VOLUNTEERS ASSEMBLE RAF FIRE HUB AT TRIPLE TREE AERODROME

The Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina was the site of a very special RAF work party March 3-4 to assemble a colossal RAF Fire Hub. The crew of around 20 included Triple Tree Aerodrome founder Pat Hartness and local Triple Tree volunteers, RAF Chairman John McKenna, and RAF volunteers from as far as Florida, West Virginia…

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RAF CELEBRATES CONTRIBUTIONS OF TWO RETIRING DIRECTORS

The RAF Board naturally evolves, and at this time, we are celebrating the extraordinary contributions to the vision, leadership, and success of the RAF provided by retiring Directors Pete Bunce and Todd Simmons. “The impact that Todd and Pete have had with the RAF has been tremendous, and they’ll remain valued friends of the RAF,”…

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A WIN-WIN METHOD TO HELP THE RAF: DELTA SKYMILES FOR BUSINESS

Did you know that the RAF is a Delta SkyMiles for Business member? This means that when you book a ticket on Delta, the RAF can receive points for your travel. It does NOT affect any of your SkyMiles or other bonus programs. It is purely a benefit to the RAF. We can redeem the…

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Jacob Schultz

Tennessee Ambassador Day job: Corporate pilot at Rogers Group in Nashville  Favorite airstrip: Sky Ranch TN98 Next adventure: Explore more airstrips in Tennessee/Falcon 2000LXS training in February 

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Dave Schuler

Dave Schuler of Apgar, Montana, lives very near Glacier National Park’s West entrance, and within six miles of the RAF’s Ryan Field. He and his wife Cindy are some of the few folks who call it home year round, as it gets pretty quiet when the Park closes for the season and heavy snows blanket the forest.…

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BLM ACKNOWLEDGES AIRSTRIPS IN UTAH’S HENRY MOUNTAINS

The Bureau of Land Management issued their final decision on January 17, 2025, for Utah’s Henry Mountains Travel Management Plan (TMP), specifically naming thirteen airstrips as approved for recreational use.  RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots Board Member Wendy Lessig has followed the lengthy planning process and said, “Thanks to all who submitted…

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OLYMPIC FIELD TO BE IMPROVED WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT

Washington State RAF Liaison Ray Ballantyne has secured another RAF grant, this one to help provide materials for a multi-purpose kiosk at Olympic Airfield between Port Townsend and Sequim, WA. RAF Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson aided by RAF Supporter Jay PerryCook, developed a prototype and budget for the kiosk, where visitors will be able to…

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WORTH THE READ: JOHN PRISCU 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 John Priscu, an RAF supporter and a Regents Professor Emeritus at Montana State University, Bozeman. Like many in General Aviation, I got the aviation bug in my…

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RESTORATION, IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT LONE PINE WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT

The RAF has awarded California Liaison Katerina Barilov another grant to help fund continued improvements at California’s Lone Pine Airport. This 2025 project will continue the upgrade to the original terminal building that serves as a pilot shelter, meeting room, and kitchen for visitors. The terminal building had fallen into disrepair over several decades. The nonprofit Friends of Lone Pine Airport, (FLPA) saw its…

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KARI DEFREEST

Alaska Ambassador Day Job: I am an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist. I specialize in treating people living with persistent pain and rural healthcare.  Favorite airstrip: This answer changes periodically but currently it’s Hugh Smith Lake in the Misty Fiords National Monument.  Next adventure: Isn’t every day an adventure? But, my next big…

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