News

AOPA’s entire State Advocacy team anchored a second annual online meeting with RAF key volunteers on September 22. More than 40 RAF volunteers were brought up-to-date on current efforts of AOPA Regional Managers, and engaged in collaborative discussions about issues critical to both organizations. AOPA’s Mike Ginter, VP of Airports and State Advocacy, introduced each…

On Monday September 19, the Wakulla County Commissioners were to make their final vote to terminate the Wakulla County Airport license, essentially walking away and closing the Florida airport. Due to public comment opposing closure, the commissioners tabled the vote, postponing action and leaving the many airpark landowners with an uncertain future. The Tarpine Owner’s Association is the local…

The improvements continue at Illinois’ Havana Regional Airport, 9I0. RAF Illinois Liaison Mike Purpura worked with the local airport authority, and local EAA Chapter 1420, and with leverage from an RAF grant, made this multi-year effort possible. In addition to the new four-season men and womens’ shower/restroom facility, a patio seating area and RAF fire…

On Monday September 19, 2022 Wakulla County Commissioners are expected to effectively close the Wakulla County airport by terminating the Airport license. This will result in the loss of Wakulla’s only public use airport. Once it’s closed it’s lost forever, a loss to Florida and all pilots who enjoy flying to this Florida airfield near Panacea, FL with nearby Gulf fishing, boating,…

The BLM has begun the Public Scoping process to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Utah’s Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument (GSENM). The BLM scoping process is to gather topics that the public thinks should be considered in the EIS and RMP. Your help is needed to encourage the…

RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton provided an update on the work that has been accomplished at the airstrip and campground near Childs Glacier, where Clayton says, “You can see the glistening face of Childs Glacier and hear it. It’s always moving and you can hear popping, groaning, and booms like cannon fire. Of course, a highlight…

RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reports that volunteers from New Mexico Pilots Association, the RAF, and three US Forest Service Reserve District employees completed work at Negrito airstrip, 0NM7 in the Gila National Forest in mid July. “Rainy weather chased us out a day early, but the work was mostly finished,” Keller said. The…

Two popular backcountry airfields, Minam Lodge (7OR0); and adjacent Red’s Horse Ranch (68D) are located within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, that totals over 360,000 acres in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Ancestors of the Nez Perce Tribe first occupied the region in 1,400 A.D. followed by Cayuse, Shoshone and Bannock peoples. The Wilderness Act of…

RAF Michigan Liaisons Brad Frederick and General Grant announce that Two Hearted airfield, 6Y5 on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was recently inspected by the state and reopened. “Cones are back out and it is mowed. We want to be sure people understand that the grass is delicate for the time being and that small tires are…

RAF Washington State Ambassador Ray Ballantyne reports that Washington State Department of Aviation and the RAF joined together to perform the annual cleanup of Stehekin State Airport, 6S9, in the North Cascades National Park in June.  Paul Wolf, State Airport Manager and his wife Deanna arrived by helicopter because there is no road access to this settlement above the…