News

The RAF has been successful in its mission to preserve, improve and create airstrips for recreational access. Here’s our latest report on our most recent projects. There could be one in your state! We are proud of our relationships with like-minded groups and together we’ve accomplished a great deal from Alaska to Florida. You’ll find it…

“Twenty-four aircraft arrived . . . coming in from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and as far away as New York and Utah,” RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick reported of the July 9-11 weekend work party at North Fox Island.  Michigan volunteers had begun mowing the runway on Thursday, completing the task Friday afternoon when brush cutting began. Campers…

We’ve been improving the RAF Outfitter, and we are excited to roll it out for your shopping pleasure! •You’ll find collections of apparel and gear with larger, more detailed photos. Select from bandanas, caps, and bags, to windsocks. Even our attractive RAF fire rings are now available at the RAF Outfitter. •Items are chosen for durability…

“Of the many jewels of aviation, Katama Airfield stands out as unique in the United States,” says the Katama Airfield Trust website. And now the sign “The RAF Proudly Supports This Airstrip” can go up at the field, thanks to RAF Director Bill Brine and New Hampshire Liaison John Meade. By an overwhelming voice vote,…

Each month we highlight an airstrip where the RAF has had involvement. We hope that you will get out and enjoy these airstrips. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Goodspeed Airport, (42B), one of the country’s most distinctive airports. It lies beside the historic Connecticut River in East Haddam, CT. It has a 2,120-ft paved runway, and its 4,500-ft seaplane base is…

McKenzie Bridge Airport, 00S in the Central Oregon Cascades is popular with recreational aviators. It provides access to the McKenzie River, mountain bike trails, and remote camping. “Following the inspirational example set by the long term commitment of Oregon Pilot Association and RAF members Paul and Rob in Ehrhardt, volunteers have been instrumental in maintaining and…

Our friends at Lightspeed are celebrating their 25th year, and want to spread the joy. Beginning with their first rollout at AirVenture in 1996, Lightspeed has continually offered an improving line of noise cancelling headsets. Now Lightspeed is offering 200 limited edition 25th Anniversary Zulu 3 headsets, as a way to raise money for several aviation…

Last fall, the RAF granted $14,000 toward the preservation of Minnesota’s Isle Airport, (MY72). Minnesota Liaison Kirk Hiner and former RAF Director Peter Burwell had learned the airport was facing closure due to encroaching trees. They met with Isle Airport management and agreed on a cost sharing project to solve the problem. The work was…

Marcy Field, (1I1) is a 2,390 turf airfield near Keene, NY in the Adirondack Mountains, and has been awarded a second RAF grant to enhance safety. Locals have expressed concern about the potential for planes hitting cars or pedestrians on the runway. “This seems to be an issue especially on Sunday when the farm market…

A lifelong resident of Greenville County, South Carolina, Chris Sullivan started flying in 1991 largely inspired by his Uncle John who had been a Marine Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific theater, and later flew a Mooney for business. Chris explains that back in the early sixties, Greenville was still a sleepy little Southern town.…