Posts by Lisa Ellington

Pilot Ken “Cowboy” Winiarski owns Cowboys Air Ranch, 84ME in Maine’s “Sunrise” Washington County — the easternmost point where the sun first rises on the nation. The airfield and camping facilities are open for public use, but the runway, at 1,500 feet long, is not suitable for a wide range of GA use. To make…

Join the RAF at AirVenture again this year! You’re invited upstairs on Hartzell’s Rooftop (booth #289, just outside of Hangar B) on Tuesday, July 22 from 9-11 a.m. for coffee, the best donuts around, great views and conversation! On Wednesday, July 23, visit the Pilot Proficiency Center for Backcountry Flying Day: Classroom 1 Sessions:9:30am Flying Idaho’s…

Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’”  Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…

For many, the word “backcountry” brings to mind a setting in the wilderness. We at the RAF consider “backcountry” to be more than a place. It describes a style of flying we enjoy. Where patterns may not be rectangles, and where extra care must be taken to safely land and depart. In our world, “backcountry”…

RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association past president Scott Newpower organizes cooperative annual work parties prior to flying season on the Flathead National Forest Airstrips. He has reported two highly successful gatherings so far. The Spotted Bear work weekend was June 7-8 and brought 17 people. Volunteers replaced both windsocks, filled gopher holes, rolled…

A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…

“Ambition is the path to success, but persistence is the vehicle you will arrive in.” William “Bill” Bradley, the former NBA star and US Senator from New Jersey said this. Substitute “Passion” for “Ambition,” and you’ve pretty well summed up the RAF. Everything at the RAF starts with building a relationship. That relationship can be with…

We are proud that the RAF stands out as the trusted group of people who preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational enjoyment. The RAF isn’t a “membership” organization. We prefer the word “supporter” because that’s what you are. Those who like what we do send a contribution supporting our work. Those who love what we do send even more. Many volunteer their time and talents,…