RAF GRANT FOR UPGRADES AT HENDERSON FIELD, IL

The Arizona Pilots Association (APA) and US Forest Service completed crack sealing at Grapevine airstrip, 88AZ, in September after a few weather postponements. The RAF helped arrange the project through its Cost Share agreement with the Tonto National Forest. As a result, the US Forest Service paid a portion, and the APA paid the lion’s share of the crack sealing. “Our contractors did a great job on the recent crack seal project,” APA officer and RAF supporter Tommy Thomason said. Grapevine airstrip near Roosevelt Lake offers camping, and APA volunteers have added two ramadas and fire rings. There are two vault toilets thanks to the RAF's Cost Share agreement. APA’s Mike Andresen organizes work parties for weed and erosion control to make sure the facilities are in order. Visitors are invited to fly in and camp together the third weekend of each month September through April. See the Grapevine page on APA’s website here for the safety briefing, RSVP contact, and other details. The RAF thanks the APA for their continued collaboration at backcountry airstrips and for all of their contributions towards general aviation in Arizona. Find more about Grapevine in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 29, 2026

More than 40 RAF key volunteers were apprised of current AOPA advocacy efforts during an annual online meeting with AOPA’s State Advocacy team of Regional Managers on October 13. Leon Jackler, Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy, began with appreciation for the RAF, saying, “You’re the people actually swinging axes and clearing brush. Thanks for all of your committed volunteers.” He then introduced each AOPA Regional Manager to discuss their specific action items. Common to most of the seven regions was the need for vigilance on taxes and fees, limiting the use of ADSB to extract fees, preserving existing airports, and preventing states from putting aviation fuel taxes into their general fund, called “revenue diversion.” A strong theme in each region was appreciation for the successful RAF-AOPA collaboration. One of several examples of this teamwork was the cooperative success adding “aviation" to Louisiana's Recreational statute, “on the first try.” Collaborative efforts continue to preserve Agua Caliente airport in California, Aeroflex Andover airport in New Jersey, and others. In closing, RAF Chairman John McKenna reiterated the value of this partnership. “I’m proud of the relationship that exists here. We’ve got people who care.” Submitted October 29, 2026 Cover Photo Credit: Jim Stevenson, Knik River, AK

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.

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum, located adjacent to the Tullahoma Regional Airport (KTHA), is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Beechcraft Heritage Museum team, 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 national fly-in "Beech Party" event over the October 10-11th 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