‘BACKCOUNTRY’ MEANS MORE THAN YOU THINK
For many, the word “backcountry” brings to mind a setting in the wilderness. We at the RAF consider “backcountry” to be more than a place. It describes a style of flying we enjoy. Where patterns may not be rectangles, and where extra care must be taken to safely land and depart. In our world, “backcountry”…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SEASONAL WORK ON MONTANA USFS AIRSTRIPS
RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association past president Scott Newpower organizes cooperative annual work parties prior to flying season on the Flathead National Forest Airstrips. He has reported two highly successful gatherings so far. The Spotted Bear work weekend was June 7-8 and brought 17 people. Volunteers replaced both windsocks, filled gopher holes, rolled…
Read MoreJOIN THE NATIONAL PAUSE FOR GA SAFETY
Whether you simply fly with family or friends, provide an occasional lift for a nonprofit, or you enjoy flying the backcountry, safety should be at the heart of every flight. The RAF has joined with AOPA and other GA industry organizations to create a unified call for all GA pilots to participate in the National…
Read MoreFEATURED AIRSTRIP: GOODSPEED, CT
Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Goodspeed Airport, 42B, a most deserving place that welcomes visitors to land, camp and stroll through the nearby traditional New England village of East Haddam, CT. Last year, RAF volunteers used an RAF grant to install four tent…
Read MoreTAYLIN TRAFTON
Marketing Coordinator As a Montana native, Taylin truly enjoys all the great outdoors has to offer, and has been eager to gain new experiences. Whether enjoying the state’s wide expanse of hiking trails, lakes, and rivers; hiking around Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska; or sailing around Kauai’s Na’Pali coast, Taylin relates to RAF supporters who enjoy…
Read MoreWebsite Terms of Use
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Read MoreWORTH THE READ: LYNN MARETH 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 Lynn Mareth, an RAF Ambassador and leader of the Backcountry Etiquette Team. Spring is in the air here in northwest Montana. The swallows have returned to our…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS PREPARE LAKEWOOD LODGE FOR FLYING SEASON
A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…
Read MoreRAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO ALASKA USFS CABIN
RAF Alaska/Michigan Ambassador Rob Aho and Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Ambassador Kari DeFreest were awarded an RAF grant toward reconstruction and repairs at the US Forest Service Black Bear Cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. The fly-in cabin is 50 air miles west-northwest of Ketchikan and provides hiking, camping, hunting,…
Read MoreRAF TO SERVE DONUTS AND COFFEE AT AOPA’S TOWN HALLS
Join the RAF at Bozeman International Airport (KBZN) Saturday, June 14 for your opportunity to meet AOPA’s new President, Darren Pleasance. He’s touring the country, sharing his vision for GA’s future and AOPA’s exciting mission to promote aviation and protect our freedom to fly. The RAF will be there in our orange shirts, beginning with…
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