News
PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH
October 1 is the first day of the 2024 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 MoreRAF HOSTS AOPA REGIONAL MANAGERS FOR ANNUAL ONLINE MEETING
The RAF’s annual online meeting with AOPA took place September 17 and key volunteers were briefed on each region’s issues, and AOPA’s advocacy. Mike Ginter, former AOPA VP of Airports and Advocacy emceed. Ginter has recently taken on the position of Senior VP of the Air Safety Institute. Ginter led the discussion by announcing…
Read MoreSAFETY AT OREGON’S RAGER AIRSTRIP BOOSTED BY USFS-RAF COOPERATION
Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station has a 2,800-ft gravel airstrip and scenic camping area. When the ranger station’s administrative functions were relocated to Prineville, OR in 2013, the airstrip, constructed in the 1930s, had become hazardous due to encroaching brush, surface damage caused by wildlife and livestock, and the…
Read MoreGERMAN PILOT BUILDS HOURS IN THE US – PHILIPP KURECK PODCAST WITH BILL MCGLYNN
Philipp Kureck of Bavaria got his Private license at age 19. To follow his dream to make a career of flying, he decided to build hours in the US where flying is more affordable, and he could land and camp under a wing. His solo adventure in a rented C172 began with a flight in…
Read MoreOLYMPIC AIRFIELD BATHHOUSE FUNDED WITH RAF GRANT
Located near the San Juan Islands between Port Townsend and Sequim, Washington is privately-owned Olympic Field, WA45 – what RAF Washington Liaison Ray Ballantyne calls, “an exquisite grass runway 2,500 feet long, bordered by an equally long float pond for float equipped aircraft.” To improve the camping area at the airfield, RAF supporter Jay PerryCook suggested the RAF help…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: CLAY SIMMONS 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 Clay Simmons, a young pilot and member of the RAF’s Backcountry Etiquette Team. I’m supposed to be the adult now? When I say I’ve been flying my…
Read MoreGOODSPEED, CONNECTICUT IMPROVED WITH RAF GRANT
RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas reports on a successful work party at Goodspeed, 42B over the August 24-25 weekend. Thomas used an RAF grant for materials for campground improvements. “On Saturday morning at 10 we had a great turnout of about twelve to fifteen folks who were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and had construction expertise,” Thomas said. The group included…
Read MoreHERRENS BESS HOLLOW UPGRADES WITH RAF GRANT
Herrens Bess Hollow airport, LL77 at Kamaroo Farms is as interesting a place as its name. Located near Kampsville, IL, the airfield has hiking trails, fishing ponds, and a “gold mine” for kids to explore. Exotic farm animals such as camels, kangaroos ostriches, and emus make this a family friendly destination. You can camp under an old walnut tree and…
Read MoreRAF GRANT FUNDS MATERIALS FOR BOWMAN FIELD RESTROOM
Maine Ambassador Larry Greiner was awarded an RAF grant for a portion of the materials needed to build new restroom facilities at Bowman Field, B10 in Livermore Falls, Maine. A group of local volunteers, headed up by Bowman Field Flying Club President Nathan Hurd, will provide all the labor. The airport is privately owned by…
Read MoreSCHAFER MEADOWS VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SUMMER WORK; REWARDED WITH PIT-BARBECUED BEEF
The annual work party at Schafer Meadows USFS airstrip in the Great Bear Wilderness occurred July 20. RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower reported that about 15 people flew in to help this year. All the while, a 27-pound foil-wrapped beef roast was slow-roasting for eight hours in wood coals in a pit the volunteers dug.…
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