RAF AND NEW MEXICO PILOTS ASSOCIATION WORKING TOGETHER ON NEGRITO AIRSTRIP

The New Mexico Pilots Association Recreational Airstrip Committee (NM-RAC) has organized a work party for April 29 through May 1, 2011 at the Negrito Airstrip (0NM7) in South West New Mexico.  A rain date is set for the following weekend.  The Negrito Airstrip is located at N33° 31.253667′ W108° 32.570200′ (estimated by  AirNav ).  Its elevation is 8,143 ft and it hosts two runways.  The main runway (17/35) is 7,500 ft long and 60 ft. wide.  The secondary runway (3/21) is 4,000 ft long and 60 ft wide (all information from  AirNav ).  The airstrip is located 18 miles SE of Reserve, NM.

The  NM-RAC  organized a fly-in there last fall and representatives have been talking to Bob Madil, the local US Forest Service District Ranger, about enhancing the airstrip.  The work party will remove rocks from the sides of the runway to improve the parking along the airstrip.  Larry Filener, Chairman of the  NM-RAC , warns pilots flying in to stop their aircraft on the runway and walk the area they want to park before moving their plane into parking.  Many of the rocks are big enough to catch a prop, and they are usually hidden in the grass.  The New Mexico Pilots Association and the RAF are very excited to announce their growing partnership with the National Forest Service in an effort to insure the future of the airstrip and its maintenance.

Negrito airstrip is managed by the United States Forest Service as a fire base and prior permission is required for use.  Pilots should make arrangements to attend the work party by contacting Larry Filener through the New Mexico Pilot Association (NMPA) website at  http://nmpilots.org.  He will provide briefing information including frequencies and will add pilots’ names to the work party list.

The airstrip is located in the beautiful  Gila National Forest.  There are no amenities at this time but the NM-RAC is working to establish permanent facilities at the airstrip.  In addition to the work contemplated for this year, NMPA has requested that the Forest Service allow them to begin planning for installation of a latrine, shelter and picnic tables.  Both NMPA and RAF are very excited at this development as it will further our vision of having Negrito become one of the Nation’s premier backcountry airstrips. The president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation,  John McKenna , says “The airstrip is a great asset for the State of New Mexico and it is great to see it being preserved.  The New Mexico pilots are working to fulfill the RAF mission of  “Keeping the legacy of recreational aviation strong by preserving, maintaining and creating public use recreational and backcountry airstrips nationwide.” Rol Morrow , RAF Director and New Mexico State Liaison says, “I am very excited about the progress the NM-RAC has made with the US Forest Service in the preservation of the backcountry airstrips in New Mexico.”

The NM-RAC is working on other airstrips also so stay tuned to learn more. You can also learn more about the New Mexico Pilots Association and the Negrito Airstrip Fly-In by visiting their website at http://nmpilots.org.

Submitted on April 12, 2011.

Posted in News

Recent Posts

LOCK HAVEN BATH HOUSE TO GET REFURBISHED, THANKS TO RAF GRANT AND VOLUNTEERS

May 14, 2026
Lock Haven Airport, or William T. Piper Memorial Airport (KLHV), has a legendary past. From 1937 to 1984, it was the home of Piper Aircraft, where the Cub was born. The vintage aircraft community celebrates to this day with its annual “Sentimental Journey” pilgrimage fly-in, and fills the parking areas along both its paved and turf runways. For recreational pilots, it’s a great base location for fly-outs, including scenic flying opportunities over the mixed hardwood forest along the Susquehanna River. The year-round camping area has working restrooms, a pavilion to escape the elements, and a bath house that had deteriorated. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini and RAF Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner assessed the deteriorating bath house and decided to do something about it. They have been awarded an RAF grant for upgrades and refurbishment. “Our goal is to bring the bath house back to full operational capacity and improve the site’s utility,” Vignolini said. “By replacing damaged siding and applying fresh paint, the project halts deterioration. The other planned bath house and campground improvements ensure that the environment matches the prestige of the aircraft that visit.” The Sentimental Journey Board organized an initial work party in April. Volunteers have provided the specialized machinery and tools to complete the structural work and site preparation. Vignolini and Turner are now ready to line up volunteers to replace an insufficient water heater, install privacy dividers, and integrate an RAF fire ring and RAF information box. CAP volunteers will help with the project. Volunteers will be the primary workforce, bringing their own tools and expertise to the field, from licensed plumbers to seasoned handymen. “Lock Haven has always been built by the hands of those who fly there,” Vignolini said. Work will continue in May, with the goal of being completed for the 2026 season. “The campground and fire ring serve as the ‘social hangar’ where elder pilots pass down knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills to the next generation of aviators.” Vignolini added. Lock Haven Airport can be found in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 14, 2026

JUST LUCKY? OR WELL-PREPARED TO OPEN THE CHUTE?

