LAKEWOOD LODGE VOLUNTEERS EARN A+
Each year, RAF volunteers help out at Bob and Judy Gillette’s beautiful Lakewood Lodge, Wisconsin, in appreciation for Gillettes welcoming the public to use their airfield, 14WS. RAF Director Jeff Russell reports that this year’s weather for the May 19-21 weekend work party was perfect, and over a dozen volunteers tackled all the projects Judy had listed. “We must…
Read MorePEYTON ARNDT
Peyton Arndt is a true outdoors enthusiast with roots deeply embedded in the woods and lakes of Wisconsin. From a young age, the outdoors has been a constant in her life. She developed a passion for active pursuits and never backed down from a new adventure. Hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, wakeboarding, scuba diving – she…
Read MoreChuck Jarecki
To simply call Chuck Jarecki of Polson, Montana, an “RAF Supporter” falls way short of the contributions this pilot and retired rancher has made to the RAF and to general aviation. He was one of those six fellows around the campfire who recognized the need to protect aviation access to the backcountry, and asked, “If…
Read MoreSTEVE RUETER
Day job: Retired farmer and yardmaster from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Favorite airstrip: Besides his own (Rueter Airfield) Seeley Lake, Montana Next Adventure: The Northeast to see the fall colors (New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, etc.) Submitted on June 10, 2023.
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: MIKE TODD 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 Mike Todd, a career pilot and longtime RAF Supporter. You might think that it would get old and stale, this flying thing. Modern avionics make navigation accurate…
Read MoreLUKE LACHENDRO
Favorite Airstrip: C37 Brodhead WINext Adventure: Exploring the strips of Northern WI and the Upper Peninsula this summer
Read MoreBILL 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 More