News

A lifelong resident of Greenville County, South Carolina, Chris Sullivan started flying in 1991 largely inspired by his Uncle John who had been a Marine Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific theater, and later flew a Mooney for business. Chris explains that back in the early sixties, Greenville was still a sleepy little Southern town.…

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…

“This year’s Ryan Fly-In had a family reunion feel to it,” said RAF Administrative Director Tricia McKenna after making sure Sunday’s early risers had fresh coffee. RAF President Bill McGlynn added, “The weekend was something almost ‘spa-like’, getting together with old and new friends, and taking a deep breath of the fresh pine air.” Thirty…

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,…

This month’s Featured Item is our pink ponytail cap. This pink and tan C.C cap is perfect for on-the-go ladies! It comes in one size and has adjustable velcro on the back. The pink front of the cap has the RAF logo in tan. It has a mesh back that features a criss-cross design that…

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)…

Tim Riley of Driggs, Idaho has agreed to step up from his RAF Idaho Liaison position to a seat on the RAF Board of Directors. Riley has devoted many volunteer hours organizing and assisting on airstrip improvements in Idaho and Montana. He has also worked closely with the US Forest Service to foster cooperation and support…

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…