May 13, 2026
“The only people who can change something are the ones who really want to. And not everybody does.” When I read this, it took me back to the early days of the RAF. We saw a troubling trend taking place — the loss of airstrips across the country with no real organized voices to help put the brakes on the decline. And we really wanted to change that. Change demanded new ideas from us. Ideas that we assumed would initially be resisted. This defined our purpose. Good ideas come with the burden of effort and purpose. That separates those with a strong purpose from those without. We wanted to create an organization that would counteract the attrition of backcountry airstrips we saw taking place. We rolled up our sleeves and didn’t look back. Easy to say now that the RAF was lucky, but it was purpose that drove the organization in the early years; that really formed who we are today. A group of people with a purpose who knew we needed more people who thought like we did, and cared; people who took this idea called the RAF and added to it, keeping it unique but effective. We felt that most of the existing business models in the nonprofit space were not what we needed to be, and we pushed forward persistently with our thinking – thinking that required putting our own personal desires aside and pursuing ones that were for a greater good. You joined in. You, too, found purpose in the RAF and now look where we are. Nearly 15,000 of us are making the necessary sacrifices to make our voices heard, to create a better environment for the future of recreational aviation. We have more opportunities today because of you. Each one of us is important to continue the momentum we have gained. To determine what the RAF can do to further our mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. To prioritize the many opportunities coming our way. It is about us, and what we are going to do with the time we have left on this earth. This organization will hopefully give you purpose now and in the future. Most importantly, I really hope it will give you as much sense of accomplishment as it has me. Thank you for what you continue to do. - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted April 15, 2026

CAMPSITE IMPROVED AT FRONT ROYAL WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT, VIRGINIA

May 13, 2026
RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky organized volunteers the weekend of May 8-9 to clean up the campsite and install new amenities at Front Royal Warren County Airport, Virginia, KFRR. Assisting were the Warren County Airport Commission and Friends of Front Royal. “Together, we accomplished an amazing amount in a short time. From removing loads of trash to installing the beautiful new RAF-branded fire ring, entrance sign, and flag pole, the campsite has already been transformed into a welcoming destination pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” Kosubinsky reported. The team also cut and stacked enough firewood to last several seasons to benefit future visitors. The volunteers also set up an RAF table and greeted visitors during the airport Wings and Wheels event. This public-use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway and offers camping with access to a porta-potty, indoor restrooms, and a courtesy car. It’s known as a gateway airport to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. “Thank you again for helping make the KFRR Stokes Airfield Campsite something we can all be proud of. I look forward to many future gatherings around that new fire ring,” Kosubinsky added. Find more on Front Royal Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 13, 2026

RAF VOLUNTEERS HELP MAINTAIN GREAT VALLEY AIRFIELD, NEW YORK

May 11, 2026
RAF New York Liaison Doug Turnbull organized a work party at Great Valley airfield, N56 near Salamanca, in southwestern New York on Saturday, May 2. The group of volunteers cleaned up the riverbank, performed seasonal maintenance, and added a new RAF windsock. They removed encroaching brush along the 3,200-ft turf runway to make the approach more visible. The airfield is privately owned but open for public use. “Owner Anna Northrup was very appreciative of the fellowship and that she didn’t need to worry about these things. She generously provided morning donuts and coffee and lunch from the adjacent Katy's Fly-In restaurant,” Turnbull said. “The many hands made quick work, and it was good to spend time with other RAF volunteers out in the field working on this strip,” Turnbull added. Find more on Great Valley in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 11, 2026

RAF FEATURED SUPPORTER: ORRIN BANKS

By Carmine Mowbray • May 11, 2026
Along with volunteering his time and talents at RAF work projects, RAF supporter Orrin Banks and his family business have left a positive and lasting mark on airstrips across the West through donated windows and glasswork. When you think of a family business, maybe an old-fashioned country store or corner drug comes to mind. Banks Glass in Jamestown, California, is seeing its fourth generation stepping up, and it’s something Orrin Banks is very proud of. “My grandfather started this business in 1961. I have a large family, and many of them live in the area and work at our company,” he says. He and his cousin are third-generation and manage the commercial side of the business. They grew it right out of the original building into bigger quarters. Speaking of Jamestown, he says, “This was the perfect place to grow up on a ranch near the foothills. My cousin and I got into all kinds of trouble on three-wheelers. Now we’re still the best of friends.” Aviation has played a big role in the success of the business. In 1982, Orrin’s grandfather bought a new Cessna TU206 for corporate flights. Orrin’s dad flew it throughout the 90s when he added a Skywagon 180. Using aircraft for business and pleasure, he introduced young Orrin to flying. Orrin got his license and owned a Cherokee 140. He worked for the US Forest Service, and while working in Libby, Montana, he flew into many of the suitable airports in Montana and the Idaho Panhandle. He returned to Jamestown to work in the family business, and has really found his own mission there.