyhee Reservoir in Eastern Oregon, where the crappie and bass fishing is said to be “pretty darn good” according to RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables. (You’ll need an Oregon angling license.) “The airstrip boasts the Owyhee Hilton cabin for folks to overnight…

Read More

WORTH THE READ: JIM HANSON 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 Jim Hanson, a career aviator and longtime RAF Supporter. The RAF Turns 20: There is so much to be proud of on this 20th anniversary of the…

Read More

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

What’s in it for me? Not only a legitimate question, but one typically asked. Sometimes it reveals the sincerity of a person when they ask that. Here at the RAF we often hear that question when dealing with land managers, vendors, and suppliers. Volunteers may ask, and even that is fair. But you know you…

Read More

CHRISTOPHER JOLLY

Christopher Jolly was introduced to aviation the day following his arrival into this world. His father was participating in a remote control sailplane competition and brought him to the flying field that day. He eventually grew up and also competed in remote control sailplane competitions, ultimately qualifying to represent the U.S. junior team and placing…

Read More