SOUTH DAKOTA’S CUSTER STATE PARK DECISION
In late 2022, Custer State Park Airport’s asphalt surfaces were determined to require extensive maintenance. RAF South Dakota Liaison Karl Jungclaus reported that the financial burden would have been placed upon the Park. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) determined closing the airport was the best option. The RAF, South Dakota Pilots Association…
Read MoreBACKCOUNTRY BOUND? START WITH ASI’S BACKCOUNTRY RESOURCE CENTER
A lot of pilots are discovering the challenges and joys of accessing the backcountry. To emphasize safety, we’re eager to share some excellent Backcountry Safety Coalition resources with you, produced and curated by AOPA’s Air Safety Institute. You can select from relevant webinars and instructive videos produced by AOPA’s ASI. More are added all the time, so…
Read MoreCONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?
As year-end nears, like many people, you may be considering your charitable contributions. If you wish to include the RAF, we are standing by to help. You can even specify an RAF project if you wish. The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of professional financial planning talent with several planned giving ideas…
Read MoreROB AHO
Alaska and Michigan Ambassador Day job: Civil/environmental engineerFavorite strip: Meadow Creek (0S1)Next adventure: Annual SE AK lake cabin RAF work party trip
Read MoreUBCP “SLED DOGS” REPAIR MEXICAN MOUNTAIN
Utah Back Country Pilots Association President Roy Evans, II reports that recently volunteers, honorably dubbed the “UBCP Sled Dogs”, completed an exceptional effort restoring the BLM airstrip at Mexican Mountain, and it is now open. The scenic and remote airstrip had suffered significant flood damage, and the BLM environmental review to perform more extensive repairs would…
Read MoreRAF AND AIRPORT VOLUNTEERS IMPROVE WOLF RUN FLY-IN CAMPGROUND
On November 2, four airport volunteers joined 14 RAF supporters at Wolf Run Fly-In Campground adjacent to the Noble County Airport for a work day close to 9 a.m. Those arriving in seven aircraft had to wait for the morning fog to clear. “It was one of the most spectacular fall days of the season,”…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: PEYTON ARNDT 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 Peyton Arndt, a pilot and volunteer for the RAF’s Social Media Team. As I delve deeper into the world of aviation, I realize just how unique my…
Read More2024 RAF PHOTO CONTEST CONCLUDES
The 2024 RAF Photo Contest has concluded. Thanks to our supporters, we had a great turnout of submissions! Our VP’s of Appreciation reviewed and judged them anonymously, selecting 12 winning photos. VP of Appreciation Cindy Cross said, “Once again we had so many outstanding entries. It is wonderful seeing so many beautiful areas in our…
Read MoreHAVA HAJDAR
Michigan Ambassador Day Job: Assistant manager at our family restaurant, New Boston Coney & Grill. It’s because of the pilots that stumbled into our restaurant that I saw a future for myself in aviation. We’re closest to DTW, check us out sometime! // Student at Skywalker Flying. Favorite Airstrip: North Fox Island (6Y3) – Fun fact: If you…
Read MoreJOE BROWN
Director Joe Brown spent 33 years in the aviation industry and in a family business with his father and brother. Until 2023, he and his brother owned Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Engine Technologies and Hartzell Aerospace Welding. His professional life, social life and family life are deeply connected to aviation, “and the friendships that unfold in…
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