News

“Twenty-four aircraft arrived . . . coming in from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and as far away as New York and Utah,” RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick reported of the July 9-11 weekend work party at North Fox Island.  Michigan volunteers had begun mowing the runway on Thursday, completing the task Friday afternoon when brush cutting began. Campers…

Marcy Field, (1I1) is a 2,390 turf airfield near Keene, NY in the Adirondack Mountains, and has been awarded a second RAF grant to enhance safety. Locals have expressed concern about the potential for planes hitting cars or pedestrians on the runway. “This seems to be an issue especially on Sunday when the farm market…

The bars, brothels and hospital, school, and gymnasium are long gone in what was formerly the bustling town of McCarthy, Alaska, at the foot of the Wrangell mountains adjacent to the Kennecott mine, but its history is intact. And now, just across a footbridge, a series of “wayside” panels commemorate the many miners who lost their lives in the dangerous…

On Saturday, May 29 approximately 20 people representing the RAF, Montana Pilots Association, and Montana Aeronautics helped maintain Spotted Bear Forest Service airstrip, (8U4) along the South Fork of the Flathead River, just south of Hungry Horse Reservoir in northwest Montana. RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower reported that most drove in and camped. A few flew in,…

On Saturday, May 29 approximately 20 people showed up representing the RAF, Montana Pilots Association, and Montana Aeronautics to help maintain Spotted Bear Forest Service airstrip along the South Fork of the Flathead River, just south of Hungry Horse Reservoir in northwest Montana. RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower reported that most drove in and camped,…

Approaching Ryan Field at pattern altitude the weekend of June 12-13, the place looked verdant and ready for mowing. As RAF Director Mike Perkins cut big swaths with the John Deere tractor, Mike and Nancy Hines mounted their pair of John Deere mowers, and expertly steered around cones, trees, tents, and tight places to finish…

The Trigger Gap pavilion is nearing completion, thanks to many generous donors and volunteers who gave their time at multiple workdays earlier this month. We’ll announce the opening once the lovely stonework is complete, and the public can enjoy using the new pavilion. Find details about Trigger Gap in the Airfield Guide. Trigger Gap airfield, (17A)…

Barrows Field (VA04) is an RAF supported grass airfield near Roanoke, VA in the Shenandoah Valley along the Catawba Creek. Barrows is home to R&B Aircraft, makers of Bearhawk aircraft. To make the field more of a recreational destination with amenities, owner Bob Barrows requested a little help from the RAF. RAF Virginia Liaison Alan White…

The RAF cooperates with New Mexico Pilots Association, and during the weekend of April 30 to May 2 volunteers from both organizations met at Me-Own Airstrip, (1NM0) for a work party. This remote airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,554 and is special in that it is close to the Gila Wilderness Area, and immediately…

“McKenzie Bridge Airport in the Central Oregon Cascades is popular with recreational aviators. It provides access to the McKenzie River, mountain bike trails, and remote camping,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes says. To ensure the continued utility of the airport, Mayes has been awarded an RAF grant to employ a contractor to mow the airfield.…