July 2024 - Recreational Aviation Foundation

LET’S BE CAREFUL OUT THERE

The number of backcountry accidents (13 in Idaho so far), a fatality, and near disaster at Smiley Creek has put all the pilot organizations on high alert this summer. The RAF has been a charter member of the AOPA – Air Safety Institute led Backcountry Safety Coalition since it began, and we are all feeling…

RAF Podcast #15: Philipp Kureck

Philipp came to the US from Germany to build ticket time. He used the RAF Airfield Guide to fly around the Western US and learned what backcountry flying was all about. You can view Philipp’s photos of his adventures at instagram.com/philipp.kur

HERREN-BESS HOLLOW UPGRADES WITH RAF GRANT

Herren-Bess Hollow airport, LL77 at Kamaroo Farms is as interesting a place as its name. Located near Kampsville, IL, the airfield has hiking trails, fishing ponds, and a “gold mine” for kids to explore. Exotic farm animals such as camels, kangaroos ostriches, and emus make this a family friendly destination. You can camp under an old walnut tree and soon…

BARRY PORTER

Day job: Slowly retiring from my Wind Tunnel Test Engineer job Favorite airstrips: Las Trancas, CA – Ryan Field, MT – Stehekin, WA, Nokai Dome, UT Next adventure: Heading north for the Ryan Field Fly-in

RAF GRANT FUNDS MATERIALS FOR BOWMAN FIELD RESTROOM

Maine Ambassador Larry Greiner was awarded an RAF grant for a portion of the materials needed to build new restroom facilities at Bowman Field, B10 in Livermore Falls, Maine. A group of local volunteers, headed up by Bowman Field Flying Club President Nathan Hurd, will provide all the labor. The airport is privately owned by…

GA NEWS POSTS TIPS FOR BACKCOUNTRY FLYING

“Many don’t need to be taught, but rather need to be reminded,” notes RAF Chairman John McKenna, about safe practices for backcountry flight. Read the backcountry flying tips HERE.

RICK MCCRAW

National RUS Liaison The high, lonesome sound of a passing plane is one of Rick’s earliest memories. He became a practitioner of the aviation arts on earning his private license in 1977, followed soon after by various other tickets. Instrument flying and soaring have been highlights. He’s owned his Bonanza since 1993. Professionally, Rick has spent “far too…

JUSTIN MACKIE SHARES PERSPECTIVES ON UTAH AIRFIELD WITH FLYING MAGAZINE

Mackie created the Utah backcountry airfield (UT91) from a juniper and brush-covered bluff on part of the Mackie Ranch. Read the story HERE.

RAF, USFS VOLUNTEERS REPAIR REMOTE CABINS

A group of RAF and US Forest Service volunteers spent a week in Tongass National Forest performing maintence on remote cabins in Southeast Heckman Lake. Read the General Aviation News story HERE.

Mike Bradford

Nevada Ambassador Day job: Retired business owner/CPA.Next adventure: This summer flying cross country with three friends to First Flight (FFA)-Kill Devil Hills/Kitty Hawk. Then to Dayton-Wright Brothers home and USAF Museum. Then to Oshkosh for Airventure and on to Ryan Field where I am hosting during August.