Posts by Kodi

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The RAF and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have signed an agreement allowing the RAF to manage recreational aviation use of the Red Pine airfield, located within TNC’s St John River Forest in northern Maine. RAF volunteers have worked to return the airstrip to a safe condition for backcountry use. Red Pine, a remote 2,470-ft paved…

RAF supporters spent a day July 9 on repairs and maintenance at both Rager Guard Station airfield in Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest, and Big Rock Flat airfield in the Umatilla National Forest. “These two Forest Service aviation assets provide pilots with opportunities to access remote backcountry areas in Central Oregon,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes said. Visitors…

In response to recent requests for information about privately-owned airfields, the RAF has updated its Guide for the Private Airfield Owner. The RAF recognizes that private airfields are invaluable for aviation access to recreation and offers this discussion of considerations when allowing others to use your airfield. This resource gained the endorsement of AOPA. It answers important…