Archive for July 2025
MAINE AIRSTRIP BENEFITS FROM RAF-FACILITATED NATIONAL GUARD WORK
Pilot Ken “Cowboy” Winiarski owns Cowboys Air Ranch, 84ME in Maine’s “Sunrise” Washington County — the easternmost point where the sun first rises on the nation. The airfield and camping facilities are open for public use, but the runway, at 1,500 feet long, is not suitable for a wide range of GA use. To make…
Read MoreRAF AWARDS GRANT FOR MOAB AIRSTRIPS CULTURAL STUDY
Five Moab area airstrips are located within a short hike or bike from spectacular red-rock canyons and mountains, and two are suitable for pilots to practice backcountry landings without disturbing other recreational users, RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “All five are excellent airstrips for camping under the dark Utah skies,” she added. But none…
Read More“NOT SMART” VS “STUPID”
Not sure about you, but I likely have been both. As a recent blog post suggested, not smart is a passive act, remedied with learning, experience, and thought; while stupid is active – the result of someone who should have or could have known better, but decided to do something selfish, impulsive, or dangerous anyway.…
Read MoreGOING TO OSHKOSH?
Join the RAF at AirVenture again this year! You’re invited upstairs on Hartzell’s Rooftop (booth #289, just outside of Hangar B) on Tuesday, July 22 from 9-11 a.m. for coffee, the best donuts around, great views and conversation! On Wednesday, July 23, visit the Pilot Proficiency Center for Backcountry Flying Day: Classroom 1 Sessions:9:30am Flying Idaho’s…
Read MoreFEATURED RAF SUPPORTER: PAUL WELKE
Paul and Angela Welke own Island Airways at Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, 27 nm from Charlevoix (KCVX), where the business also has a base. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant says, “Paul is always offering his services and has been incredible about answering calls for help from North Fox Island, 18…
Read MoreDEAN CASTILLO
Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’” Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…
Read MoreTHE RAF WARMLY WELCOMES DEAN CASTILLO OF VIRGINIA TO THE LIAISON TEAM
Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’” Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER JULY FEATURED ITEM
Show off your RAF support in these Airstrip Hats! These buttonless hats are a summer flying must-have! This special collection of hats features several airstrips that the RAF has impacted significantly. Choose hats with your favorite strips and wear them proudly! These hats are buttonless and feature a velcro closure. Each hat displays the RAF logo…
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