ALASKA’S AMPHITHEATRE GROOMED FOR USE

RAF Liaison and Alaska native Al Clayton had been eying an uncharted airstrip at the toe of the Nizina Glacier locally known as Amphitheatre Creek strip. He envisioned that pilots with appropriate aircraft – bush types, or even C182s with 8.50 main tires, and Beavers, for example – could enjoy the views from this natural amphitheatre, and fill their ice chests with glacial ice.

On Saturday, June 19, Clayton was joined by seven RAF and EAA volunteers in five planes that departed Clayton’s Fireweed airstrip (0AK8) northeast 20 or so miles for Amphitheatre.“This project marks the sixth year of cooperation between the RAF and the National Park, beginning with pilots’ volunteer work on Jake’s Bar to make it safer,” Clayton said.

The group was greeted by National Park Service Archeological Technician Daniel Osborne to supervise, and NPS pilot Don Welty. “The strip lies in the Wilderness, so no power tools are allowed,” Clayton said. “Our group spent about sixty-four hours from ten until three with nippers and rakes removing brush and small aspen trees and grooming ruts in the gravel.” The strip is now 780 useable feet, with stunning views in every direction.

Watch for its listing yet to come in the Airfield Guide.

Submitted on June 30, 2022

Posted in News

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

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 guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026