BILL ABLES
It was natural for Bill Ables of Enterprise, Oregon, to take up backcountry flying and advocacy. He makes a stunning image when he approaches a forest strip in his beautiful 1952 red Cessna 170B. Bill has served as RAF Ambassador, but has made the commitment to step up as Liaison, joining RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes. Bill…
Read MoreRon Normandeau
It’s hard to believe that Ron Normandeau’s aircraft started out as a box of airplane parts. Ron, of Polson, Montana built a beautiful 1947 Aeronca Chief and now enjoys flying his own plane. He began flying in 1962 between junior and senior high school years, and earned his license. Ron’s wife Kathi earned her private…
Read MoreCOOPERATION ON HELL’S CANYON AIRSTRIP MAINTENANCE
RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables reports that April 22 brought perfect weather and 16 aircraft from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon into Hells Canyon to help with an annual Canyon airstrips volunteer work party. Everyone arrived at Dug Bar, OR8. “We enjoyed the heat of a campfire for a short time while we introduced ourselves around the group of…
Read MoreMAINTENANCE AT OWYHEE RESERVOIR AIRSTRIP
Owyhee, 28U is an 1,840-ft dirt airstrip along the west side of the Owyhee Reservoir in Eastern Oregon, where the crappie and bass fishing is said to be “pretty darn good” according to RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables. (You’ll need an Oregon angling license.) “The airstrip boasts the Owyhee Hilton cabin for folks to overnight…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: JIM HANSON 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 from Jim Hanson, a career aviator and longtime RAF Supporter. The RAF Turns 20: There is so much to be proud of on this 20th anniversary of the…
Read MoreCHRISTOPHER JOLLY
Christopher Jolly was introduced to aviation the day following his arrival into this world. His father was participating in a remote control sailplane competition and brought him to the flying field that day. He eventually grew up and also competed in remote control sailplane competitions, ultimately qualifying to represent the U.S. junior team and placing…
Read MoreNEW MEXICO VOLUNTEERS IMPROVE NEWLY-OPENED SACATON
Once the USFS District Ranger deemed Sacaton “re-opened” last January after it had lain dormant and overgrown for decades, RAF New Mexico Ron Keller lost no time organizing help to improve it and make it safer and more appealing for recreation. On the weekend of April 13-16 Keller gathered three volunteers to work on the…
Read MoreAVEY FIELD IMPROVEMENTS PRESERVE SAFETY
RAF Washington Liaison Dave Whitelaw has been awarded an RAF grant to preserve amenities and increase safety at Avey Field, (69S) near Laurier, WA. The field is owned by Bob Davis of Orient, WA, and is adjacent to a Washington-British Columbia Port-Of-Entry. Customs agents are nearby making this strip convenient for travelers to and from Canada. …
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: JOE BROWN 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 from Joe Brown, the Chairman of Hartzell Propeller. An RAF Flatlander Reflects on Good Fortune: Eight years ago I was standing in a stranger’s crowded living room in…
Read MoreHOW MONTANA PILOTS AND RAF RESTORED SIX BREAKS AIRSTRIPS
Thanks to a group of Montana pilots and RAF volunteers, you can fly into about half a million acres that is much as it was when Lewis and Clark first described it on their trip through Montana in 1805. From Ft. Benton, MT, to St. Louis, MO, the “Missouri Breaks” are the last significant chunk of ground whose face hasn’t…
Read More