RAINELLE, WEST VIRGINIA GETS NEW SHOWER HOUSE

Rainelle, (WV30), a privately owned turf airfield on top of a mountain in southern West Virginia now has a spiffy dual restroom and shower house, thanks in part to an RAF grant and hard-working local volunteers. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini tracked progress on the grant and reports that the facility is now functional. Assisted in great part by RAF Supporter Scott White and local volunteers from other aviation groups such as the EAA and Cessna Owners, the 14×18-ft structure has a covered porch, toilets, fiberglas shower enclosures, a mechanical room, and electrical outlets for charging devices near the camping and tie-down area.

The airfield owner generously permitted use of his well and septic system at no cost. White made substantial donations to the RAF for this project, and provided many of the tools as did the property owner. Volunteers provided site prep, helped form and pour concrete, and helped on the framing, wiring, plumbing, and roofing. Vignolini reports that volunteers will next install a water storage tank and pump to boost water pressure.

Here visitors can experience camping with their airplanes in a peaceful setting with an amazing view and a nice restroom facility and running water for dishes and other needs. There is hiking on site. This remote airfield makes for a great fly-in/fly-out base to explore southern West Virginia. Nearby airports include Summersville Lake (SXL), Raleigh County/Beckley (BKW), and Greenbrier Valley (LWB), home to a historic resort established in 1778.

See the Airfield Guide for more information. The owner appreciates a call at 704-904-2900 prior to use, but it’s not required.

By Carmine Mowbray
Submitted May 31, 2024

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