Posts by ewhite

RAF Washington Liaison Dave Whitelaw was awarded an RAF grant for airfield maintenance and campsite construction at Avey Field (69S) in Laurier, WA. This 1,975-ft gravel runway is near a bend in the Kettle River, 35 nm NNE of Colville, WA. The airstrip is privately owned, but open for public use. Dave’s campsite project includes creating a…

RAF Minnesota Liaison Kurt Pennuto received word from Dave Retka, president of the Isle Airport Association, (IAA) that the city council voted to keep the Isle airport, (MY72) open. “I want to thank everyone for their hard work, letters of support and commitment to keeping Isle Airport open for future generations of pilots,” Kurt said.  …

Ohio’s Noble County Airport, (I10) lies within Wolf Run State Park, 64 nm ESE of Columbus. The fly-in only campground, situated on a beautiful lake, “is the only such destination in Ohio,” RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine said. She was impressed with its recreational opportunities, and in April was granted funds for two equipment carts and an RAF…

Ryan Field (2MT1) near West Glacier is open for use this Spring. Pilots approaching Ryan Field will no longer see a cluster of buildings to use for a landmark. Instead, they will see a backcountry airstrip with the green-roofed rustic pilot shelter on its west side. Prior to use, pilots must receive the current pilot…

RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes was granted funds toward maintenance at McKenzie Bridge Airport, (00S) in the Willamette National Forest. “McKenzie Bridge Airport is popular with recreational aviators,” Mayes said. “It provides access to the McKenzie River, McKenzie River Mountain Bike Trail, and remote camping.” The RAF observes pandemic recommendations, and this project differs from…

The RAF and the US Forest Service (USFS) have collaborated to make improvements to the primitive airstrip adjacent to the Rager Ranger Station. Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station served as the administrative site for the Paulina Ranger District for over 105 years.  Administration of the ranger station was…

RAF Idaho Liaison Tim Riley reports that the improvements to the airport camping facility at Driggs Airport, (KDIJ) are ready for use. The project was a collaborative effort between the RAF, the Idaho Aviation Association, (IAA), the City of Driggs, and its Airport Board. Thanks to financial support from each, a 12′ x 16′ cedar pilot shelter,…

RAF Idaho Liaison Tim Riley’s RAF grant was approved for camping amenities at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ), located in eastern Idaho at the base of the beautiful Grand Teton Mountains.  “Driggs is a world class destination for the pilot community, with access to hiking, biking, fishing, floating, golf and a small town with numerous shops…

RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller was awarded an RAF grant to lengthen the crosswind runway at Amigos del Cielo airport, (NM90) near Rodeo, NM. The grant provides funds for the airport manager to reclaim the crosswind runway to its original length of 1,900 feet, with expected completion by the end of May. The crosswind…

RAF Vermont Liaison Robert Burley was awarded an RAF grant to keep Allenholm, (VT26) open for public use. This 2,000 x 40-ft turf airfield lies in a working apple orchard on an island in Lake Champlain, between Vermont and New York mountain ranges.   “Multiple and varied water, hiking, camping and scenic recreational opportunities abound,”…