News

“Fifteen volunteers braved hours of rutted out 4×4 roads to come help rebuild Chicken Strip in Saline Valley on November 5 and 6,” RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov reported. It’s ironic that an airstrip in the driest place in North America suffers occasional flooding, but a regional deluge in July created washouts that closed the airstrip in Death Valley National…

“We just concluded our phase two work party at Sacaton landing strip, and I think we are about ninety percent finished,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported. Approval must come from the Glenwood District Ranger before Sacaton is open for general recreational use after decades of closure and neglect. As of now, usage is limited…

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Grand Gulch, Arizona. It’s grand, and there’s a gulch. This aptly-named location in Arizona’s Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is just 50 nm south of St. George, UT. There are two dirt runways…

RAF supporters with the popular O-470 model engine will be thrilled to learn that Hartzell Propeller has expanded the applicability of its popular three-blade aluminum Voyager props. The Voyager is now STC approved for Cessna aircraft powered by Continental 470-A (s/n 41000 and higher) -J, -R, and -S engines. This includes models C – J with standard…

RAF Georgia Ambassador and Bonanza pilot Eric Davis and his father Gary evaded poor flying weather and made the four-hour drive and boat ride into Creighton Island in October to make a variety of improvements to the unique fly-in island setting. They have proven to be a multi-skilled “dynamic duo” when it comes to upkeep…

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, that we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you.  Beginning in January 2023, the RAF website will feature a new page called “Worth the Read”. Each month, an editorial from a supporter’s point of view will be added. You’ll be able to find them…

Not everyone could get volunteers to show up for outdoor work on a Wisconsin airfield on the windy shores of Lake Superior in December. But RAF Director Jeff Russell and Wisconsin Liaison Amanda Levin were successful gathering a dozen folks who cheerfully helped take on maintenance and improvements at Cornucopia, including airport manager Tim Kaseno.…

“Michigan Aviation simply would not be what it is today without Steve Zelle’s efforts,” RAF Chairman John McKenna says. “For a guy who never learned to fly, his enthusiasm and passion for flying off the beaten path never waivered,” McKenna added. Mr. Zelle passed away in November, but his work lives on. Stephen founded the…

The holiday season is here, and the RAF Outfitter is a great place to shop for everyone in your life! From grandchildren to spouses, we have you covered. With pullovers, onesies, windsocks, decals, and more, you can shop for the whole family! Click here to shop the Outfitter! Thank you for your support of the…

The 2022 RAF Photo Contest just concluded, again with striking results among the 149 images we received. Again this year, our VP’s of Appreciation took time to review and judge them anonymously. The “RAF Mission” category yielded appealing images of what we do and why. Your response illustrates that the RAF is fulfilling its mission…