Posts by Carmine Mowbray

The Bureau of Land Management issued their final decision on January 17, 2025, for Utah’s Henry Mountains Travel Management Plan (TMP), specifically naming thirteen airstrips as approved for recreational use.  RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots Board Member Wendy Lessig has followed the lengthy planning process and said, “Thanks to all who submitted…

Looking for a way to participate with like-minded RAF supporters? Like to roll up your sleeves on an airfield project? The RAF makes it easy for you to learn about and plan for upcoming 2025 RAF events, work parties, and other activities. Events are added all the time, so we encourage you to make a habit…

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…

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…

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 and the RAF authorizes RAF volunteers to perform mutually beneficial repairs to…

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, “We’ve seen huge growth the…

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 & friendship! Thanks for all…

The RAF achieves its mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access through the efforts of volunteers. If this goal appeals to you, check out our Volunteer Information page here for one of the many volunteer opportunities that may interest you. The RAF Events Calendar lists airfield work party volunteer opportunities throughout the year; if you see…