Archive for May 2023
RAF VOLUNTEERS MAINTAIN RAGER AIRSTRIP IN OREGON
The RAF supports the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to protect and maintain the primitive airstrip adjacent to the historic Rager Ranger Station. Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station served as the administrative site for the Paulina Ranger District for over 105 years. The administrative functions of the station were…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS TEND TO AMENITIES AT BORDER CROSSING FIELD
RAF Washington State Liaison Dave Whitelaw was awarded an RAF grant in April to preserve amenities and increase safety at Avey Field, (O6S) near Laurier, WA. Whitelaw’s intention has been to tend to the field to keep it open. The funds provided for a new windsock, the re-setting of the outhouse on a new vault, and leveling…
Read MoreLEO CUNNINGHAM
Leo Cunningham is a Multi-Engine Instructor living in Bozeman, MT. He is originally from Washington where he fell in love with flying and all things aviation. Since moving to Montana, he has found himself outside camping, fishing and hiking more than ever. Being able to volunteer with the RAF combines his passion for aviation and…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS COMPLETE CABINS AT RYAN FIELD
Ryan Field now has four hard-sided camping cabins, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who wrapped up the project during the June 9-11 work party. RAF supporters flying in may reserve a cabin by emailing ryancabins@theraf.org. Twenty volunteers completed many other tasks to clean and prepare all the facilities for the flying season, including bear boxes, gutters,…
Read MoreRAF GRANT FOR UPGRADES AT HENDERSON FIELD, IL
RAF Illinois Ambassador David Warner is using an RAF grant to make upgrades to Henderson Field near Golconda. The field offers many recreational opportunities, and volunteers will use the funds to install a new windsock, RAF fire ring, apply lime, and roll the runway to improve the surface. Henderson Field is a privately owned 2,410-ft grass…
Read MoreJUDSON RUPERT
Day job: Principal Engineer at Lycoming Engines Favorite airstrip: 1PA4 “Wagner” Next Adventure: Fall foliage tour through the northeast with the Cessna 170
Read MoreMOWER RELAY ENDS SUCCESSFULLY AT NORTH FOX ISLAND
When former RAF Director and pilot Peter Burwell learned that it was taking twelve hours to mow the turf field at Michigan’s North Fox Island, he began the search for a suitable John Deere mower. Burwell, CEO of C&B Operations, a network of John Deere dealerships throughout the Midwest, located a mower in Luverne, MN,…
Read MoreLAKEWOOD LODGE VOLUNTEERS EARN A+
Each year, RAF volunteers help out at Bob and Judy Gillette’s beautiful Lakewood Lodge, Wisconsin, in appreciation for Gillettes welcoming the public to use their airfield, 14WS. RAF Director Jeff Russell reports that this year’s weather for the May 19-21 weekend work party was perfect, and over a dozen volunteers tackled all the projects Judy had listed. “We must…
Read MorePEYTON ARNDT
Peyton Arndt is a true outdoors enthusiast with roots deeply embedded in the woods and lakes of Wisconsin. From a young age, the outdoors has been a constant in her life. She developed a passion for active pursuits and never backed down from a new adventure. Hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, wakeboarding, scuba diving – she…
Read MoreChuck Jarecki
To simply call Chuck Jarecki of Polson, Montana, an “RAF Supporter” falls way short of the contributions this pilot and retired rancher has made to the RAF and to general aviation. He was one of those six fellows around the campfire who recognized the need to protect aviation access to the backcountry, and asked, “If…
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