HARTZELL PROPELLER, RAF AGREE TO INCENTIVES FOR BACKCOUNTRY PILOTS

The following is a press release announced by Hartzell Propeller.

Hartzell Propeller has reached an agreement with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) to offer a special $1,000 discount on all new Hartzell backcountry propellers sold to RAF members. The RAF is a national organization headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., which is dedicated to preserving, improving and creating airstrips for recreational access.

“Hartzell Propeller is making this offer to RAF members through the end of 2022 as part of our commitment to the excitement and fun of backcountry flying,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge. “The RAF has prevented the closure of a number of airstrips and even built new ones. We are excited to be a part of the legacy established by these dedicated pilots.”

The propeller offerings included in this partnership include:

  • The Voyager, a 3-blade metal scimitar propeller designed for the Cessna 180, 182, 185 and 206 fleet
  • The Trailblazer, a 2-blade composite prop available for the Aviat Husky, American Champion Scout, Maule M-7-235 and host of experimental aircraft
  • The Explorer, a 3-blade composite prop available for a number of experimental aircraft
  • The Pathfinder, a 3-blade composite prop available on the Cubcrafters XCub and Carbon Cub FX, as well as several experimental aircraft.

Each of these propellers is designed to maximize performance for backcountry operations, including shorter take-off rolls and better climb rates.

“For those of us who love the land and the special backcountry places that only our airplanes can take us, our more than 9,000 RAF members appreciate this very welcome initiative from Hartzell Propeller,” said RAF Chairman John J. McKenna, Jr. “These new propellers are a direct testament to Hartzell’s commitment to innovation for backcountry airplanes and pilots. With added performance and reduced noise levels, all in the backcountry community will appreciate Hartzell’s new propellers,” he added.

“Through this new promotion, Hartzell’s commitment will be an exceptional benefit to current RAF members and an extremely welcome incentive to becoming a new RAF member,” McKenna said. In addition to providing the RAF discount, Hartzell Propeller will make a $250 contribution directly to the RAF organization for every member who buys a new Hartzell prop for backcountry flying until the end of 2022.

Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced technology aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for business, commercial and government customers. The company designs next generation propellers with innovative blended airfoil technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers, robotics and custom resin transfer molding curing stations.

Hartzell Propeller and sister companies, Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC, Quality Aircraft Accessories, and AWI-AMI (Aerospace Welding Minneapolis, Inc., and Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc.) form the general aviation business unit of Tailwind Technologies Inc. For more info on Hartzell Propeller, go to www.hartzellprop.com.

About the Recreational Aviation Foundation
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was founded by a group of Montana pilots who realized the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern. They also recognized there was a need for a unified effort by pilots everywhere to protect public recreational opportunities. The RAF, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to preserving existing airstrips and creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States. For more info see: https://theraf.org/.

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

MARCEL LEBLANC

By lellington • September 15, 2026

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.