News
WORTH THE READ: LUKE LACHENDRO 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 guest editorial is by Luke Lachendro, a Wisconsin pilot and an RAF Ambassador. Preserving More Than Airstrips In aviation, we often talk about freedom. The ability to lift off from the ground…
Read MoreFEATURED RAF SUPPORTER: PAUL WELKE
Paul and Angela Welke own Island Airways at Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, 27 nm from Charlevoix (KCVX), where the business also has a base. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant says, “Paul is always offering his services and has been incredible about answering calls for help from North Fox Island, 18…
Read MoreMEET TAYLIN TRAFTON, NEW RAF MARKETING COORDINATOR
They say that Montana is one small town with a big backyard. Taylin Trafton experienced that small town feel when she was looking for a job related to the outdoors, and saw that the RAF was hiring. Then she recognized Kodi Myhre’s name as the contact person. Like Kodi, Taylin grew up in Lewistown, Montana. Taylin…
Read MoreRAF AWARDS GRANT FOR MOAB AIRSTRIPS CULTURAL STUDY
Five Moab area airstrips are located within a short hike or bike from spectacular red-rock canyons and mountains, and two are suitable for pilots to practice backcountry landings without disturbing other recreational users, RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “All five are excellent airstrips for camping under the dark Utah skies,” she added. But none…
Read MorePACIFIC CITY AIRPORT GETS RAF GRANT FOR LARGE BIKE SHED
RAF Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson just received an RAF grant for an 8’x12’ bike shed to hold 15 bikes at Pacific City Airport, KPFC on the Oregon coast, about 16 nm south of Tillamook. Johnson is working with the adjacent landowner, and Friends of Oregon Pacific City State Airport (FOPCSA) on this cooperative project. RAF…
Read More‘BACKCOUNTRY’ MEANS MORE THAN YOU THINK
For many, the word “backcountry” brings to mind a setting in the wilderness. We at the RAF consider “backcountry” to be more than a place. It describes a style of flying we enjoy. Where patterns may not be rectangles, and where extra care must be taken to safely land and depart. In our world, “backcountry”…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SEASONAL WORK ON MONTANA USFS AIRSTRIPS
RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association past president Scott Newpower organizes cooperative annual work parties prior to flying season on the Flathead National Forest Airstrips. He has reported two highly successful gatherings so far. The Spotted Bear work weekend was June 7-8 and brought 17 people. Volunteers replaced both windsocks, filled gopher holes, rolled…
Read MoreJOIN THE NATIONAL PAUSE FOR GA SAFETY
Whether you simply fly with family or friends, provide an occasional lift for a nonprofit, or you enjoy flying the backcountry, safety should be at the heart of every flight. The RAF has joined with AOPA and other GA industry organizations to create a unified call for all GA pilots to participate in the National…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS PREPARE LAKEWOOD LODGE FOR FLYING SEASON
A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…
Read MoreRAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO ALASKA USFS CABIN
RAF Alaska/Michigan Ambassador Rob Aho and Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Ambassador Kari DeFreest were awarded an RAF grant toward reconstruction and repairs at the US Forest Service Black Bear Cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. The fly-in cabin is 50 air miles west-northwest of Ketchikan and provides hiking, camping, hunting,…
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