GRAPEVINE COST-SHARED REPAVING COMPLETED

Repaving at 3,800-foot Grapevine, (88AZ) has been completed, thanks to a Master Challenge Cost Share Agreement between the US Forest Service, Arizona Pilots Association, and the RAF, coordinated by RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer. Each entity contributed funds. APA provided $10,000, the RAF provided $5,000, and the Tonto National Forest invested $15,000 for a total of $30,000 worth of work.

Years ago, the Arizona Pilots Association recognized the value of Grapevine, an abandoned asphalt airstrip on the Tonto National Forest within the Sonoran Desert near Roosevelt Lake, the largest body of water in central Arizona. “Hundreds of volunteers from APA, the 99s, and the RAF gave their time, money, sweat and even blood, (everything has thorns in the Sonoran Desert) cooperating with the US Forest Service to restore the airport to a safe condition,” RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer said.

Since the 2012 re-opening, Grapevine has become very popular with recreational flyers from the Phoenix area and central Arizona. As one of only two asphalt airstrips we know of on Forest Service lands, “it is also frequently used by National Guard helicopters, Air Force Search and Rescue training, and has been a critical part of fire operations over the last two years for the Forest service,” Spencer said.

“Grapevine is an example of what can be accomplished through partnering,” Spencer added.

For information on Grapevine, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted on October 13, 2022.

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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