VOLUNTEERS PREPARE RYAN FIELD FOR WINTER

A group of volunteers flew in and camped at Ryan Field on the October 11-13 weekend to prepare the airfield, the cabins, bear boxes and barn for Montana’s winter.   Nights were chilly and clear, making Northern Lights very visible. Daytime sunshine put fall colors on display, and made outdoor work very enjoyable. A half…

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PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH

October 1 is the first day of the 2024 Photo Contest! It’s time to submit your favorites. From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region.  Winning images will…

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WORTH THE READ: CLAY SIMMONS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Clay Simmons, a young pilot and member of the RAF’s Backcountry Etiquette Team. I’m supposed to be the adult now? When I say I’ve been flying my…

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RAF JOINS THE EFFORT TO RESTORE MOOSE CREEK CAMPGROUND

Near 100 mph winds struck Moose Creek Airfield (1U1) in Idaho on July 24, 2024, snapping off mature pine trees at mid-level and crushing two buildings at the historic Ranger Station. The campground located on the ‘triangle’ between the two runways was buried in waist-deep debris from downed trees and limbs. The Forest Service responded…

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WORTH THE READ: STEVE MAUS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Steve Maus, an RAF Ambassador and estate/business succession planning professional. What’s This About a Turtle? Sitting in an orange rocker on the porch of the Ryan barn…

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RAF FRIENDS GATHER AT OSH AIRVENTURE

The RAF had a great week at EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture 2024, and we appreciate meeting and re-connecting with our fantastic supporters along the way. The energy around the RAF mission was apparent throughout the event grounds, with spontaneous happy reunions happening among supporters who easily recognized one another in their “RAF orange” attire. Attendance was…

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WORTH THE READ: SCOTT HECK GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Scott Heck, a longtime RAF friend and supporter. It was the early 2000s when John McKenna asked me to fly into Ryan Field with him and Chuck…

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RAF CODE OF CONDUCT: YOUR GUIDE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

Have you ever read our Code of Conduct? The RAF offers recommendations to advance flight safety, professionalism, consideration, and courtesy toward the people and wildlife who share the recreational environment. This is a great tool to use out in the backcountry, and we encourage all RAF supporters to read and follow the RAF’s Code of…

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WORTH THE READ: JOYCE WOODS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Joyce Woods, an RAF friend and volunteer who also facilitates the NM Airstrip Network. “Value is Created with Partners” was my new manufacturing boss’s mantra in the…

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WORTH THE READ – JEANNE MACPHERSON GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Jeanne MacPherson, a longtime RAF supporter. Here is her philosophy on life, and how it relates to flying . . . Can we ever become accomplished enough…

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