News
GOING TO OSHKOSH?
Join the RAF at AirVenture again this year! You’re invited upstairs on Hartzell’s Rooftop (booth #289, just outside of Hangar B) on Tuesday, July 22 from 9-11 a.m. for coffee, the best donuts around, great views and conversation! On Wednesday, July 23, visit the Pilot Proficiency Center for Backcountry Flying Day. Our popular backcountry flying and airfield…
Read MoreFEATURED RAF SUPPORTER: PAUL WELKE
Paul and Angela Welke own Island Airways on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, at Welke Airport, 6Y8, 27 nm from Charlevoix, where Welkes also have a base. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant says, “Paul is always offering his services and has been incredible about answering calls for help from North Fox Island, 18 nm from…
Read MoreTHE RAF WARMLY WELCOMES DEAN CASTILLO OF VIRGINIA TO THE LIAISON TEAM
Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’” Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER JULY FEATURED ITEM
Show off your RAF support in these Airstrip Hats! These buttonless hats are a summer flying must-have! This special collection of hats features several airstrips that the RAF has impacted significantly. Choose hats with your favorite strips and wear them proudly! These hats are buttonless and feature a velcro closure. Each hat displays the RAF logo…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: LUKE LACHENDRO 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 guest editorial is by Luke Lachendro, a Wisconsin pilot and an RAF Ambassador. Preserving More Than Airstrips In aviation, we often talk about freedom. The ability to lift off from the ground…
Read MoreMEET TAYLIN TRAFTON, NEW RAF MARKETING COORDINATOR
They say that Montana is one small town with a big backyard. Taylin Trafton experienced that small town feel when she was looking for a job related to the outdoors, and saw that the RAF was hiring. Then she recognized Kodi Myhre’s name as the contact person. Like Kodi, Taylin grew up in Lewistown, Montana. Taylin…
Read MorePACIFIC CITY AIRPORT GETS RAF GRANT FOR LARGE BIKE SHED
RAF Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson just received an RAF grant for an 8’x12’ bike shed to hold 15 bikes at Pacific City Airport, KPFC on the Oregon coast, about 16 nm south of Tillamook. Johnson is working with the adjacent landowner, and Friends of Oregon Pacific City State Airport (FOPCSA) on this cooperative project. RAF…
Read More‘BACKCOUNTRY’ MEANS MORE THAN YOU THINK
For many, the word “backcountry” brings to mind a setting in the wilderness. We at the RAF consider “backcountry” to be more than a place. It describes a style of flying we enjoy. Where patterns may not be rectangles, and where extra care must be taken to safely land and depart. In our world, “backcountry”…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SEASONAL WORK ON MONTANA USFS AIRSTRIPS
RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association past president Scott Newpower organizes cooperative annual work parties prior to flying season on the Flathead National Forest Airstrips. He has reported two highly successful gatherings so far. The Spotted Bear work weekend was June 7-8 and brought 17 people. Volunteers replaced both windsocks, filled gopher holes, rolled…
Read MoreJOIN THE NATIONAL PAUSE FOR GA SAFETY
Whether you simply fly with family or friends, provide an occasional lift for a nonprofit, or you enjoy flying the backcountry, safety should be at the heart of every flight. The RAF has joined with AOPA and other GA industry organizations to create a unified call for all GA pilots to participate in the National…
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