Posts by Carmine Mowbray

RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reported that volunteers have met at North Fox Island on several occasions to take on clean up after a record early spring ice storm downed several hundred trees, many along the turf runway. “We’ve cleared the fire pit area and some tie down locations,” Grant said. Please note the taxiways remain closed due to downed trees. “This…

The RAF has added its name to the over 50 aviation-related organizations, manufacturers and stakeholders that support Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan. The US system handles more than 45,000 daily flights, and the FAA relies on aging radio equipment that air traffic controllers depend on to communicate with pilots. Some of those…

From turf airstrips in mountain settings, to small suburban airports, the RAF understands that flying someplace for recreation means many things. It’s visiting special places where the laptop and briefcase aren’t coming along. The RAF supports recreational destinations with a grassroots feel, where there are no instrument procedures, and your radio only need be tuned to…

RAF Director Jeff Russell was honored with AOPA’s 2025 Laurence P. Sharples Award at their annual Hoover awards reception on March 19 in the historic Terminal A Lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. AOPA Chairman Darren Pleasance introduced Russell, saying, “This is AOPA’s most important award, named after AOPA’s first chairman, and recognizes someone…

Many companies will match employees’ donations to recognized nonprofits, doubling the value of a gift. Some even match employees’ volunteer time, doubling the effect of their efforts. We encourage you to explore this way of stretching your donation farther, leveraging your valuable time and dollars. Examples of employers who offer this matching program are Microsoft, Deloitte, GE, and IBM, but there are many more, from A…

The RAF thanks Aviat Aircraft for graciously hosting our volunteers in their prime location throughout the week of Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, April 1-6. Aviat’s eye-catching, RAF-branded Husky drew folks in to examine the capable aircraft, and learn the RAF story.  Thank you to all who attended the “Power of Partnership” Forum, with presenters Matt Hofeldt, VP of Brand at Aviat…

The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places. These folks enjoy serving as advocates in their respective states, helping the RAF preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza says, “Being an RAF State Liaison is one of the most fulfilling roles…

Our friends at Hartzell Propeller have just announced their new Carbon Voyager propeller, and that RAF supporters can take advantage of Hartzell’s popular $1,000 discount on its purchase through 2025. This generous discount offer has been extended for the fifth consecutive year and includes the Pathfinder, Trailblazer, and Voyager propeller. As an additional benefit, for each discounted propeller…

Volunteers from Utah Back Country Pilots, (UBCP) recently made the effort to fly in to Ibex-Tule Valley Hardpan dry lake bed after learning that visitors had left a mess. The area is popular for primitive camping and is accessible by car. The volunteer pilots spent two days refurbishing the area, and removed two old vehicle…