Posts by Lisa Ellington

It occurred to me that there is something more valuable to build and save than airstrips, and that is friendship. Friendship forms the backbone of any relationship, be it personal, professional, or organizational. Space does not allow for me to name all the people who have become the best of friends, thanks to the RAF.…

RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton reports that on the June 16-17 weekend, ten RAF and EAA volunteers in six aircraft based overnight at his Fireweed (0AK8) airstrip in preparation for the work party he organized at May Creek, (MYK), about 11nm southeast of Fireweed, (and McCarthy, PAMX.) “We enjoyed good food, beverages, live music and…

Michigan’s North Fox Island, 6Y3 is seeing a healthy increase in use, in great part because of the improvements and maintenance RAF volunteers and new friends continue to take on. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reports that volunteers began landing Friday, July 7 to continue the work. By Saturday, 14 planes had brought more than 20 volunteers…

It’s not just aviators who value local airfields. On July 15, Marcy Airfield near Keene, New York suffered extensive grounds vandalism. The malicious episode really touched the town’s nerve, as the turf grounds are used for a number of complementary events, like the Keene Farmers Market, a summer concert series, and the local Youth Commission’s…

Eighteen volunteers in 11 aircraft wrapped up a successful work party at Montana’s Schafer Meadows on Saturday, July 15 under the direction of MPA Past President and RAF supporter Pete Smith of Lewistown. RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower had listed tasks that needed to be done. Volunteers, including MT Aeronautics Director Tim Conway and his…

RAF California Ambassador Alan Cossitt coordinated a successful work party on June 17 at Gravelly Valley Airport in the Mendocino National Forest. Volunteers helped to drag and smooth the gravel 4,000-ft runway. “A special thanks goes to Frank Aebly, District Ranger, for working with the RAF to make this happen,” Cossitt said. Gravelly Valley Airstrip…

“Since 1926, planes have been rolling on the grass at Waterbury. Through the hard work of many, N41 exists today and has earned its right to be preserved so that future generations of aviators can experience true grassroots aviation,” RAF Connecticut Ambassador Brian Thomas says. In that spirit, Brian applied for, and was awarded an…

The RAF has added a new podcast about flying, airplanes, and how and why people bond with this organization. In podcast #12 you’ll hear host Bill McGlynn’s conversation with our first Alaska Liaison Al Clayton, native of Seward and raised along the famous Copper River. Find out if a glacier really does toss Copper River…

The RAF supports the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to protect and maintain the primitive airstrip adjacent to the historic Rager Ranger Station. Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station served as the administrative site for the Paulina Ranger District for over 105 years. The administrative functions of the station were…

RAF Washington State Liaison Dave Whitelaw was awarded an RAF grant in April to preserve amenities and increase safety at Avey Field, (O6S) near Laurier, WA. Whitelaw’s intention has been to tend to the field to keep it open. The funds provided for a new windsock, the re-setting of the outhouse on a new vault, and leveling…