News

Please welcome our new Kansas Liaison, Todd Banks! Todd, a Wichita native, began flying while in high school. After taking a 30 year break to raise kids and see them off to college, flying was again at the top of his to-do list. He started re-learning tailwheel skills after acquiring a yellow Cub. While working on…

Jack and Patricia Tyler had settled in Florida after 11 years travelling around the world in their sailboat. It was at Sun ’n Fun 2012, camped next to their Grumman Tiger that they discovered the RAF. They were so willing to share the mission that Jack became a Florida State Liaison, and Patricia took on VP…

Backcountry airstrips serve as trailheads—jumping off points for backcountry adventures. Above and below are photos of Joshua and Caleb Turner returning (with dad) to their airplane at Benchmark (3U7) airfield in Montana, in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Along with their father, Pennsylvania State Liaison Andy Turner, Josh and Caleb used the airstrip and…

“I’ll have what she’s having!” You may recall that famous line from the movie When Harry Met Sally. In a funny way it characterizes the RAF. We are the group that others look to, wanting what we are having. We’re having fun, we’re getting stuff done and we’re doing it with a nearly all volunteer…

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and Death Valley National Park officially signed a five-year cooperative maintenance agreement for the Chicken Strip in Saline Valley. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated October 18, also renews the established maintenance agreement at Furnace Creek Airport and Stovepipe Wells Airstrip.  “The RAF has proven that this partnership works since…

Grapevine (88AZ), central Arizona’s 3,800 ft runway in the Tonto National Forest was the site of a casual fly-in the weekend of December 20-21. Arizona Pilots Association members serve a lunch the third Saturday of the month, typically September through May at this scenic place. The suggested $8 donation represents a bargain for the ample meal. Donations…

RAF Georgia Ambassador Eric Davis reports another successful weekend fly-in at Creighton Island December 6-8. Attendees Eric and Sandy Peyrot flew their C182 in from Summerland, FL and said it was a “fantastic fly-in location,” adding, “getting to see the area by air and then get up close on an undeveloped island was a real treat.” While…

On Sunday, January 5 we will debut our next RAF Backcountry Boutique logo item. Be sure to check out the RAF website or Facebook page on the morning of the 5th. We sell small quantities of each Backcountry Boutique item and when they’re gone, they’re gone! Thanks to all who have supported the RAF mission…