News
WORTH THE READ: CRISTA WORTHY 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 guest editorial is by Crista Worthy, a pilot, freelance writer, and editor. Our Aviation Inheritance: You, and other pilots who support organizations like the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), Idaho Aviation Association (IAA),…
Read MoreALASKA’S BLACK BEAR LAKE CABIN WORK ACCOMPLISHED
An RAF grant helped fund the recent work party to renovate Black Bear Lake cabin, a remote USFS fly-in public use cabin in southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. RAF Michigan/Alaska Ambassador Rob Aho initially applied for the RAF grant, and funds for the project were also provided by the National Forest Foundation, the US Forest…
Read MoreMAINE AIRSTRIP BENEFITS FROM RAF-FACILITATED NATIONAL GUARD WORK
Pilot Ken “Cowboy” Winiarski owns Cowboys Air Ranch, 84ME in Maine’s “Sunrise” Washington County — the easternmost point where the sun first rises on the nation. The airfield and camping facilities are open for public use, but the runway, at 1,500 feet long, was not suitable for a wide range of GA use. To make…
Read MoreRAF AIRVENTURE ACTIVITIES BRING CROWDS
Again this year, the RAF was highly visible and active throughout AirVenture week at Oshkosh July 21-27. Beginning Monday morning at Daher’s press conference, the RAF awarded Daher CEO Nicolas Chabbert with its prestigious Golden Pulaski for his commitment to the RAF mission. “We were proud to present him with this well-deserved award,” RAF President…
Read MoreALASKA’S PEAVINE AIRSTRIP SEASONAL MAINTENANCE COMPLETES
Volunteers flew to Alaska’s Peavine airstrip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve on July 12. They removed brush and completed airstrip maintenance on the gravel runway. “Thirteen airplanes and twenty-one volunteers were on site,” RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza reported. “Volunteers came from a variety of groups including RAF supporters, EAA Chapter 42, and Pioneers of Alaska members,” she added.…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SEASONAL WORK AT SCHAFER MEADOWS
“This year’s Schafer work party had fourteen airplanes and twenty-three people in attendance,” RAF Montana Liaison and former Montana Pilots Association president Scott Newpower said. A group from the Deer Park, Washington area had heard about the work party and flew over to help out as well. Newpower schedules these annual USFS/MPA/RAF cooperative work parties.…
Read MoreRAF HONORS NICOLAS CHABBERT WITH GOLDEN PULASKI AWARD
The RAF honored Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert with its “Golden Pulaski” award July 21, 2025 during AirVenture’s opening day. Chabbert was recognized for his outstanding contributions toward the RAF’s mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF President Bill McGlynn and Directors Steve Taylor and Matt Foster handed the smiling Chabbert…
Read MoreALASKA’S NUGGET CREEK RUNWAY REHABILITATED IN COOPERATION WITH NPS
In July, the RAF continued cooperative work on Alaska’s Nugget Creek airstrip located near a US National Park Service public use cabin. “RAF Supporter Dave Cruz led a remarkable effort to bring Nugget Creek airstrip back to a safe and usable condition,” RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza said. Cruz and his crew drove 15 miles…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER JULY FEATURED ITEM
Show off your RAF support in these Airstrip Hats! These buttonless hats are a summer flying must-have! This special collection of hats features several airstrips that the RAF has impacted significantly. Choose hats with your favorite strips and wear them proudly! These hats are buttonless and feature a velcro closure. Each hat displays the RAF logo…
Read MoreTHE RAF WARMLY WELCOMES DEAN CASTILLO OF VIRGINIA TO THE LIAISON TEAM
Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’” Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…
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