News

In response to the increasing usage of our nation’s backcountry, and concern over preservation of aviation access, the RAF established a new Backcountry Etiquette Team (BET). The team’s goal is to strengthen the culture of stewardship using multilateral messaging regarding respectful backcountry flying practices. The 10 member team was introduced at the May RAF education…

The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of professional financial planning talent, coordinated by Steve Maus, CLU, MSFS, and Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy. We are here to learn what is important to you in your legacy planning. Last December, the RAF began sharing a series of planned giving ideas to help you take…

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Joyce Woods, an RAF friend and volunteer who also facilitates the NM Airstrip Network. “Value is Created with Partners” was my new manufacturing boss’s mantra in the…

The BLM is taking public comments on two Travel Management Plans, (TMPs) and the Bears Ears draft Resource Management Plan (RMP), which you’ve already heard about. RAF Utah Liaison and UBCP board member Wendy Lessig has followed the progress of each and urges that your help is needed NOW to preserve many Utah backcountry airstrips. You’ll simply…

RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots board member Wendy Lessig reports that this spring, UBCP volunteers completed work to preserve several airstrip treasures. Recently Locomotive Springs was dragged. “Both runways are smooth enough for most planes to land, for now,” Lessig said. Here you’ll stand on the transcontinental airmail route and one of the concrete directional arrows, a sort of early…

Rainelle, (WV30), a privately owned turf airfield on top of a mountain in southern West Virginia now has a spiffy dual restroom and shower house, thanks in part to an RAF grant and hard-working local volunteers. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini tracked progress on the grant and reports that the facility is now functional.…

Purpose? An abiding intention to achieve a meaningful personal goal, and make a positive mark on the world. A sense of purpose often is other-focused, something that improves the lives of others, something bigger than yourself. A number of years ago I was discussing the time and talent that so many folks were freely contributing…

Over 120 RAF volunteers and noted speakers from across the country gathered in Bozeman for the RAF’s biennial Education Conference May 16-19. A dozen flew their own GA aircraft, lining BZN’s ramp with an impressive array. One stalwart volunteer, RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe, took honors for longest distance road trip in his electric SUV…

Dave and Julie Powell of Rogers, Arkansas were honored with the “Wind Beneath Our Wings” award during the RAF’s biennial education conference in May. This award recognizes extraordinary efforts to further the RAF mission. This award was created and sponsored by RAF co-founders/volunteers Dan and Margie Prill, and Chuck and Penny Jarecki. Powells’ names have…