BLM ACKNOWLEDGES AIRSTRIPS IN UTAH’S HENRY MOUNTAINS
The Bureau of Land Management issued their final decision on January 17, 2025, for Utah’s Henry Mountains Travel Management Plan (TMP), specifically naming thirteen airstrips as approved for recreational use. RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots Board Member Wendy Lessig has followed the lengthy planning process and said, “Thanks to all who submitted…
Read MoreOLYMPIC FIELD TO BE IMPROVED WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT
Washington State RAF Liaison Ray Ballantyne has secured another RAF grant, this one to help provide materials for a multi-purpose kiosk at Olympic Airfield between Port Townsend and Sequim, WA. RAF Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson aided by RAF Supporter Jay PerryCook, developed a prototype and budget for the kiosk, where visitors will be able to…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: JOHN PRISCU 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 John Priscu, an RAF supporter and a Regents Professor Emeritus at Montana State University, Bozeman. Like many in General Aviation, I got the aviation bug in my…
Read MoreRESTORATION, IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT LONE PINE WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT
The RAF has awarded California Liaison Katerina Barilov another grant to help fund continued improvements at California’s Lone Pine Airport. This 2025 project will continue the upgrade to the original terminal building that serves as a pilot shelter, meeting room, and kitchen for visitors. The terminal building had fallen into disrepair over several decades. The nonprofit Friends of Lone Pine Airport, (FLPA) saw its…
Read MoreKARI DEFREEST
Alaska Ambassador Day Job: I am an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist. I specialize in treating people living with persistent pain and rural healthcare. Favorite airstrip: This answer changes periodically but currently it’s Hugh Smith Lake in the Misty Fiords National Monument. Next adventure: Isn’t every day an adventure? But, my next big…
Read MoreBLACKWATER’S ANNUAL VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi reports that a total of 26 volunteers signed in for this year’s 2024 work party at Blackwater Airfield (8FD3). Workers applied a fresh coat of bright white paint to the runway tires, installed the new RAF windsock and added the new RAF support sign. The barbecue grills were serviced and volunteers mowed, weed-whacked and cut back growth in…
Read MoreMIKE GINTER
Maryland Ambassador Day job: SVP, Air Safety Institute Favorite airstrip: High Rock, MD Next adventure: Gain more backcountry experience in Arkansas and Idaho
Read MoreHARTZELL EXTENDS $1,000 SAVINGS TO RAF SUPPORTERS THROUGH 2025; BOOSTS RAF MISSION WITH EACH SALE
Our friends at Hartzell Propeller have again generously extended their popular $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers. We heartily thank Hartzell for their ongoing support, and for contributing $250 to the RAF mission for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer, now through 2025! “When you have a partnership that really is a friendship, that…
Read MoreSAN RAFAEL TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN RECOGNIZES AIRSTRIPS
On December 31, 2024 the BLM published the official Record of Decision that recognizes airstrips within the San Rafael Swell region of south central Utah. In summary, the decision retains aircraft-only access to Hidden Splendor and McKay Flat airstrips; Cliff Dweller and Sagebrush Bench airstrips are open to aircraft and OHVs, since these airstrips are…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: ANDREW GEORGE 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 Andrew George, the President of the Idaho Aviation Association. When I spoke at the 2024 RAF Volunteer Education Conference in Montana, I emphasized to those in attendance…
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