News

You may not have heard of Edgartown, MA but you probably know of Martha’s Vineyard. The Katama Airpark, 1B2 is a recreational turf airfield on the island, and the RAF has awarded a $10,000 grant toward a facility for pilots and passengers to gather, picnic, and enjoy direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. “First opened in…

If your state includes land within a National Forest, the USFS wants to keep you informed of its Forest use public planning steps. RAF liaisons are tasked with tracking their respective Forest planning. If appropriate, RAF Public Agency Consultant Ron Normandeau prepares talking points, and state liaisons let RAF supporters know when public input is…

Word is out about beautiful Ryan Field. The RAF has worked hard to improve this backcountry airfield, and welcomes visitors with appropriate flying skills. To preserve its premier backcountry atmosphere, the RAF is clarifying vehicle use. Ryan Field welcomes under-wing tent camping, and fly-in use of the rustic cabins. Road vehicles are welcome to drive…

New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller was awarded a grant to replace the tires on a vital piece of airstrip maintenance equipment at this Rodeo, New Mexico strip, NM90. Keller and Amigos Del Cielo Airport Manager Peter Jarosak feared that the old, worn tubeless tires on the Ingersoll Rand surface roller could fail, stranding the equipment on the…

The RAF announces a successful advocacy outcome for pilots who prefer to take off and land on turf, typically adjacent to hard-surfaced runways. The new FAA Advisory Circular  AC 150/5300-13B became official on March 31, and acknowledges turf operations within Runway Safety Areas(RSAs). RAF Director Jeff Russell began working with AOPA and EAA in July of 2019,…

The RAF is excited about a new partnership regarding airstrips in Texas State Parks. A formal agreement was signed between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, (TPWD) and the Recreational Aviation Foundation on March 18, 2022. “This is far more than an agreement to provide volunteers and RAF grant money for projects in Texas,” RAF…

The Recreational Aviation Foundation is saddened to share news of Agnes “Butchie” Ryan’s passing in the early hours of March 15. Butchie and her husband, the late Ben Ryan had generously donated their northwest Montana airfield property to the RAF so it could be shared with the public forever. The RAF was not only blessed…

RAF Chairman John McKenna and Director Tim Riley traveled to our nation’s capital and met with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania on Monday, February 28 in his D.C. office. Rep. Thompson is the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee that oversees the US Forest Service. He said he has interest in seeing additional…

Schafer Meadows, 8U2 is in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, and maintenance is handled non-mechanically. A video has been released of the ongoing runway work, featuring a team of mules, the use of a vintage grader, a Fresno scraper, and a sickle bar mower.  RAF Liaison Scott Newpower helped coordinate the project with then-District Ranger Deb…

Our friends at AOPA’s Air Safety Institute invite you to attend the first of three backcountry flying safety webinars scheduled this year. The first “Flying the Backcountry: Risks and Rewards” episode is this Thursday, March 17, 7pm EDT.  Joining AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Executive Director Richard McSpadden are Mark Patey and Todd Christensen. Learn their tips on…