Archive for December 2023
FOREST SERVICE PROJECT DEMONSTRATES VALUE OF PARTNERSHIP
A January 2, 2024 US Forest Service news release commends its partnership with the RAF for the rehabilitation of Gila National Forest’s Sacaton Airstrip. RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller organized volunteers for a series of work parties that resulted in reestablishment of the long-abandoned runway, and installation of a new vault toilet there, which…
Read MoreRAF RESOLUTIONS
About now it’s pretty much SOP for us to reflect on our New Year’s resolutions. So, in the spirit of the season I asked Mr. Google what the top three resolutions for 2024 happened to be. The response in some varying forms were 1) Improving fitness, 48%; 2) Improving finances, 38%; 3) Improving mental health,…
Read MoreSarah Brown
Day job: Airline Pilot Favorite airstrip: Red’s Horse Ranch (68D) Next adventure: Loading the mountain bikes in the back of our C180 and exploring Pacific Northwest singletrack Submitted on January 18, 2024.
Read MoreRAF Podcast #13: Epic Winter Trip to the Iditarod with Jeff Russell
Many aviators have flown to Alaska, but fewer have done it in the dead of winter. Listen to Jeff describe his trip and teach us why painter’s tape is so important!
Read MoreJohn Sowles
John Sowles of North Yarmouth, Maine has been fascinated with both powered and non-powered aviation since youth. His dad was a Naval aviator in WWII, and the interest rubbed off on John. He joined the Pittsburgh Soaring Club during college and solo’d. He earned his private pilot license, and to fulfill his penchant for old…
Read MoreRAF GRANT AWARDED TO DUG BAR
Dug Bar Airstrip (OR8) lies along the Snake River in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the USFS. Access to Dug Bar is easiest by aircraft, jet boat, “Or you can arrive there after a two-hour drive on a primitive road from the town of Imnaha, Oregon,” RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables says. Ables…
Read MoreBRIAN THOMAS
Brian Thomas is a self-proclaimed aviation nerd, having attended his first airshow with his father at eight years old. “From that point, I’ve been fascinated with aviation, and built large scale RC aircraft through my youth,” he says. He was also involved with the Civil Air Patrol cadet program at a young age. He enlisted in…
Read MoreLEGACY PLANNING SERIES: TRADITIONAL IRA/401k AND QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
Naming the RAF as a full or partial beneficiary of your traditional IRA or 401k can save estate taxes, and tax on the ordinary income. You can even specify a project if you wish! Consult your tax/legacy planner, then contact us for help in considering this way to leave a legacy. There are several other ways…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER JANUARY FEATURED ITEM
Want an easy way to sport the RAF logo in 2024? Order some decals! We offer two sizes and colors of RAF decals to fit whatever you’d like to put it on. They’re easy to apply and look great on an airplane or hangar door. To order the Featured Item, click here. If you have…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: ROY EVANS II 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 by Roy Evans II, the President of Utah Back Country Pilots Association. Throughout my journey in aviation, I’ve been guided by many mentors. In my adolescence, I found…
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