News

It occurred to me that there is something more valuable to build and save than airstrips, and that is friendship. Friendship forms the backbone of any relationship, be it personal, professional, or organizational. Space does not allow for me to name all the people who have become the best of friends, thanks to the RAF.…

Idaho has long been recognized as very supportive of backcountry aviation, and Idaho Division of Aeronautics oversees over 30 backcountry airstrips. Some experience heavy usage, most notably Johnson Creek, 3U2 where a number of aircraft accidents have occurred. To promote safe and enjoyable flying into Johnson Creek, Idaho Aeronautics has produced a YouTube video demonstrating recommended standard…

Just in time for the transition of seasons, we’re featuring our newest, coziest pullover, the orange waffle fleece! The men’s is a quarter zip, and the women’s is hooded. It has a small pocket on the side that’s perfect for your keys and wallet, and it features the RAF logo in grey on the chest.  To order the…

The RAF has successfully completed a lease agreement that re-opens two airfields in Maine for public use, Ragmuff in Piscataquis County, and Estcourt in Aroostook County. The lease and management agreement was signed with landowner Fresh Timber, LLC and preserves these airfields through December 2025 with the option for a five-year renewal. “This furthers our…

“This airfield is a diamond in the rough,” RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant said, referring to Hanley Field, 5Y7. It’s located three miles southeast of Munising, MI, which is on the shores of Lake Superior adjacent to the National Park Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. He and RAF Director Jeff Russell recognized this, and began imagining what…

RAF Connecticut Ambassador Brian Thomas reported that on August 19, eight volunteers including fellow Ambassadors Darryl Nicholson, Jr. and Greg Delp completed the much-anticipated setup of the composting outhouse at Waterbury, Connecticut, N41. “We were able to excavate the hole, set the collection drum as well as foundation blocks, and finally hoist the outhouse in…

The RAF-branded Kodiak 100 completed another mission for the US Forest Service, coordinated and assisted by the RAF and Montana Pilots Association. RAF supporter and MPA past president Pete Smith had constructed and powder-coated a 10-gauge steel Forest Service-style bear box for Schafer Meadows and it was trucked to Ryan Field for eventual delivery. When…

Death Valley National Park is under a full park closure, due to the fringes of Hurricane Hilary that brought over a year’s worth of damaging rain on August 20. While Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek have not sustained any notable damage from the flooding, at Chicken Strip in Saline Valley, 60% of the runway experienced a complete washout.…

While rains have closed Chicken Strip in Death Valley, recent rain has somewhat helped the region around West Glacier in Montana, and the RAF announced the re-opening of Ryan Field in time for folks to enjoy Labor Day weekend there. Click here for the required safety briefing, and more information on amenities, and cabin availability.  Ryan Field…