News

The RAF welcomes Matt Foster, who joins the RAF Board in the role of Director. Matt grew up immersed in aviation. At a young age, Matt’s dad introduced him to flying and camping in the Idaho backcountry. He was a successful business owner who was able to use General Aviation aircraft for business as well as pleasure. Raised…

RAF Supporter Perry Null of Gallup, New Mexico had flown into Grand Gulch in his 182 in early November and was concerned that it was becoming overgrown. He invited folks from the region to fly in with hand tools during the November 23-24 weekend to remove encroaching vegetation.  Eleven aircraft arrived, bringing 14 folks, mainly…

When RAF friends gather around the fire hub at an airfield, there’s always a good story to be told. We have brought that love of storytelling into digital format with RAF Podcasts, and hope you enjoy hearing the variety of perspectives shared on the topic of recreational aviation. Each podcast is hosted by RAF President…

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Kern Valley, California. Located about 100 nm from California’s most populous coastal area, Kern Valley Airport, L05 offers the scenic respite of a backcountry place. It is one of only three southern California airports that…

In cooperation with the US Forest Service, the RAF organized volunteers beginning in late 2023 to remove and replace 3,000 feet of deteriorating jackleg fence around the historic Moose Creek Ranger Station. Again this October, volunteers from the RAF, Idaho Aviation Association, (IAA) and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation cooperated with the Forest Service…

The RAF is pleased to announce the signing of a new five-year Cost Share Agreement with the US Forest Service. Similar to the existing agreement on the Gila National Forest, this contract covers the Southwestern Region, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Initial focus will be on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, including Arizona’s Double Circle…

Nine volunteers, including RAF California Ambassadors Alan Cossitt and Jason Brand, flew and drove into Gravelly Valley airstrip, 1Q5, in the Mendocino National Forest over the October 19 weekend to install a new windsock and paint the runway threshold markers to make them more visible. District Ranger Frank Aebly and Forestry Technician Mark Sampson represented…

In recent weeks, RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association Past President Scott Newpower helped coordinate the delivery of equipment to Schafer Meadows USFS airstrip in time for this fall’s plowing project. The plan to shift the runway surface laterally within the clearing is underway, so the current runway surface can recover from use. Schafer Meadows lies…

The RAF is pleased to announce that Joe Brown of Cornwall, Vermont has agreed to step into the role of Director. RAF President Bill McGlynn said, “Joe is a great addition to our board. He has decades of experience running businesses but understands and values the nature of the RAF.” Brown spent 33 years in the aviation industry…

The RAF is passionate about advancing flight safety, consideration, and courtesy toward the people and wildlife who share the recreational environment. Our website includes concise and relevant educational resources, drawn from experience. We invite you to go to Education & Safety where you’ll find our Safety Briefing Guide, created in partnership with AOPA’s Air Safety Institute – GA’s…