NEW KANSAS LIAISON LUKE REBER
The RAF warmly welcomes Luke Reber to the State Liaison team. Luke was born and raised in McPherson, Kansas, where his passion for aviation began at an early age. Inspired by his father, Luke earned his Private Pilots License at 17, and has since added an instrument rating, seaplane rating, and a tailwheel endorsement. Over the past…
Read MoreSEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION HELPS FUND HECKMAN LAKE CABIN REPAIRS
The RAF thanks the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) for their financial contribution to help preserve and maintain the Southeast Heckman Cabin in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, a public-use, fly-in cabin. Cabin maintenance had been deferred due to slim budgets, and the dock had sustained winter ice damage, making the ADA accessible ramp ineffective. A collaborative effort between the RAF and USFS took care of these needed maintenance items. “Given the number of USFS cabins accessible only…
Read MoreFEATURED AIRSTRIP: GRAVELLY VALLEY
Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. We invite you to explore California’s Gravelly Valley airstrip, 1Q5, in the Mendocino National Forest, just an hour by C182 from the San Francisco Bay Area. RAF’s Northern California volunteers have organized cooperative work parties with the US Forest Service in the…
Read MoreLYNN GARDNER
Vice President of Appreciation Former RAF Florida Ambassador Lynn Gardner moved to South Carolina, but she’s not leaving her commitment to the RAF mission. Lynn is stepping into the important role of VP of Appreciation. Lynn grew up in aviation. Her father was a Piper dealer and ran the FBO at the Bay Bridge Airport in Maryland before moving his…
Read MoreJeff Lombardo
Day Job: Airline Pilot Favorite Airstrip: Pleasant Valley (24AZ) Next Adventure: Fly to Grand Canyon Caverns (L37) and ride the elevator 200’ underground for the tour.
Read MoreNEW RAF PODCAST ADDED: STEVE TAYLOR
When RAF friends gather around the fire hub at an airfield, there’s always a good story to be told. We have brought that love of storytelling into a digital format, and hope you will enjoy the following new installment of our new RAF Podcast. RAF Director Steve Taylor’s father was a Boeing test pilot, and…
Read MoreFEATURED SUPPORTERS: JULIE BOATMAN AND STEPHEN YEATES
Anyone whose pulse quickens at the sound of a pair of Pratt & Whitney radials can identify with the passion that lifts Julie Boatman into the sky for her profession and her pleasure. Like the perfect pairing of wine and entrée, her husband Stephen Yeates complements her skills and drive with his own passion to…
Read MoreUTAH’S TAYLOR FLAT AIRSTRIP GETS GREEN LIGHT TO REOPEN
“Daggett County Commission just recently approved both the Taylor Flat Airstrip [Right Of Way] lease agreement with the BLM, and the application for an FAA identifier for Utah’s Taylor Flat Airstrip,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig announced. Taylor Flat, in the northeast corner of Utah is managed by the BLM’s Vernal Field Office, and Lessig…
Read MorePILOTS AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTH FOX ISLAND’S REOPENING
Abandoned, overgrown North Fox Island airstrip lay for decades on an uninhabited 820-acre island owned by the State of Michigan, just 24 nm northwest of Charlevoix. In 2012, former RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick recognized that it could become “A spectacular recreational aviation destination.” He envisioned airplanes and tents lining the mixed hardwood forest edge,…
Read MoreRAF RECEIVES BLM APPROVAL TO REHABILITATE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AIRSTRIP
California State Liaison Doug Lumgair shared some good news for California’s backcountry flying community: the RAF has received approval from the BLM Ukiah Field Office to restore the Walker Ridge Airstrip, located within the Snow Mountain National Monument. Lumgair has been leading the effort, working closely with the BLM to develop and submit a detailed…
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