RAF THANKS DAHER KODIAK FOR AVID SUPPORT

When Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher-Kodiak Aircraft, learned that a 350-pound 10-gauge steel bear box needed to be delivered to Montana’s Schafer Meadows, he enthusiastically offered to fly the mission in a Kodiak. His avid support stemmed from Daher Kodiak’s cordial relationship with the RAF, kindled in 2022. RAF Director and General Aviation Manufacturers Association…

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WORTH THE READ: CARMINE MOWBRAY GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Carmine Mowbray, a pilot and the RAF’s Publicity Liaison. When the owner of the local FBO ordered fancy printing from our little Montana print shop and couldn’t…

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VOLUNTEERS PREPARE RYAN FIELD FOR WINTER

A group of volunteers flew in and camped at Ryan Field on the October 11-13 weekend to prepare the airfield, the cabins, bear boxes and barn for Montana’s winter.   Nights were chilly and clear, making Northern Lights very visible. Daytime sunshine put fall colors on display, and made outdoor work very enjoyable. A half…

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PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH

October 1 is the first day of the 2024 Photo Contest! It’s time to submit your favorites. From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region.  Winning images will…

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RAF HOSTS AOPA REGIONAL MANAGERS FOR ANNUAL ONLINE MEETING

The RAF’s annual online meeting with AOPA took place September 17 and key volunteers were briefed on each region’s issues, and AOPA’s advocacy. Mike Ginter, former AOPA VP of Airports and Advocacy emceed. Ginter has recently taken on the position of Senior VP of the Air Safety Institute.   Ginter led the discussion by announcing…

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SAFETY AT OREGON’S RAGER AIRSTRIP BOOSTED BY USFS-RAF COOPERATION

Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station has a 2,800-ft gravel airstrip and scenic camping area. When the ranger station’s administrative functions were relocated to Prineville, OR in 2013, the airstrip, constructed in the 1930s, had become hazardous due to encroaching brush, surface damage caused by wildlife and livestock, and the…

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OLYMPIC AIRFIELD BATHHOUSE FUNDED WITH RAF GRANT

Located near the San Juan Islands between Port Townsend and Sequim, Washington is privately-owned Olympic Field, WA45 – what RAF Washington Liaison Ray Ballantyne calls, “an exquisite grass runway 2,500 feet long, bordered by an equally long float pond for float equipped aircraft.” To improve the camping area at the airfield, RAF supporter Jay PerryCook suggested the RAF help…

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WORTH THE READ: CLAY SIMMONS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Clay Simmons, a young pilot and member of the RAF’s Backcountry Etiquette Team. I’m supposed to be the adult now? When I say I’ve been flying my…

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RICK LEDUC

Day job: Depends on the day! Favorite airstrips: Stehekin Next adventure: Moose Creek in October! Although it’ll be hard to top the last few months; eclipse trip to TX, Alaska, Oshkosh

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