News
OCTOBER FEATURED AIRSTRIP: MANITOWISH WATERS, WISCONSIN
Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. This airport promises an “Exceptional Airport Experience,” and they readily fulfill that claim. It’s an ideal place to begin exploring the Northwoods of Wisconsin. In addition to its 3,500-ft paved runway, it…
Read MoreRAF TO HOST SATURDAY BREAKFAST AT BEECH PARTY 2024
The Beechcraft Heritage Museum’s annual Beech Party takes place October 17-19 in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and the RAF is hosting a breakfast at the event on Saturday morning, October 19. The museum invites you to its biggest event of the year, “A fly-in like no other with amazing educators, pilots, and an array of vintage and modern aircraft.” Enjoy an abundant, hot…
Read More“MY FAVORITE, NEW FREE AVIATION TOOL”
The 109k subscribers to Charlie Gasmire’s YouTube channel, “Airplane Academy,” have just been treated to a helpful new 15-minute video: a brisk tutorial on the new RAF Airfield Guide. Charlie calls the Guide his “absolute favorite resource for pilots,” and as he says, it’s absolutely free. The updated Airfield Guide is stacked with useful detail and…
Read MoreEARNING PERSPECTIVE
Put simply, perspective is the way an individual or a group of individuals see the world. That view is generally shaped from their personal points of view as seen through a gathering of one’s life experiences. And our perspectives are the basis of our decision-making. If there is a trap, it would be that your…
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 MoreGET READY FOR THE 2024 PHOTO CONTEST OPENING OCTOBER 1!
The tradition continues! Thanks to your great response in past years, we’re announcing the upcoming RAF 2024 Photo Contest. It’s time to find your favorites! Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region. Each winner will receive a package of high quality…
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…
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