NORTH FOX ISLAND AIRSTRIP OPENS IN MICHIGAN
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has been working for several years to re-open North Fox Island airstrip, located on a state-owned 820-acre island in Lake Michigan.
Many volunteer man hours have gone into preparation and negotiations in order to reclaim and return the airstrip to a safe condition. North Fox Island is approximately 27 miles northwest of Charlevoix. The 3,000-foot turf runway has displaced thresholds with 60-foot trees on both ends and along the sides. It is now open to the public and will appear on the chart as 6Y3.
“The RAF is pleased to announce our completion of a formal agreement with the State of Michigan to open North Fox Island,” said RAF President John McKenna.
“This is a spectacular recreational aviation destination that fits right in with the mission of the RAF,” said RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick, who oversaw much of the volunteer labor and substantial logistical challenges. “Restoration of the airfield, cones, windsock, and mowing equipment have all been done by a group of tireless volunteers,” he added.
Volunteers will be tapped to assist with ongoing maintenance, another successful model the RAF employs to keep backcountry airstrips safe and desirable at minimal expense to public entities. Help support North Fox Island and other RAF projects by making your contribution today.
The Recreational Aviation Foundation is a public 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to “preserve, improve, and create public use recreational and backcountry airstrips nationwide,” 1711 W. College St., Bozeman, MT 59715,
www.theraf.org.
Submitted on August 17, 2015.
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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 Neil Mortine, a marketing and relations executive, RAF Supporter, and husband of RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine.
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By RAF Director Bill Brine and the RAF's Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee. Too many backcountry accidents happen on the third approach. After two unsuccessful attempts at landing, the pilot is tired, anxious, behind the airplane, and making decisions with a brain that has been running down since the first go-around. The airstrip hasn’t gotten easier. Third time’s NOT a charm. What’s driving this is cultural. Baseball is “three strikes, you’re out.” Could this thinking have joined us in the cockpit? We aren’t playing baseball out here. The backcountry does not give you that third strike. It gives you consequences. Our RAF Code of Conduct calls on each of us to establish personal minimums based on sound aeronautical decision-making — before we need them. Decide your limits at the kitchen table. Write it down. Brief your passengers. Commit to it before you start the engine. That’s when the rule does its job and leads to that hoped-for experience you set out on. Here is one worth considering: two attempts, fly away, head somewhere else . Not because your mission failed, but because you made a sound decision. Flying away is not defeat. Head to your alternate. Land, shut down, and let everyone decompress. Unload gear, leave passengers, go back solo, or call it a day. Those are good outcomes. Submitted June 15, 2026 Photo Credit: Scott Newpower
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