RAF GRANTS FUNDS TO MAINTAIN ALTON BAY NH ICE RUNWAY

Alton Bay New Hampshire, B18 is located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest Lake in New Hampshire. It is the only FAA sanctioned public Ice Runway with designator in the lower 48 states. “Come land on the frozen lake and get your Ice Wings and Ice Chip,” RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade says. Pilots eager to practice this New England tradition come from as far as New Jersey and the New England states.

The RAF has been a key supporter these past few years keeping this tradition alive, and again in 2020 Meade applied and was awarded a $1,250 grant toward operations. The grant boosts donations from New Hampshire Pilots Association, local pilots and a Maine FBO all motivated to keep the ice field plowed, as long as the ice holds up, typically through March.

NH Department of Transportation pays Paul LaRoche a small stipend toward his time and truck to plow, and other volunteers get involved to keep the ice field open. “Paul hosts a pizza party at the end of the season for his volunteers as a way of saying thank you,” Meade added.

Submitted on January 30, 2020

Posted in News

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