FORT KENT AIRFIELD TO RE-OPEN – RAF PROUD TO ASSIST

In  Fort Kent, Maine  a small group of pilots has contacted the town requesting that they be allowed to re-open the local municipal airport near the Fish River.  They formed the  Fish River Flying Club  and have now signed a lease agreement with the town to repair, maintain and operate the 3,200 foot grass runway. 

John Nadeau  of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) contacted Mr. Tommy Voisine of the Flying Club and learned that the Town Council of Fort Kent seemed to be in favor of the agreement, but they were concerned about liability.  Nadeau explained that Maine now has aviation included in the Recreational Use Statute, and that if the Town was not concerned about other recreational activities on the land, then noncommercial aviation activities should be seen no differently than those other activities, such as hunting or snowmobiling.  Mr. Voisne took this information to the Town Council and they agreed.  The Town attorney drew up a five year lease for the Fish River Flying Club which was signed on July 8, 2011.

Mr. Voisine is careful to explain that the airport, closed since the 1980’s, is not yet opened.   It will require some smoothing and the addition of some gravel to fill some ruts made by trucks over the years.  The Flying Club is in the process of obtaining services and funding for the needed work.  Mr. Voisine has been in contact with the FAA and will complete the licensing procedure only when the repair work is finished to assure operational safety. 

The RAF has made a donation to help with the repairs and encourages others to do so.  Donations can be sent to Fish River Flying Club, c/o Tommy Voisine, 242 Market Street, Fort Kent, Maine 04743.

Nadeau said, “Helping the Fish River Flying Club at Fort Kent perfectly fits the RAF Mission of‘Keeping the legacy of recreational aviation strong by preserving, maintaining, and creating public use recreational and backcountry airstrips nationwide .”

Watch for information regarding the opening of Fort Kent Airport on this web site.  Mr. Voisine stated that the airport will be licensed as restricted use rather than public use, and that he should be called for a safety briefing and airfield information and conditions at 207-834-5685.   Mr Voisine also indicated that, though on the chart the airport will be designated as restricted use, the public will be welcome to use it once they have requested and received a safety briefing.   Camping will be allowed, and the Fish River is only a short walk from the airfield. 

Donations to support the RAF Mission can be mailed to RAF, 1711 West College, Bozeman, MT 59715 or click here to donate now.

Submitted on July 16, 2011.

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

DON'T HAVE TO LOOK FAR

By John McKenna • September 14, 2026
Sometimes one needs to look no further than one's incoming correspondence to find inspiration. Just this past week, folks passionate about the RAF mission reached out to me with suggestions that would bring resources to the RAF. Whether they be one-off items that we might offer, or events like large fundraisers, these folks are offering some thoughts on how we might continue to pay the bills. Additionally, we’re receiving word from folks with new destinations on their mind, and some pretty cool ones at that. Along the way, my inbox – as well as my calendar – is filled with updates on our Expanding the Map effort, with an emphasis on Fly Rocky Top. The Fly Rocky Top initiative in Tennessee is generating strong interest, and for good reason. It feels great. Folks are showing up to pitch in, with significant work projects planned. Trish and I, along with other board members, will be there to lend a hand to this exciting project. We are coming up on our annual year-end letter, which you will be seeing not long from now. In addition to showcasing a few more of our successful projects, we will be seeking your support. Stand by. I’ll wrap this up by letting you know that we could not be more pleased with how you all are doing your part. Thank you. It is so healthy to have an organization that uses passion as a primary energy source. - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted September 14, 2026

GARRISON DAM RECREATIONAL AIRPARK IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE

September 11, 2026
“We had a busy day at Garrison Dam Recreational Airpark, as we continue to work on the underwing camping area,” RAF North Dakota Liaison Brian Rau reported. Rau was awarded an RAF grant in spring of 2026 to convert an adjacent day-use park into an airport camping area, and had organized volunteers who began the project in May. The airport, 37N, is closed while the runway and taxiway are being upgraded by a contractor for the ND Aeronautics Commission.

PACK A TRASH BAG

By Stef Goza • September 9, 2026
You know the feeling. You set the airplane down somewhere spectacular, shut off the engine, and enjoy the pristine landscape in front of you. This is why you fly. Keeping airstrips pristine is everyone's responsibility. But one item that doesn’t always make it into the airplane is a good trash bag. Not for the trash you planned to make. For the trash you didn’t. Cans left in a fire ring, fishing line along the river, or food wrappers working their way through the brush. None of it came in your airplane, but you have the ability to get it out. That’s reason enough to tuck a couple of heavy-duty contractor bags in with your tie-down gear. They earn their space in other ways, too. A contractor bag can keep wet or muddy gear out of the baggage compartment, cover equipment in a downpour, collect rainwater, or become an emergency poncho or windbreak. It weighs almost nothing and takes up very little room. Throw a few in the airplane and leave them there. You may not need one for your own trash, but there is a good chance you’ll find another use for it—or find something worth carrying out. Submitted September 9, 2026 By Stef Goza, Etiquette Chair, Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee

VOLUNTEERS CLEAR WILLOWS, TREES FROM MARBLE AIRFIELD

September 8, 2026
RAF Colorado Liaison Ken Long, Ambassador Mike Langersmith, and other RAF volunteers participated in an August work event at Marble, Colorado, a mountain airfield about 20 nm up the Crystal River drainage south of Carbondale. Airfield Manager Susan Blue put together the task list and oversaw the event that brought 21 volunteers in ten aircraft and four dogs. 

RAF OUTFITTER SEPTEMBER FEATURED COLLECTION

September 5, 2026
FEATURING: SMARTWOOL SOCKS Whether you’re flying into the backcountry, hitting the trail, or simply going about your day, a comfortable pair of socks can make all the difference. Smartwool Socks are designed for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, offering the comfort, support, and durability you need wherever the day takes you. Made by Smartwool and finished with the RAF logo, they’re a practical way to bring a little backcountry spirit along for the journey. Get your feet backcountry-ready and show your support for the RAF from the ground up!