CREIGHTON ISLAND CREW TACKLES TREES

Creighton Island owner Frank Williams welcomed RAF volunteers the weekend of February 17-19 to cut what RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi called “an untold number of trees” encroaching along the runway. In addition to initial efforts to widen the runway, the plan is to run millable timber through the vintage sawmill that has been reassembled…

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WORTH THE READ: ERIC HINSON 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 from Eric Hinson, the President and CEO of SimCom International. For me, the Recreational Aviation Foundation exemplifies the power of collective action. Over the course of 20 years,…

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WORTH THE READ: BEN SCLAIR 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 from Ben Sclair, Owner/Publisher of General Aviation News. 20 Years of Todays. Generally speaking, the most effective way to ensure tomorrow is better than yesterday is to focus…

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WORTH THE READ: MARK BAKER 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 from Mark Baker, President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. There are many thousands of pilots in this great country, flying millions of miles each year to many thousands…

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VOLUNTEERS BRAVE CORNUCOPIA CHILL TO COMPLETE TASKS

Not everyone could get volunteers to show up for outdoor work on a Wisconsin airfield on the windy shores of Lake Superior in December. But RAF Director Jeff Russell and Wisconsin Liaison Amanda Levin were successful gathering a dozen folks who cheerfully helped take on maintenance and improvements at Cornucopia, including airport manager Tim Kaseno.…

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Bob Rose

“I’ve had a lot of good fortune,” RAF Supporter Bob Rose says of his career path. Rather than be drafted and sent to Vietnam, Bob applied for pilot training in his hometown of Syracuse Air National Guard unit and was selected for a year of active duty at Laughlin AFB in Texas for Undergraduate Pilot…

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RAF AND USFS INK AGREEMENT ON GILA AIRSTRIPS

The RAF has just signed a Challenge Cost Share agreement with the Gila National Forest outlining cooperative maintenance to increase public access to five backcountry airstrips: Beaverhead, Jewett Mesa, Me-Own, Negrito, and Rainy Mesa. In addition, the agreement acknowledges mutual desire to return Sacaton airstrip to operational status to increase public access, promote tourism and…

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WORK COMPLETED AT STEHEKIN, NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

RAF Washington State Ambassador Ray Ballantyne reports that Washington State Department of Aviation and the RAF joined together to perform the annual cleanup of Stehekin State Airport, 6S9, in the North Cascades National Park in June.  Paul Wolf, State Airport Manager and his wife Deanna arrived by helicopter because there is no road access to this settlement above the…

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VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE NORTH FOX ISLAND MAINTENANCE

RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reported that 13 planes and 20 volunteers landed at North Fox Island, 6Y3 July 8-10 to complete seasonal maintenance. The group accomplished mowing, trimming, and general maintenance of the airstrip and adjacent tie-down and camping area. They relocated the outhouse and filled the previous pit; they split and restocked firewood for camper use, and “Miles of trails were trimmed back and mowed,” he added.  Prior to departure, they replenished…

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DOZENS TURN OUT FOR WORK AT SCHAFER

RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower reported that 18 planes showed up and about 25 people helped during the annual MPA/RAF/USFS cooperative volunteer work party at Shafer Meadows, 8U2. “Thanks to Montana Aeronautics and Karen Speeg for supporting this year’s work party again,” Newpower said.  The group completed several projects including replacing the sign board near…

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