RESTORATION, IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT LONE PINE WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT

The RAF has awarded California Liaison Katerina Barilov another grant to help fund continued improvements at California’s Lone Pine Airport. This 2025 project will continue the upgrade to the original terminal building that serves as a pilot shelter, meeting room, and kitchen for visitors. The terminal building had fallen into disrepair over several decades. The nonprofit Friends of Lone Pine Airport, (FLPA) saw its cultural, historic, and economic value and in 2022 coordinated with Barilov to help fund materials and organize volunteers to begin restoration. A previous RAF grant helped fund FLPA volunteer efforts to improve the outdoor restrooms, damaged doors, and windows.

In addition to the 2025 RAF grant, this project will be funded with a financial contribution from Inyo County, and community project sponsorship program funds, with FLPA volunteers providing labor. They will undertake more extensive restoration of the building, both inside and out. Plans are to complete refinishing of the pilot’s lounge and front office floors, install tongue and groove ceilings, repair and paint interior walls and trim, install floating floors in the kitchen and county office, and install new lighting. The project will also secure the area that houses the AWOS system.

Located between the depths of Death Valley National Park and Mount Whitney’s 14,505-ft peak, “Lone Pine Airport, serves pilots arriving from all over the US and Canada, with many staying for multiple days,” Barilov said. Lone Pine Airport hosts an annual October Backcountry Fly in, which has received national recognition.

“Together, we aim to make this airport the aviation gem of the Owens Valley,” Barilov said. The FLPA wrote, “By restoring the terminal building, FLPA will be taking the first step towards making the airport an even more attractive aviation destination, as well as providing substantial benefits to the rural community. We are excited to revitalize this aviation gem.”

For more information on Lone Pine Airport, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted January 13, 2025
By Carmine Mowbray

Posted in News

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