ENJOY AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE HAVANA (9I0) STARGAZING PARTY

The improvements continue at Illinois’ Havana Regional Airport, 9I0. RAF Illinois Liaison Mike Purpura worked with the local airport authority, and local EAA Chapter 1420, and with leverage from an RAF grant, made this multi-year effort possible. In addition to the new four-season men and womens’ shower/restroom facility, a patio seating area and RAF fire ring were installed near the pavilion and pilot lounge, in time for this year’s stargazing party.

Fly in Friday night, September 16 and camp at the airport for this popular event. Please arrive before dusk. Per NOTAM, field lights will be turned off that evening. A cookout will take place Friday night followed by the Sangamon Astronomical Society and other volunteers providing a dozen high-powered telescopes and viewing guidance. Breakfast will be served Saturday for fly-in campers.

The airport has a courtesy car for those wishing to spend the night in town. Check Airbnb for lodging options. For more information about the event, call 309-253-3300 or 309-397-6926.

For more information about Havana, what Purpura calls “a great little airstrip and small town in one of the few backwaters of Illinois,” visit The Airfield Guide.

“Havana, IL is a gem. In the roaring ‘20’s the Chicago gangsters loved coming down to relax, hunt ducks and buy hand rolled cigars from the local shops,” said Purpura. “You can still relax, and hunt ducks. You just have to bring your own cigars and enjoy them around the RAF campfire ring.”

Submitted August 31, 2022

Posted in News

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

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 guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026