Tom Dolaskie

When Tom Dolaskie returned from his service in the US Air Force to his hometown of Munising, Michigan in 2008 he saw the effects of the economic downturn. As he walked among the many vacant buildings and abandoned houses, he didn’t see a doomed town, he saw opportunity. Today, visitors to this scenic town may be drawn by its natural…

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RAF PARTNERS WITH TREAD LIGHTLY ON BACKCOUNTRY ETIQUETTE

During the RAF’s biennial educational conference in Bozeman in May, the RAF debuted its Backcountry Etiquette Team and announced its partnership with Tread Lightly!, the national organization started in 1985 by the US Forest Service to address off-road usage. The organization became a nonprofit in 1990, and since then has garnered hundreds of partners from federal…

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GERMAN PILOT MAKES SPECIAL US FRIENDS THANKS TO AIRFIELD GUIDE

Philipp Kureck from Memmingen, Bavaria stopped by the Hartzell rooftop for RAF donuts and coffee during this year’s AirVenture. Several RAF volunteers gladly accompanied the 22-year-old around the event and learned about him, and his grand experience flying around the US two years ago. Philipp started flying gliders at 16 and got his glider license at 17. He…

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ONLINE SAFETY BRIEFING GUIDE

You may recall that the RAF partnered with AOPA’s Air Safety Institute – GA’s safety experts – and drew on the results of a 2018 safety survey to produce a simple Safety Briefing Guide. It’s an online guide with practical and useful information, from initial flight planning to shut down. View this free guide and review it…

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AIRFIELD GUIDE COMMENT FEATURE ENHANCES LISTINGS

Users of the revised RAF Airfield Guide will find the new “Comments” feature valuable. Check it for airfields you’re interested in for updated information.  A recent example is the news that RAF President Bill McGlynn posted to the Moose Creek, ID listing. A July 24 thunderstorm caused significant damage to the campground and Ranger Station. McGlynn…

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AUGUST FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HANLEY FIELD, MICHIGAN

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Hanley Field, Michigan. Trio of Appeal: Scenic Recreation, Camper Amenities, and Community Support Hanley Field, the 4,000-ft turf airfield on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan boasts much more than beautiful scenery and a great place…

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RAF-BRANDED HUSKY STOPS IN AT RYAN FLY-IN

The conversation was as lively as June’s dynamic weather for the June 28-30 Fly-in this year at Ryan Field near West Glacier, Montana, especially when RAF Director Tim Riley landed and parked the spectacular RAF-branded Husky in front of the barn. Matt Hoefeldt from Aviat had arranged for this special aircraft to make an appearance…

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SEASONAL WORK COMPLETED AT LAKEWOOD LODGE; UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Nearly 40 volunteers pitched in for what RAF Director Jeff Russell called, “A very successful RAF work party,” in early June at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS in northern Wisconsin. “One small measure of this success was the turnout of so many volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves and dig in to help. Attendance was more than…

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MIKE GINTER TO HEAD AOPA AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

The RAF congratulates and welcomes friend and active GA pilot Mike Ginter as he takes on leadership of AOPA’s Air Safety Institute. Mr. Ginter earned his private pilot certificate at 18. He continued flying GA aircraft, including owning a T-6 Texan. Ginter then served in the U.S. Navy as an aviator with more than 5,300 flight hours and 555 carrier landings.…

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CONNECTICUT AIRFIELDS AWARDED RAF GRANTS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements at two Connecticut airfields, Goodspeed, 42B near East Haddam, and Waterbury, N41 near Plymouth have been funded by RAF grants, thanks to RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas. At Goodspeed, Thomas has lined up volunteers, and will use the grant to purchase materials for four 10-ft x 10-ft tent platforms to establish a desirable camping…

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