Chuck and Judy Aldrian

“Buy a Maule,” Bob Gillette said to his friend Chuck Aldrian when Chuck retired from his Milwaukee-based architectural firm. Chuck had been regularly flying his Cessna 310R to oversee his projects all over the country, from groundbreaking, through the ribbon cuttings. Chuck’s wife Judy points out that the twin was a wonderful way to take…

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DOING OUR PART TO PRESERVE WILDERNESS ACCESS

Did you know there are now 803 Wilderness Areas covering more than 111.7 million acres in the continental US and Alaska? The US Forest Service manages the majority of these areas, followed by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are even more Wilderness Study Areas, (WSAs) with…

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IT’S SORT OF LIKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Is it your turn – or maybe your family tradition – to host for the holidays? I’m betting you do all you can to make the special time together both memorable and fun. You hope to make each member of the family and guest feel special, as well as happy they made the journey to…

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MATT FOSTER

Director Matt Foster grew up immersed in aviation. At a young age, Matt’s dad introduced him to flying and camping in the Idaho backcountry. He was a successful business owner who was able to use General Aviation aircraft for business as well as pleasure. Raised on an airpark, Matt soloed on his sixteenth birthday, got his private at age 17,…

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MATT FOSTER JOINS THE RAF BOARD

The RAF welcomes Matt Foster, who joins the RAF Board in the role of Director. Matt grew up immersed in aviation. At a young age, Matt’s dad introduced him to flying and camping in the Idaho backcountry. He was a successful business owner who was able to use General Aviation aircraft for business as well as pleasure. Raised…

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VOLUNTEERS WORK ON GRAND GULCH, AZ AIRSTRIP

RAF Supporter Perry Null of Gallup, New Mexico had flown into Grand Gulch in his 182 in early November and was concerned that it was becoming overgrown. He invited folks from the region to fly in with hand tools during the November 23-24 weekend to remove encroaching vegetation.  Eleven aircraft arrived, bringing 14 folks, mainly…

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PODCASTS HIGHLIGHT THE PEOPLE AND PROJECTS OF THE RAF

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 digital format with RAF Podcasts, and hope you enjoy hearing the variety of perspectives shared on the topic of recreational aviation. Each podcast is hosted by RAF President…

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DECEMBER FEATURED AIRSTRIP: KERN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Kern Valley, California. Located about 100 nm from California’s most populous coastal area, Kern Valley Airport, L05 offers the scenic respite of a backcountry place. It is one of only three southern California airports that…

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MOOSE CREEK, ID FENCE, OUTHOUSE PROJECT COMPLETED FOR USFS

In cooperation with the US Forest Service, the RAF organized volunteers beginning in late 2023 to remove and replace 3,000 feet of deteriorating jackleg fence around the historic Moose Creek Ranger Station. Again this October, volunteers from the RAF, Idaho Aviation Association, (IAA) and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation cooperated with the Forest Service…

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