News

Not all RAF initiatives are accomplished by flying into the backcountry with work gloves and hand tools. RAF Texas Liaison Tres Clinton saw the need to commit some time within the halls of the Texas State Capitol wearing his best suit, with positive results.  In 2003, the Texas Legislature passed a law to protect riverbeds and freshwater areas from…

“It was a beautiful day for a work party, with good local support for our campsite buildout at Waterbury,” RAF Connecticut Liaison Drew Lyons said of the September work weekend. Waterbury-Plymouth (N41) lies 20 nm northwest of New Haven, Connecticut and has two turf runways, the longest of which is 2,000 feet. This pastoral area is only about 80…

The second successful cooperative project between the RAF and the Town of Keene has been completed at Marcy Field, (1I1) a 2,390 turf airfield near Keene, NY in the Adirondacks. The field lies in an area popular for recreation and the summer farm market. “There is world class fishing on the Ausable river and local…

RAF Montana Liaison and Montana Pilots Association Past President Scott Newpower reported that a half dozen planes and a helicopter landed at Schafer Meadows for a short-notice work party September 3-4. Schafer Meadows is Montana’s only airstrip within a Wilderness area, and as such, mechanized equipment cannot be used for maintenance. MPA volunteers have historically…

The tradition continues! Thanks to your great response in past years, we’re once again kicking off the RAF 2021 Photo Contest! It’s time again to submit your favorites. From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people…

The New Mexico Pilots Association Gila Regional Fly-in was a huge success. Perfect weather enabled 37 planes and 56 folks to attend. Based at Reserve, New Mexico, T16, pilots could explore some of the six Gila area backcountry airstrips during the weekend. The privilege to access these places is the result of a long term partnership…

This month’s Featured Item is the RAF Swedish Dishcloth pack. This paper towel alternative is a great way to support the RAF and the planet! Our 3-pack of custom RAF dishcloths works great for around the house or out camping. They soften when wet, and wash and dry easily. The cloths are printed with environmentally safe, water-based colors…

The RAF is excited to distribute Rich Stowell’s free “Learn to Turn” downloadable tutorial, subtitled “A Stick and Rudder Approach to Reducing Loss of Control”. Stowell credits the RAF for its dedication and contribution to safety education, and gives RAF’s Nevada Ambassador Fred Williams of Adventure Flying Services LLC a special thanks as well. Loss of control while…

Each month we highlight an airstrip where the RAF has had involvement. We hope that you will get out and enjoy these airstrips. This month’s Featured Airstrip is McKenzie Bridge Airport (00S) in Oregon. McKenzie Bridge Airport in the Central Oregon Cascades is popular with recreational aviators. It provides access to the McKenzie River, mountain…

Annie McGlynn-Wright, her husband, and their two small children decided to ride out Hurricane Ida in their home in New Orleans. They survived the powerful storm and their home was only slightly damaged, but they were stranded with no power, water or sewer during the city’s hottest days of summer. Annie is the daughter of…