GOLD PULASKI AWARD

Century Companies  of Lewistown, Montana was awarded the Gold Pulaski by the Recreational Aviation Foundation at the Montana Aviation Conference held recently in Helena, Montana.

The Gold Pulaski is the highest award given by the RAF. It signifies an outstanding contribution by a company or individual for work on the RAF mission. Century Companies under, the direction of President Tim Robertson, contributed thousands of dollars, equipment use, and countless hours of volunteer labor to build the Russian Flat airstrip in central Montana. Russian Flat is the first new airstrip built on United States Forest Service land in over 45 years.

The new airstrip is complete with camping facilities, handicap accessible toilet, aircraft corral (to keep stray critters away from your plane) and a new grass airstrip in a gorgeous setting suitable for use by most all aircraft.

In his remarks during the presentation, RAF President John McKenna had this to say about Century, “This is a contribution to aviation that is not only significant, but will last”

Jeff Patnode, who is in Sr. Management with Century, accepted the award.  In addition he provided personal hands on volunteer labor to the project.  Jeff flies a Cessna 185, and in his remarks upon acceptance only had this to say. “If you have never been involved in building an airstrip, I will tell you it’s pretty cool.  So, let’s all go build another one”

The RAF is proud of its relationship with Century as well as all the people affiliated with the Russian Flat project.

To learn more about Russian Flat, visit, the  Russian Flat Airstrip page  in the  Pilot Info  section.

Submitted on March 18, 2011.

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FEATURED AIRSTRIP: KEG KNOLL, UT

By Carmine Mowbray • August 28, 2026
Some outdoor enthusiasts experience Utah’s Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness from the flat and peaceful water of the Green River as it goosenecks between Navajo Sandstone canyon walls, spires, and side arches. From a vantage high above, this region of stunning geologic and cultural wonders is equally as stunning. Thanks to the diligence of the RAF’s Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig, pilots may now land on a mesa overlooking the vast San Rafael Desert at Keg Knoll airstrip. This public airstrip is truly a gateway to some of Utah's most remarkable canyon country near Horseshoe Canyon and Canyonlands National Parks, offering a quiet alternative to the busy national park trails. Lessig led an effort over the past three years to advocate for the reopening of Keg Knoll airstrip. Various meetings were organized with the BLM to explore whether the airstrip could be reopened as allowed by the Wilderness Act, leading to the BLM's decision to authorize public access earlier this year. Lessig is planning a work party at Keg Knoll this fall with BLM and Utah Back Country Pilots to further improve the airstrip. Keg Knoll Airstrip has outstanding recreational value and offers pilots ready access to a true wilderness experience. Trails take visitors past ancient stories etched in desert varnish and painted on stone. Or to Colonnade Arch – just two miles from the airstrip – much-photographed for its five time-honed windows in the sandstone. Pilots are reminded that this airstrip lies within a Wilderness Area and all wilderness rules apply, including leaving all motorized and mechanized devices at home; no bicycles, drones, power tools, etc. The southwest 700 feet of the original airstrip is closed to aircraft due to sensitive vegetation. Those seeking a remote, dark sky experience should put Keg Knoll on their travel plan. Bring your self-reliance, and leave nothing behind. The RAF is thrilled that this airstrip has opened this year as part of its nationwide Expanding the Map initiative. Find out more about Keg Knoll airstrip in the Airfield Guide and on our dedicated web page . Submitted August 28, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

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RAF LOUISIANA LIAISON CAPTAIN MARCEL LEBLANC (RET)

August 27, 2026
Submitted August 27, 2025

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