News Archives - Recreational Aviation Foundation

RESTORATION, 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…

“HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS” — NOT

We’ve all heard the phrase when someone had a stupid idea and was about to act on it. As we kick off RAF 2025 it feels like a good time to work towards not being the person at either end of that tag line, joke or not. Seriously, what can we do to make 2025…

Donn Castonguay

From watching a radar screen the better part of his work day, to watching out the windscreen of his 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper, RAF Supporter Donn Castonguay is very happy to have made the transition to his place in the GA world. He and his wife Suzanne enjoy leisurely flights over the green rolling hills,…

BLACKWATER’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…

SAN 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…

HARTZELL 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…

RAF OUTFITTER JANUARY FEATURED ITEM

Check out our new lineup of RAF beanies! With midweight and fleece-lined options as well as kids’ sizing, we have a great variety. These tried-and-true beanies will get your family ready for winter. Made in Bozeman, MT. Order the Featured Item and shop the RAF Outfitter. If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723. Your RAF Outfitter purchase…

We’re looking forward to many airstrip projects in 2025. Thank you to all of our donors, volunteers, and supporters for all that you do to further the RAF Mission.

WORTH 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…

RAF, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RENEW MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR DEATH VALLEY

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the National Park Service (NPS) have renewed their cooperative agreement addressing maintenance on the three airstrips within Death Valley National Park for another five years. Originally inked in 2008 and renewed in 2017, this Memorandum of Understanding between the NPS and the RAF authorizes RAF volunteers to perform mutually beneficial repairs to…