Gordon Rock

During the summer of 1964 while on a 3,600-mile Canadian kayak trip, Gordon Rock of Mercer Island, WA learned that he could hire a floatplane to view two falls on the Hay River. “It turned into quite an experience that included landing between the two closely spaced falls. It was that experience that convinced me that I wanted…

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ALICIA HERRON

Social Media Ambassador Alicia Herron earned her private pilot certificate at the age of 19 and knew she wanted to pursue a career in aviation. She then attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana where she completed instrument, multiengine, commercial, and CFI certificates, and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science. Training in Montana for several…

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ROSS WILKE

Two things attracted Ross to aviation from a very early age. One was the family 172, which would get them to northern Wisconsin every weekend, and the second was the Cessna 185 parked across the lake when they arrived. From the first time he heard the echo of a Skywagon through the Northwoods, he was…

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KEN WARREN STEPS UP TO IOWA STATE LIAISON

The RAF is excited to announce that Iowa Ambassador Ken Warren has stepped up to a Liaison role. Ken spent his early years in western Kentucky and Tennessee where he learned the joy of outdoor activities from his father, uncle, and grandfathers. In 1994 he moved to Indiana and earned an Electrical Engineering degree from…

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KEN WARREN

Iowa State Liaison Ken spent his early years in western Kentucky and Tennessee where he learned the joy of outdoor activities from his father, uncle, and grandfathers. In 1994 he moved to Indiana and earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Purdue University. Since 2002 Ken has lived in eastern Iowa and he is currently employed…

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Cole Pearson

Florida Ambassador Day Job: Fire Department Manager of Lifeguards / Student Favorite Strip: Any strip that has grass and a nice view Next Adventure: Instrument Flight training 

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CHICKEN STRIP RESTORED AFTER FLOOD DAMAGE

“Fifteen volunteers braved hours of rutted out 4×4 roads to come help rebuild Chicken Strip in Saline Valley on November 5 and 6,” RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov reported. It’s ironic that an airstrip in the driest place in North America suffers occasional flooding, but a regional deluge in July created washouts that closed the airstrip in Death Valley National…

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WORK CONTINUES AT SACATON, NEW MEXICO AIRSTRIP

“We just concluded our phase two work party at Sacaton landing strip, and I think we are about ninety percent finished,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported. Approval must come from the Glenwood District Ranger before Sacaton is open for general recreational use after decades of closure and neglect. As of now, usage is limited…

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NON-PILOT HONORED FOR PRESERVING MICHIGAN AIRFIELDS

“Michigan Aviation simply would not be what it is today without Steve Zelle’s efforts,” RAF Chairman John McKenna says. “For a guy who never learned to fly, his enthusiasm and passion for flying off the beaten path never waivered,” McKenna added. Mr. Zelle passed away in November, but his work lives on. Stephen founded the…

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