RAF GRANT KEEPS WHEELS ROLLING AT AMIGOS DEL CIELO

New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller was awarded a grant to replace the tires on a vital piece of airstrip maintenance equipment at this Rodeo, New Mexico strip, NM90. Keller and Amigos Del Cielo Airport Manager Peter Jarosak feared that the old, worn tubeless tires on the Ingersoll Rand surface roller could fail, stranding the equipment on the…

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FAA ACKNOWLEDGES TURF OPERATIONS AFTER COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

The RAF announces a successful advocacy outcome for pilots who prefer to take off and land on turf, typically adjacent to hard-surfaced runways. The new FAA Advisory Circular  AC 150/5300-13B became official on March 31, and acknowledges turf operations within Runway Safety Areas(RSAs). RAF Director Jeff Russell began working with AOPA and EAA in July of 2019,…

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RAF OUTFITTER APRIL FEATURED ITEM

Represent the RAF in style! We are featuring two shirts this month, with styles for everyone. The v-neck is a lightweight shirt that’s perfect for warm weather or for layering. The v-neck and feminine cut make it nice for dressing up. The bright orange shirt will get you recognized as an RAF supporter anywhere!  To order the Featured…

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RAF AND TEXAS STATE PARKS SIGN COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT 

The RAF is excited about a new partnership regarding airstrips in Texas State Parks. A formal agreement was signed between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, (TPWD) and the Recreational Aviation Foundation on March 18, 2022. “This is far more than an agreement to provide volunteers and RAF grant money for projects in Texas,” RAF…

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A LIFE ENDS, A GIFT LIVES ON

The Recreational Aviation Foundation is saddened to share news of Agnes “Butchie” Ryan’s passing in the early hours of March 15. Butchie and her husband, the late Ben Ryan had generously donated their northwest Montana airfield property to the RAF so it could be shared with the public forever. The RAF was not only blessed…

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RAF 2022 FOUNDER CAP DRAWING WINNER ANNOUNCED

The much-awaited 2022 RAF Founder Cap campaign concluded the evening of March 17 with a virtual drawing. We are pleased to announce this year’s grand prize winner is pilot Patrick Romano who has served as RAF Colorado Liaison since 2012.  He and his wife Lindsey both enjoy flying the backcountry, always in taildraggers. Patrick will receive…

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FEATURED AIRSTRIP: AMIGOS DEL CIELO, NEW MEXICO

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. The April Featured Airstrip is Amigos del Cielo, NM. If you seek mountain views, mountain biking, and truly dark skies – or maybe an indoor movie – the place to explore is Amigos del Cielo airport, NM90 near…

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RAF HAS PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON, DC

RAF Chairman John McKenna and Director Tim Riley traveled to our nation’s capital and met with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania on Monday, February 28 in his D.C. office. Rep. Thompson is the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee that oversees the US Forest Service. He said he has interest in seeing additional…

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MONTANA WILDERNESS VIDEO RELEASED

Schafer Meadows, 8U2 is in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, and maintenance is handled non-mechanically. A video has been released of the ongoing runway work, featuring a team of mules, the use of a vintage grader, a Fresno scraper, and a sickle bar mower.  RAF Liaison Scott Newpower helped coordinate the project with then-District Ranger Deb…

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