CONNECTICUT AIRFIELDS AWARDED RAF GRANTS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements at two Connecticut airfields, Goodspeed, 42B near East Haddam, and Waterbury, N41 near Plymouth have been funded by RAF grants, thanks to RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas.

At Goodspeed, Thomas has lined up volunteers, and will use the grant to purchase materials for four 10-ft x 10-ft tent platforms to establish a desirable camping area. Additional improvements planned are the installation of several RAF branded fire rings on a base of crushed stone, and park style barbecue grills. Thomas also plans to erect a wooden kiosk to display camping information and the RAF mission and its contributions to Connecticut recreational aviation. He located Mini Kiosk kits made from locally sourced and naturally rot-resistant New England wood. 

“This is phase one of a larger project,” Thomas said. “Additional items for later consideration include a pavilion, bathroom and other amenities at Goodspeed,” he added.

At Waterbury, Thomas continues making improvements with recent RAF grants. “With acres of flat ground just off the main runway dotted with shade trees, Waterbury is an ideal place to camp and escape the hustle and bustle,” he said, adding, “We are well on our way with the 2022 addition of tent platforms completed with funds raised from local pilots, and the 2023 RAF grant which provided funds to install an outhouse, fire pit and newly constructed picnic tables.”

This season found Thomas seeking an efficient way to relieve the airfield owners’ burden of weed whacking and mowing, the most difficult part of the airfield upkeep. He found a used Husqvarna commercial grade riding lawn mower, “that had been maintained in an impeccable condition with less than 300 hours on it,” for well below market value. With its purchase and weed whacking tools, Thomas has recruited RAF volunteers, both Connecticut State Liaisons, and Ambassadors to
assist with weekly mowing and weed whacking during the spring, summer and fall camping season.