Posts by Carmine Mowbray

Idaho has long been recognized as very supportive of backcountry aviation, and Idaho Division of Aeronautics oversees over 30 backcountry airstrips. Some experience heavy usage, most notably Johnson Creek, 3U2 where a number of aircraft accidents have occurred. To promote safe and enjoyable flying into Johnson Creek, Idaho Aeronautics has produced a YouTube video demonstrating recommended standard…

The RAF has successfully completed a lease agreement that re-opens two airfields in Maine for public use, Ragmuff in Piscataquis County, and Estcourt in Aroostook County. The lease and management agreement was signed with landowner Fresh Timber, LLC and preserves these airfields through December 2025 with the option for a five-year renewal. “This furthers our…

“This airfield is a diamond in the rough,” RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant said, referring to Hanley Field, 5YZ. It’s located three miles southeast of Munising, MI, which is on the shores of Lake Superior adjacent to the National Park Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. He and RAF Director Jeff Russell recognized this, and began imagining what…

RAF Connecticut Ambassador Brian Thomas reported that on August 19, eight volunteers including fellow Ambassadors Darryl Nicholson, Jr. and Greg Delp completed the much-anticipated setup of the composting outhouse at Waterbury, Connecticut, N41. “We were able to excavate the hole, set the collection drum as well as foundation blocks, and finally hoist the outhouse in…

The RAF-branded Kodiak 100 completed another mission for the US Forest Service, coordinated and assisted by the RAF and Montana Pilots Association. RAF supporter and MPA past president Pete Smith had constructed and powder-coated a 10-gauge steel Forest Service-style bear box for Schafer Meadows and it was trucked to Ryan Field for eventual delivery. When…

Death Valley National Park is under a full park closure, due to the fringes of Hurricane Hilary that brought over a year’s worth of damaging rain on August 20. While Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek have not sustained any notable damage from the flooding, at Chicken Strip in Saline Valley, 60% of the runway experienced a complete washout.…

While rains have closed Chicken Strip in Death Valley, recent rain has somewhat helped the region around West Glacier in Montana, and the RAF announced the re-opening of Ryan Field in time for folks to enjoy Labor Day weekend there. Click here for the required safety briefing, and more information on amenities, and cabin availability.  Ryan Field…

The tradition continues! Thanks to your great response in past years, we’re announcing the upcoming RAF 2023 Photo Contest. It’s time to find your favorites! Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region. Each winner will receive a package of high quality…

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Moose Creek, Idaho. What makes Moose Creek, Idaho one of the incredible gems that we’re allowed to visit by airplane? “It’s 50 miles to the nearest lightbulb and civilization,” RAF President Bill McGlynn likes to…