The RAF is pleased to announce the signing of a new five-year Cost Share Agreement with the US Forest Service. Similar to the existing agreement on the Gila National Forest, this contract covers the Southwestern Region, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Initial focus will be on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, including Arizona’s Double Circle…

Nine volunteers, including RAF California Ambassadors Alan Cossitt and Jason Brand, flew and drove into Gravelly Valley airstrip, 1Q5, in the Mendocino National Forest over the October 19 weekend to install a new windsock and paint the runway threshold markers to make them more visible. District Ranger Frank Aebly and Forestry Technician Mark Sampson represented…

In recent weeks, RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association Past President Scott Newpower helped coordinate the delivery of equipment to Schafer Meadows USFS airstrip in time for this fall’s plowing project. The plan to shift the runway surface laterally within the clearing is underway, so the current runway surface can recover from use. Schafer Meadows lies…

In late 2022, Custer State Park Airport’s asphalt surfaces were determined to require extensive maintenance. RAF South Dakota Liaison Karl Jungclaus reported that the financial burden would have been placed upon the Park. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) determined closing the airport was the best option.  The RAF, South Dakota Pilots Association…

A lot of pilots are discovering the challenges and joys of accessing the backcountry. To emphasize safety, we’re eager to share some excellent Backcountry Safety Coalition resources with you, produced and curated by AOPA’s Air Safety Institute.  You can select from relevant webinars and instructive videos produced by AOPA’s ASI. More are added all the time, so…

As year-end nears, like many people, you may be considering your charitable contributions. If you wish to include the RAF, we are standing by to help. You can even specify an RAF project if you wish. The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of professional financial planning talent with several planned giving ideas…

Utah Back Country Pilots Association President Roy Evans, II reports that recently volunteers, honorably dubbed the “UBCP Sled Dogs”, completed an exceptional effort restoring the BLM airstrip at Mexican Mountain, and it is now open. The scenic and remote airstrip had suffered significant flood damage, and the BLM environmental review to perform more extensive repairs would…

On November 2, four airport volunteers joined 14 RAF supporters at Wolf Run Fly-In Campground adjacent to the Noble County Airport for a work day close to 9 a.m. Those arriving in seven aircraft had to wait for the morning fog to clear. “It was one of the most spectacular fall days of the season,”…