Archive for 2024
On December 31, 2024 the BLM published the official Record of Decision that recognizes airstrips within the San Rafael Swell region of south central Utah. In summary, the decision retains aircraft-only access to Hidden Splendor and McKay Flat airstrips; Cliff Dweller and Sagebrush Bench airstrips are open to aircraft
RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi reports that a total of 26 volunteers signed in for this year’s 2024 work party at Blackwater Airfield (8FD3). Workers applied a fresh coat of bright white paint to the runway tires, installed the new RAF windsock and added the new RAF support sign. The barbecue grills were serviced an
The RAF has awarded California Liaison Katerina Barilov another grant to help fund continued improvements at California’s Lone Pine Airport. This 2025 project will continue the upgrade to the original terminal building that serves as a pilot shelter, meeting room, and kitchen for visitors. The terminal building had fal
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 Andrew George, the President of the Idaho Aviation Association. When I spoke at the 2024 RAF Volunteer Education Conference in Montana, I emphasized to th
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the National Park Service (NPS) have renewed their cooperative agreement addressing maintenance on the three airstrips within Death Valley National Park for another five years. Originally inked in 2008 and renewed in 2017, this Memorandum of Understanding between the NPS a
The RAF is pleased to announce that as of now, you’ll find over 400 places to explore in the Airfield Guide, the interactive digital catalog showcasing great recreational airfields. In 2016, Arkansas pilots Dave Powell and Chip Gibbons created the Airfield Guide, and by 2023, it included over 300 listings. Powell said,
RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell received a Holiday card from The Nature Conservancy’s Arkansas Director Roger Manghan. The entire Arkansas staff had signed it, and Roger had penned the following message that we want to share with you: “RAF is such an important org and we are so very lucky for both your partnership & f
Did you know there are now 803 Wilderness Areas covering more than 111.7 million acres in the continental US and Alaska? The US Forest Service manages the majority of these areas, followed by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are even more Wilderness Study
Visitors to Maine’s Red Pine airfield along the Saint John River can tie their airplane down at the north end and use a new picnic shelter and outhouse nearby, saving the long walk to the camping area on the south end of the 2,354 ft runway. RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe drove in for the October 22 work day to…
Every year I sit down to write this letter and give you a sense of why we do what we do, and how you help. The inspiration for me this year is, “What you see is what you get”, or “WYSIWYG,” coined two decades before the RAF, so we can’t take credit for the phrase. But we’d like you to know that we are an organization with no secrets, no hidden agendas, nor much else you don’t know about us. We just keep it simple. We are an organization of volunteers that set out to do some good work. The RAF asks you to support us, and when you do, we put your dollars to work getting some pretty amazing things done – so much more than we imagined when we started. We have done what we’ve done by listening and learning from you. We’re a better organization as a result, and most importantly, we are what you see – WYSIWYG. So we are asking you again this year. If you like what we do, send us a few bucks; if you love what we do, maybe send a few more. Either way we will continue to make the most with what we have and continue to be the trustworthy organization you’ve grown to know! Sincerely, RAF Board of Directors: John McKenna, Chairman Bill McGlynn, President Tim Riley, Vice President Mike Perkins, Treasurer Bill Brine Joe Brown Pete Bunce Jeff Russell Todd Simmons Steve Taylor To make a contribution to the RAF, click here . The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access. Submitted November 26, 2024.
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“It's hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area; it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses. The RAF is thrilled to announce that Monache Meadows is officially charted as L80, and has been brought back into safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors. RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 80s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach became an RAF Liaison in 2011, and determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use after being abandoned. Persevering for 15 years with respectful communications with a series of District Rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts. "After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again," said Lach. Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock. The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow. Barilov said, “We appreciate everyone's help. The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.” The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows. The RAF's Expanding the Map initiative is a nationwide effort focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. Learn more about Monache Meadows Airstrip and how the RAF is Expanding The Map . Submitted July 15, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
By Matt Foster - Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee Chair Your backcountry adventure likely involves a heavily loaded airplane, a short strip, challenging terrain, and limited options. Your practice should reflect those realities – at your home airport. Weave exercises into your normal flying, and consider bringing someone along to observe and keep you honest. Make your normal operations backcountry-ready operations. Seek out an instructor with backcountry experience or challenge your local instructor to learn about your upcoming mission and play a role in your preparation. Load the airplane as you expect to fly it. Bring the camping gear, survival equipment, and ballast that simulates your expected weight and center of gravity. You’ll learn more about how the airplane performs when it's configured for the mission…not when it's empty and light. Make all your landings “spot” landings (remember: your “worst” landing is your standard). Know your performance for takeoff distance and power settings. Learn to lean for density altitude. Practice these calculations for your aircraft. Fly non-standard patterns where airports allow. Practice go-arounds with varying flap settings. Practice slow flight and canyon turns. You can do many of these on every local mission with only a little more thought and purpose…and it can be fun and rewarding. Visualize the adventure, and practice before you launch your adventure. The backcountry is no place to discover your limitations. Submitted July 14, 2026 Photo Credit: Bill Brine
The annual Meadow Creek, Montana cooperative work party occurred on June 20. Volunteers from Montana Pilots Association, Montana Aeronautics, and the RAF flew in to do seasonal maintenance together on this popular NW Montana Forest Service airstrip adjacent to the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade originally came on board as Liaison in 2016 and has recently volunteered to add Vermont to his Liaison role. We are thrilled to have his help in both states going forward. John grew up in New York and had the Navy take him away; eventually depositing him in Massachusetts. John’s father-in-law was a pilot, and in the late 80s, John got bitten by the flying bug as well. Eventually, a SuperCub on floats became his pride and joy. It became a convertible with Bushwheels, skis, and floats. He credits his association with SuperCub.org for coast-to-coast friendships and finding a cadre of local New England pilots in search of backcountry adventures. John’s current airplane is a Bearhawk Patrol that he built. John and his wife Jennifer split their work week between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where they have a home and airfield. Their Wentworth Aerodrome – affectionately known as the “WAD” – is located 12 miles from Vermont, where he flies routinely. John has one son and five grandchildren. RAF NH/VT Liaison John Meade can be reached at jmeade@theraf.org . Submitted July 14, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
RAF Supporter Chris Erkmann lives in Chesterfield, Missouri – about 20 miles west of St. Louis, midway between the airfields at Trigger Gap, AR and Henderson, IL. He has flown his 1962 Cessna 182 into both places to volunteer at work parties alongside other RAF supporters.
