Posts by Lisa Ellington

Creighton Island’s first official fly-in weekend took place March 24-26 as part of the RAF Trail. The seventeen attendees were rewarded by spectacular sunny spring weather and great company. While most were RAF and FSAACA members from Florida and Georgia, RAF member Jim Crawford and his girlfriend Andrea flew their Husky all the way from…

RAF Chairman John McKenna, Vice President Jack Tyler, New York State Liaison Russ Holland, Idaho State Liaison Mike Hart, longtime RAF volunteer Dr. Paul Collins and Idaho RAF member Larry Taylor attended a full day conference on federal public lands management practices March 28 at Boise State University. The sold-out session was open to “the…

Over thirty RAF volunteers participated in the second RAF Mini Educational Conference, (RMEC) on March 18 at Hicks Airfield (T67) in Fort Worth, Texas. RAF members Jay Pratt and Carol Beaird provided their hangar for the conference. RAF President Alan Metzler kicked off the meeting, and RAF Oregon State Liaison Richard Mayes shared his experience…

RAF New York State Liaison Russ Holland, typically found in the cockpit of his tandem Rans S-7S, has embarked on a different kind of cross-country, this time in a vehicle, generously donated by Mike Lucero, Bozeman, MT of Hertz Rental Car. Russ left his home of Cold Brook, NY to attend a “Why Public Land…

RAF Illinois Liaison Mike Purpura recently applied the RAF mission in a very unusual way. His goal was to demonstrate the value of recreational aviation and its economic benefit to the City of Havana, IL, and allow aviators to witness an incredible wildlife event. To most aviators, Havana (9I0) – Niner India Zero – may not seem like the…

The RAF is pleased to report on the success of its Grant Program, established to help fund projects that advance the RAF mission. State Liaisons identify projects and apply for these grant funds. The RAF typically grants a matching amount and the project is carried out by volunteers, usually in collaboration with the airport ownership,…

Dense fog delayed arrivals, but by sunset on Friday, March 10, seven planes plus a couple of drive-ins were set up to camp. Meet and greets were exchanged and there was conversation about the upcoming nine RAF Trail events. Canoe Safari’s bus arrived at 5:30 to transport all participants a few miles to El Pirata restaurant, including many…

General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) recently held their Annual Industry Review and Press Briefing in the nation’s capital and RAF Board Chair John McKenna and RAF President Alan Metzler attended.  “We appreciate GAMA President Pete Bunce’s invitation to attend this high-level discussion of General Aviation,” said Metzler.  “It’s clear this important industry group recognizes and…

During the recent congressional break, Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester returned to Montana and hosted a press conference to discuss aviation issues.  RAF Director Jack Tyler and Chairman John McKenna had the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the RAF during the event. Senator Tester expressed his interest and support for issues that are…