Submitted November 20, 2023

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy tent camping at Sacaton Airstrip near Buckhorn, New Mexico. The runway lies along the Gila Wilderness with access to trails, including the Rain Creek trail. Anglers will enjoy plying Wilderness waters for Gila trout. And a new vault toilet has been installed for visitors.  New Mexico Pilots Association and…

The RAF’s Mike Perkins and John McKenna flew into Ryan Field to complete annual seasonal maintenance in preparation for the colder months. All running water is off, but the field and outhouses remain open for hardy campers during this beautiful Autumn season. The RAF thanks each of the many volunteers who helped host and maintain…

One hundred tiles at the EAA Brown Arch were generously donated for RAF use by a long-time supporter, who, from the very beginning, believed in the RAF spirit of volunteerism. He wished to memorialize all who devote time and effort toward the mission. He selected these tiles beneath the shade of the large tree so…

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Blackwater, Florida. It’s flying season in Florida, and the RAF is featuring Blackwater, 8FD3 this month, the beautiful turf airfield in the mixed pine forest near Munson, FL.  This airfield has been the focus of…

As aviators we often find ourselves in a discussion about these two directional guides. True North sure has a nice ring to it. Navigators have used it for centuries. But our magnetic compass is what technically keeps us heading in the right direction. Magnetic North has a way of shifting so we all know our…

The RAF hosted AOPA’s seven Regional Managers for an hour-long online update September 19. AOPA’s VP of Airports and State Advocacy Mike Ginter introduced each of the seven. These persons bird-dog issues critical to General Aviation like preserving airports facing closure, preventing airspace encroachments and unreasonable ramp and user fees. Other timely initiatives are Avgas…

Something most have in common – they have met Richard somewhere along the path and he always had an outstretched hand to greet someone new. He was enthusiastic about RAF folk and the mission we are committed to and did everything in his own lane to ensure we got to keep the privilege of enjoying…