Archive for January 2025
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EXTENDS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR DEATH VALLEY AIRSTRIPS
The five-year Memorandum of Understanding extends an agreement between the RAF and NPS. Read the AVWEB story HERE.
Read MoreFLYING IN THE MONTANA BACKCOUNTRY
Montana State Liaison Scott Newpower takes FLYING contributor Ben Younger into the world of backcountry flying. Read Ben’s adventure story HERE.
Read MoreRESTORATION, IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT LONE PINE WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT
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 fallen into disrepair over several decades. The nonprofit Friends of Lone Pine Airport, (FLPA) saw its…
Read More“HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS” — NOT
We’ve all heard the phrase when someone had a stupid idea and was about to act on it. As we kick off RAF 2025 it feels like a good time to work towards not being the person at either end of that tag line, joke or not. Seriously, what can we do to make 2025…
Read MoreKARI DEFREEST
Day Job: I am an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist. I specialize in treating people living with persistent pain and rural healthcare. Favorite airstrip: This answer changes periodically but currently it’s Hugh Smith Lake in the Misty Fiords National Monument. Next adventure: Isn’t every day an adventure? But, my next big adventure is…
Read MoreDonn Castonguay
From watching a radar screen the better part of his work day, to watching out the windscreen of his 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper, RAF Supporter Donn Castonguay is very happy to have made the transition to his place in the GA world. He and his wife Suzanne enjoy leisurely flights over the green rolling hills,…
Read MoreBLACKWATER’S ANNUAL VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
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 and volunteers mowed, weed-whacked and cut back growth in…
Read MoreSAN RAFAEL TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN RECOGNIZES AIRSTRIPS
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 and OHVs, since these airstrips are…
Read MoreHARTZELL EXTENDS $1,000 SAVINGS TO RAF SUPPORTERS THROUGH 2025; BOOSTS RAF MISSION WITH EACH SALE
Our friends at Hartzell Propeller have again generously extended their popular $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers. We heartily thank Hartzell for their ongoing support, and for contributing $250 to the RAF mission for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer, now through 2025! “When you have a partnership that really is a friendship, that…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER JANUARY FEATURED ITEM
Check out our new lineup of RAF beanies! With midweight and fleece-lined options as well as kids’ sizing, we have a great variety. These tried-and-true beanies will get your family ready for winter. Made in Bozeman, MT. Order the Featured Item and shop the RAF Outfitter. If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723. Your RAF Outfitter purchase…
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