News

The New Mexico Pilots Association 2021 Gila Regional Fly-in was a huge success. Perfect weather and very little smoke enabled 37 planes and 56 folks to attend, including new RAF Texas Liaison Steve Goebel, according to RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller. Based at Reserve, New Mexico, T16, pilots could explore some of the six…

The tradition continues! Thanks to your great response in past years, we’re announcing the RAF 2021 Photo Contest! It’s time again to find your favorites. Starting October 1, 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,…

RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association Past President Scott Newpower reported that a half dozen planes and a helicopter landed at Schafer Meadows for a short-notice work party September 3-4. Originally scheduled for July 17, the annual work party was postponed due to smoke.  Schafer Meadows is Montana’s only airstrip within a Wilderness area,…

Annie McGlynn-Wright, her husband, and their two small children decided to ride out Hurricane Ida in their home in New Orleans. They survived the powerful storm and their home was only slightly damaged, but they were stranded with no power, water or sewer during the city’s hottest days of summer. Annie is the daughter of…

This month’s Featured Item is the RAF leather tote. Whether you’re headed to an airstrip or dressing up for an event, these beautiful leather bags are perfect for whatever you need to carry. They’re made in Livingston, MT, with the RAF logo stamped on the side. To order the Featured Item, click here. If you have questions,…

At 3,793 foot field elevation, Ingalls Field (KHSP) in Hot Springs, Virginia is one of the highest elevation airports east of the Mississippi River. RAF Virginia Liaison Alan White reports that since 1931, locals have traveled to the top of the mountain for the cooler temperatures, beautiful vistas and nighttime star gazing. As with other bygone…

Toketee State Airport, (3S6) a 5,350-ft turf airstrip in Oregon’s Southern Cascades within Umpqua National Forest is close to the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River. RAF Oregon Liaison Mayes says the river offers spectacular steelhead fishing, adding, “The airfield provides a quiet spot for fly-in camping with access to hiking trails and a nice summer swimming hole…

RAF Southeast Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest  has concerns that some of the 140 US Forest Service cabins in the vast Tongass National Forest are in jeopardy of closure. These cabins are open for public use at very affordable fees, but perceived lack of usage has caused the Forest Service to re-consider continuing to preserve them. “These cabins are a true treasure in…

Red’s Wallowa Horse Ranch airstrip, (68D) in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area has acquired a new sickle-bar mule-drawn mower, and the airstrip was recently mowed, thanks to collaboration between the US Forest Service, the Wallowa County Pilots Association, the RAF, and Oregon Pilots Association volunteers. Wilderness restrictions prohibit the use of mechanized equipment, and the…

When Sporty’s VP John Zimmerman called and said, “I have long admired the work of the RAF and the type of flying you support,” with an invitation to be a podcast guest, RAF Chairman John McKenna naturally agreed. McKenna took a break from flying on Wednesday, August 18 and sat down long enough for a…