News

“RAF 2022 – The RAF Way” was a three-day educational conference held near Milwaukee May 15-17. RAF liaisons, ambassadors, and other key volunteers gathered at their own expense in Pewaukee, WI. EAA CEO Jack Pelton welcomed early arrivals at Pioneer Field, and when the educational sessions began, the group was 110 folks from as far…

The RAF is pleased to announce that Cornucopia Airport, 23W (formerly WI23) along Wisconsin’s shore of Lake Superior is now open for public access. RAF Director Jeff Russell of Waunakee obtained RAF grants and worked with the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics for the past three years, organizing work parties and airfield improvements in cooperation with…

The RAF partnered with Montana State University’s Computer Science Software Factory to improve the Airfield Guide’s functionality, and incorporate ForeFlight usage. MSU has Montana’s highest ranking Computer Science (CS) department, and launched the Software Factory, an innovative way to expose students to real-life businesses and organizations. Dr Clemente Izurieta, PhD oversees the program that is run by senior CS…

During the past two years Noble County Airport Manager Ed Crock completely leveled, rolled, created drainage, and seeded the area near the trail entrance to adjacent Wolf Run Fly-In campground, providing aircraft parking on turf for campers. RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine reports that it’s in excellent condition. Mr. Crock also designed and built the…

In response to recent requests for information about privately-owned airfields, the RAF has updated its Guide for the Private Airfield Owner. The RAF recognizes that private airfields are invaluable for aviation access to recreation and offers this discussion of considerations when allowing others to use your airfield. This resource gained the endorsement of AOPA. It answers important…

With the increased popularity of Trigger Gap RAF Arkansas Liaisons Dave Powell and Harper Goodwin began considering noise mitigation. “As an organization, we have truly strived to make as low an impact as possible,” Goodwin said. They examined current usage and flight paths, and coordinated with The Nature Conservancy. With help from fellow RAF members…

RAF Oregon Ambassador Bill Ables reports that more than two dozen volunteers arrived to clean up airstrips in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area on April 23.  What may surprise some is that Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge. The Snake River is known for whitewater rafting, jet boating, fishing and access to native sacred…

RAF supporter and skilled fabricator Joel Wyttenbach learned that Cornucopia Airfield WI23 needed a turf roller to smooth mole hills and prepare the surface for aircraft use. “Organizations like this are made of people with a lot of different abilities,” he said. “I could help out Corny with a roller, and had to take the opportunity to…

Mackie Ranch lies at 5,642 elevation a few miles south of Enterprise, Utah surrounded by the Dixie National Forest. Owner Justin Mackie opened the airstrip for public use. Mackie, a supporter of both the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), has cleared room for aircraft parking, a porta-potty and fire ring. Now he is creating…