News

We regret that extremely dry conditions have forced us to close Ryan Airfield (2MT1) to all operations until further notice. Due to the potential for forest fire this season, we must take this precaution.  Thank you for your understanding.  We will announce a re-opening when it is safe for all concerned.

In March, the RAF reported that aviation weather cameras were in the works in Colorado, and now the official announcement is out. Thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Division of Aeronautics and the FAA’s Alaska Weather Camera Program, there are now four new aviation weather cameras functioning on the Division’s network of 13 Mountain…

RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller has announced that after more than forty years of disuse, the Rainy Mesa airstrip is now open for recreational use, after removal of encroaching trees. “RAF Ambassador, and former State Liaison Larry Filener’s vision and dream to reopen Rainy Mesa airstrip is now a reality,” Ron said. He credits…

RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton’s Fireweed airstrip was the site of an unofficial gathering of Alaska pilots for this year’s Solstice, a way for locals to try to outlast the midnight sun with axe throwing contests, campfire, and plenty of fresh Alaska potluck. “Despite some inclement weather that kept a few pilots stuck west of Tahneta…

Wondering what the RAF has accomplished? Your RAF volunteers have been busy working to improve, create and preserve airstrips for recreational access. Our grant program has helped complete projects from Washington State to Vermont. Meet our new State Liaisons, read about Colorado’s Airport of the Year, and get the update on Ryan Field.   We are…

Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the nation. There are 144 public use cabins in the Forest, accessible by boat, trail, seaplane, and wheeled aircraft. Twenty-six are accessed by flight only, and may be in jeopardy of closure. “These cabins are a true treasure in one of the most beautiful parts…

Georgia RAF Ambassador Eric Davis reports that Creighton Island airfield now has a pair of runway cameras streaming video via separate YouTube channels. At this time, Eric recommends bookmarking this link as the easiest way to tune into the two live webcams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvNRmOSzakItdbaHKSZChrw/videos. In order to not overwhelm the resident’s home Internet service, Eric rate-limited the…

How do you mow the tall spring grass on Red’s Wallowa Horse Ranch airfield in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness – without the use of motorized equipment? You trail in 20-year-olds Bird and Bat, who team up for the kind of job they know well. With just the right experience, these two mules – with Jim and Holly Akenson…

Maybe you’ve already seen the gem of an airstrip called Ryan Field near Glacier Park, Montana, and know about the RAF’s vision to “raise the barn.” Thanks to the response from generous donors from across the country, our plans are coming together! When Ben and Agnes “Butchie” Ryan first saw the tamarack, pine and cedar…