News
PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH
October 1 is the first day of the 2023 Photo Contest! It’s time to submit your favorites. From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region. Winning images will…
Read MoreHENDERSON FIELD IMPROVED; STARGAZING PARTY PLANNED
A June 2023 RAF grant to improve privately-owned Henderson Field, 95IL near Golconda Illinois, included a new RAF windsock, an RAF fire ring, and treating and smoothing the turf runway with a vibrating roller. This was partially matched with in-kind donations and volunteer labor. “Thanks to terrific weather and help from visiting pilots David Butler and Chris Erkmann, everything…
Read MoreBLM INCLUDES AVIATION, SEEKS FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE DRAFT EIS
“Pilots’ comments on Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) during last year’s Call-To-Action were successful,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “Aviation is specifically mentioned in Chapter 3 of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for each of the four management alternatives the BLM is considering. Thank you for your efforts to comment,” she added.…
Read MoreTWO HEARTED CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL RE-OPENING; REWARDS ROCKHOUNDS
On August 26, a celebration was held at Two Hearted (6Y5) in Michigan to acknowledge the airfield’s reopening, and to thank everyone involved for their help. Volunteers’ efforts were appreciated and Richard and Kathy Robinson of Rainbow Lodge were acknowledged for their kind hospitality. “If not for them, this could not have happened. We cannot…
Read MoreRAF PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCTOBER 1
The 2023 RAF Photo Contest kicks off October 1st. Now is the time to go through your photos to find the best ones to submit! From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Winners in each of five U.S. regions, plus the RAF Mission category, will be selected. The region is…
Read MoreTHE LASTING THING TO BUILD
It occurred to me that there is something more valuable to build and save than airstrips, and that is friendship. Friendship forms the backbone of any relationship, be it personal, professional, or organizational. Space does not allow for me to name all the people who have become the best of friends, thanks to the RAF.…
Read MoreIDAHO AERONAUTICS LAUNCHES YOUTUBE SAFETY VIDEOS
Idaho has long been recognized as very supportive of backcountry aviation, and Idaho Division of Aeronautics oversees over 30 backcountry airstrips. Some experience heavy usage, most notably Johnson Creek, 3U2 where a number of aircraft accidents have occurred. To promote safe and enjoyable flying into Johnson Creek, Idaho Aeronautics has produced a YouTube video demonstrating recommended standard…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER SEPTEMBER FEATURED ITEM
Just in time for the transition of seasons, we’re featuring our newest, coziest pullover, the orange waffle fleece! The men’s is a quarter zip, and the women’s is hooded. It has a small pocket on the side that’s perfect for your keys and wallet, and it features the RAF logo in grey on the chest. To order the…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: JERRY WILKE 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 Jerry Wilke, a proud RAF supporter, longtime pilot, and former executive at Harley-Davidson. It’s been a year of significant milestones … The RAF turned 20 … and…
Read MoreRAF RE-OPENS TWO BACKCOUNTRY AIRFIELDS IN MAINE’S NORTH WOODS
The RAF has successfully completed a lease agreement that re-opens two airfields in Maine for public use, Ragmuff in Piscataquis County, and Estcourt in Aroostook County. The lease and management agreement was signed with landowner Fresh Timber, LLC and preserves these airfields through December 2025 with the option for a five-year renewal. “This furthers our…
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