News
WORTH THE READ: TODD 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 Todd Simmons, the President of Customer Experience at Cirrus Aircraft, and the Vice President of the RAF. Give me a sign … In a world of non-stop…
Read MoreNEW VAULT TOILET INSTALLED AT SACATON, NEW MEXICO
There are plenty of reasons to enjoy tent camping at Sacaton Airstrip near Buckhorn, New Mexico. The runway lies along the Gila Wilderness with access to trails, including the Rain Creek trail. Anglers will enjoy plying Wilderness waters for Gila trout. And a new vault toilet has been installed for visitors. New Mexico Pilots Association and…
Read MoreRYAN FIELD PREPARED FOR QUIET SEASON
The RAF’s Mike Perkins and John McKenna flew into Ryan Field to complete annual seasonal maintenance in preparation for the colder months. All running water is off, but the field and outhouses remain open for hardy campers during this beautiful Autumn season. The RAF thanks each of the many volunteers who helped host and maintain…
Read More“MEET ME AT THE BROWN ARCH”
One hundred tiles at the EAA Brown Arch were generously donated for RAF use by a long-time supporter, who, from the very beginning, believed in the RAF spirit of volunteerism. He wished to memorialize all who devote time and effort toward the mission. He selected these tiles beneath the shade of the large tree so…
Read MoreRAF HOSTS AOPA REGIONAL MANAGERS FOR ANNUAL ONLINE UPDATE
The RAF hosted AOPA’s seven Regional Managers for an hour-long online update September 19. AOPA’s VP of Airports and State Advocacy Mike Ginter introduced each of the seven. These persons bird-dog issues critical to General Aviation like preserving airports facing closure, preventing airspace encroachments and unreasonable ramp and user fees. Other timely initiatives are Avgas…
Read MoreCAMARADERIE, PROJECTS COMPLETED AT GILLETTE’S ANNUAL FLY-IN
Beautiful fall weather greeted attendees of Bob and Judy Gillette’s annual fly-in and picnic at their home airstrip, Lakewood Lodge (14WS) in northern Wisconsin. The four-day event is an annual gathering of local EAA chapter 631 and RAF friends. This year, RAF supporters attended from as far away as Oklahoma and Florida. Bob and Judy, along with the help…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: ANDY TURNER 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 Andy Turner, a pilot, aquatic ecologist, and longtime friend of the RAF. Growing Up With The RAF: I recently rousted Joshua and Caleb, my two teenage sons,…
Read MoreRAF FUNDS IMPROVEMENTS AT AIRFIELD IN THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS
RAF Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner has received an RAF grant for picnic tables and fire rings at Clarion County Airport, KAXQ. Recognizing the untapped recreational potential of the area, Turner approached Airport Manager Donald Kimball, and received enthusiastic support for a project and improvements. Turner and Kimball initiated an effort to develop a campground just…
Read MoreHENDERSON FIELD IMPROVED; STARGAZING PARTY PLANNED
A June 2023 RAF grant to improve privately-owned Henderson Field, 95IL near Golconda Illinois, included a new RAF windsock, an RAF fire ring, and treating and smoothing the turf runway with a vibrating roller. This was partially matched with in-kind donations and volunteer labor. “Thanks to terrific weather and help from visiting pilots David Butler and Chris Erkmann, everything…
Read MoreBLM INCLUDES AVIATION, SEEKS FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE DRAFT EIS
“Pilots’ comments on Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) during last year’s Call-To-Action were successful,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “Aviation is specifically mentioned in Chapter 3 of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for each of the four management alternatives the BLM is considering. Thank you for your efforts to comment,” she added.…
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