Posts by ewhite

Two popular backcountry airfields, Minam Lodge (7OR0); and adjacent Red’s Horse Ranch (68D) are located within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, that totals over 360,000 acres in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Ancestors of the Nez Perce Tribe first occupied the region in 1,400 A.D. followed by Cayuse, Shoshone and Bannock peoples. The Wilderness Act of…

RAF Michigan Liaisons Brad Frederick and General Grant announce that Two Hearted airfield, 6Y5 on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was recently inspected by the state and reopened. “Cones are back out and it is mowed. We want to be sure people understand that the grass is delicate for the time being and that small tires are…

What motivates the RAF volunteer to spend their weekend or vacation days pounding nails, painting tires, installing roofing, assembling balky picnic tables or bear boxes, or spending a day in the rain chopping undergrowth? Montana volunteer Duane Francis summed up a common sentiment shared by RAF volunteers. “Do something that makes a difference. Find a…

RAF Liaison and Alaska native Al Clayton had been eying an uncharted airstrip at the toe of the Nizina Glacier locally known as Amphitheatre Creek strip. He envisioned that pilots with appropriate aircraft – bush types, or even C182s with 8.50 main tires, and Beavers, for example – could enjoy the views from this natural amphitheatre, and…

We invite you to enjoy the new RAF Way video. We’re frequently asked, “Why the RAF?” and our many volunteers needed something to really convey the spirit of the RAF at presentations, like EAA, type clubs, and other aviation gatherings.  We began with the simple question, “Why do people feel so good supporting and volunteering for the…

Come spend time with the RAF at Oshkosh AirVenture during the week of July 25-31! You’re invited to join us on Tuesday, July 26 at 12:45 pm for a special volunteer dedication of engraved tiles beneath the famous Brown Arch. A generous donor has provided an array of tiles for the RAF to commemorate past…

Beginning Thursday, June 23, aircraft began arriving under sunny skies for the annual RAF Ryan Fly-in. By mid-day Friday, winds were calm, and 47 aircraft were tied down along the emerald turf, colorful tents and camp chairs beneath the wings. Folks relaxed in the bright orange Adirondack chairs in the shade of the barn roof…

The Copper River washed out a highway bridge at Mile 50 on Alaska’s Copper River Highway to Cordova some five year ago, and the road has been closed ever since. RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton saw this as an opportunity for the RAF to cooperate in the creation and improvement of Childs Glacier Airstrip to access “a…

RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes reports another successful work party at McKenzie Bridge Airport (00S), in part funded with an RAF grant. “On June 4, six dedicated RAF supporters braved cool and very wet conditions to complete the spring maintenance activities,” he said.  McKenzie Bridge is located within the Willamette National Forest in Central Oregon’s…