Posts by ewhite

Pilots flying over the Colorado Rockies will appreciate that the FAA is expanding its highly successful weather camera safety program in cooperation with the State of Colorado Division of Aeronautics. Beginning this spring, cameras will be added to 13 Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) in mountainous areas to help VFR pilots. The official FAA announcement states:  These…

Marcy Field, (1I1) is a 2,390 x 95-ft grass strip in the Adirondack Mountains in Keene, New York. Assistant Airport Manager Bob Rose reached out to the RAF to consider some needed airfield improvements. RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade is familiar with the airfield, and describes some of the recreational opportunities that are accessible…

The idea of an airfield guide came about in response to repeated requests for a comprehensive listing of recreational places to fly. Created in cooperation between the RAF and Tailwind Aviation Foundation, all of the work is provided by volunteers. With its genesis in Arkansas, it began with a majority of Arkansas recreational airfields. RAF member…

In May and September of 2019 the RAF organized volunteer work parties to clean and improve the campground and erect a gazebo adjacent to Montana’s West Yellowstone Airport (KWYS). “It has easy access for all levels of pilots and is a good airport and campground to get your feet wet in backcountry flying,” RAF Montana…

Arkansas’s Trigger Gap airfield, (17A) was restocked on Valentine’s weekend with plenty of firewood, split and ready for each of the two firepits within the camping areas. RAF supporter Harper Goodwin and his wife Dianne live near the field, and hosted a crew of RAF volunteers to clean up their front yard of downed trees,…

Alton Bay New Hampshire, B18 is located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest Lake in New Hampshire. It is the only FAA sanctioned public Ice Runway with designator in the lower 48 states. “Come land on the frozen lake and get your Ice Wings and Ice Chip,” RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade says. Pilots…

Backcountry airstrips serve as trailheads—jumping off points for backcountry adventures. Included in this post are photos of Joshua and Caleb Turner returning (with dad) to their airplane at Benchmark (3U7) airfield in Montana, in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Along with their father, Pennsylvania State Liaison Andy Turner, Josh and Caleb used the airstrip…

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and Death Valley National Park officially signed a five-year cooperative maintenance agreement for the Chicken Strip in Saline Valley. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated October 18, also renews the established maintenance agreement at Furnace Creek Airport and Stovepipe Wells Airstrip.  “The RAF has proven that this partnership works since…

RAF Georgia Ambassador Eric Davis reports another successful weekend fly-in at Creighton Island December 6-8. Attendees Eric and Sandy Peyrot flew their C182 in from Summerland, FL and said it was a “fantastic fly-in location,” adding, “getting to see the area by air and then get up close on an undeveloped island was a real treat.” While…