Posts by Carmine Mowbray

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…

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 Areas, (WSAs) with…

The RAF is pleased to announce the signing of a new five-year Cost Share Agreement with the US Forest Service. Similar to the existing agreement on the Gila National Forest, this contract covers the Southwestern Region, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Initial focus will be on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, including Arizona’s Double Circle…

The RAF is passionate about advancing flight safety, consideration, and courtesy toward the people and wildlife who share the recreational environment. Our website includes concise and relevant educational resources, drawn from experience. We invite you to go to Education & Safety where you’ll find our Safety Briefing Guide, created in partnership with AOPA’s Air Safety Institute – GA’s…

A lot of pilots are discovering the challenges and joys of accessing the backcountry. To emphasize safety, we’re eager to share some excellent Backcountry Safety Coalition resources with you, produced and curated by AOPA’s Air Safety Institute.  You can select from relevant webinars and instructive videos produced by AOPA’s ASI. More are added all the time, so…