News Archives - Recreational Aviation Foundation

VOLUNTEERS REOPEN SACATON AFTER DECADES OF CLOSURE

“After FAA approval and no objections from Forest Service Fire and Aviation, the District Ranger approved Sacaton Landing Strip for recreational access this morning,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported on January 9, and his dream that Sacaton reopen by New Years was fully realized. This airstrip had lain unusable for three decades. “At least a…

WHERE WILL YOU CELEBRATE RAF’S 20TH BIRTHDAY?

By now you know the RAF is celebrating twenty years of success thanks to the efforts of our volunteers! This year, we encourage you to join the fun and get out to the backcountry – which to us is more than a place. It’s a style of flying we enjoy, whether arriving at your favorite…

FAA CLARIFIES CHARTING TERMS

A September 2022 announcement by the FAA stirred up social media chatter and piqued AOPA and RAF attention over the possible removal of a sector of private airfields from charts. On chart legends, the open magenta circle “R” was labeled Non-public use having emergency or landmark value. The FAA bulletin stated that “only private airports…

RAF BOARD MEETS IN MONTANA; REFLECTS ON 20 YEARS

The RAF’s all-volunteer board of directors gathered in Bozeman, MT for its annual face-to-face meeting in January to discuss areas of focus for 2023 and reflect on 20 years of success furthering the mission. “A top priority is to celebrate this special year with our volunteers and supporters,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. Bridger Aerospace…

WORTH THE READ: BEN SCLAIR 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 from Ben Sclair, Owner/Publisher of General Aviation News. 20 Years of Todays. Generally speaking, the most effective way to ensure tomorrow is better than yesterday is to focus…

FEBRUARY FEATURED AIRSTRIP: GRAPEVINE, ARIZONA

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Grapevine, Arizona. Years ago, the Arizona Pilots Association recognized the value of Grapevine, an abandoned asphalt airstrip on the Tonto National Forest within the Sonoran Desert near Roosevelt Lake. “Sadly, this incredible airstrip was…

WORTH THE READ: MARK BAKER 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 from Mark Baker, President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. There are many thousands of pilots in this great country, flying millions of miles each year to many thousands…

WHAT A RIDE

Preflight the plane, load up the gear, grab someone to join you, and head to the backcountry. The RAF is celebrating its 20th year in 2023 and we hope you are marking your calendar to celebrate with us all year long at this family reunion. I know what you’re thinking — that family reunions are…

RAF CULTURE: WHY IS IT THE WAY IT IS?

I get asked all the time why the RAF does things the way that we do. However, the real question is “why doesn’t the RAF do things like everyone else does?” So throughout this 20th year I am going to do my best to tell some of the back story behind who the RAF is…

RAF OUTFITTER JANUARY FEATURED ITEM

The RAF is thrilled to announce that its first Featured Item for 2023 is the popular Gerber Fastball folding knife. This limited-edition knife is engraved with our 20th Anniversary logo. The Gerber Fastball features an aircraft-grade aluminum handle, an intuitive finger flipper opening, and a pocket clip. The RAF agrees with Gerber, that it’s important…