SACATON SLATED FOR FUTURE RENOVATION

In light of the recent cooperative Challenge Cost Share agreement between the RAF and the Gila National Forest, work to re-open New Mexico’s Sacaton airstrip is on the calendar. The agreement acknowledges “mutual desire to return Sacaton airstrip to operational status to increase public access, promote tourism and economic development, while protecting the natural resource.” 

This agreement is the outcome RAF New Mexico Liaison Keller was hoping for. He recounted, “At least a decade ago, folks met at Sacaton airstrip, including RAF Ambassador Larry Filener and RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer. Even though it had been dormant for over thirty years, we recognized it could become part of the great inventory of New Mexico’s accessible recreational airstrips.” The airstrip is adjacent to the Rain Creek Trailhead into the Gila Wilderness, America’s first federally designated wilderness. “The Wilderness offers fishing for the coveted Gila Trout,” Keller said. 

In May 2021, Keller and RAF supporters John Lorenz and Chris Wilson met with the USFS at the Glenwood Ranger Office to discuss various airstrip projects. Then Keller made a presentation about airports’ economic and tourism potential to a receptive Catron County Commission. 

“This agreement is a great example of the collaboration that we have strived to achieve and a door opener for the other 153 National Forests in the system,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. “It’s significant because it includes the reconditioning of a formerly closed airstrip on the Gila National Forest. Kudos to Ron and the New Mexico pilots for their patience and persistence to make this happen.”

New Mexico Pilots Association will support the effort by providing a custom-built leveling drag that was used during the Rainy Mesa rehabilitation, and by providing a windsock pole. Keller says there are plans for a vault toilet and picnic tables near the trailhead. “Of course, volunteers from both organizations, many dual members, will be contributing sweat equity for the project,” he added.

The first Sacaton work party is scheduled for October 24-26. The plan is to lay out the runway footprint and clear the first 2,000 feet, and install the windsock pole. Future work will be scheduled as weather permits at the 6,100-ft elevation. In the meantime Sacaton remains closed.

Submitted October 14, 2022

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

RAF AND USFS COLLABORATE ON LOST CREEK, MI IMPROVEMENTS

August 28, 2026
RAF Michigan Liaisons Tanmoy Ganguly and Scott Anttila met with district U.S. Forest Service staff prior to starting work at Lost Creek airstrip, now MI45, (formerly 5Y4) in the Huron-Manistee National Forest in north-central Michigan. “We had a very constructive discussion about what the RAF does, and what we envision for future amenities at Lost Creek airstrip,” Ganguly said. The mid-August work weekend attracted 16 aircraft and 20 volunteers, including new MI Ambassador Ryan Minnick, MI Ambassador Ehsan Hamtaei, and IN Liaison Bill Steinmetz, many of whom enjoyed camping overnight in the forested setting. The crew was joined by nearby residents who donated their time, tools, and machinery to help and provided snacks.

RAF LOUISIANA LIAISON CAPTAIN MARCEL LEBLANC (RET)

August 27, 2026
Submitted August 27, 2025

PUBLIC COMMENTS REQUESTED TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO 10 OF UTAH'S BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIPS

August 25, 2026
CALL TO ACTION: Public Comments Requested to Support Access to 10 of Utah's Sensational Backcountry Airstrips The BLM has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the following ten Moab-Monticello backcountry airstrips. Pilot comments will help to open access to the airstrips. Your Comments are Needed by Thursday, September 3. Please use the link below to state in your own words why you support access to these backcountry airstrips: Nokai Dome Piute Canyon Potato Ridge Playa Big Flat Red Canyon Spring Canyon Castle Creek Steer Ridge West Wee Hope Mine

WORTH THE READ: BILL MCGLYNN EDITORIAL

August 25, 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 Bill McGlynn, President of the RAF.

VOLUNTEERS CLEAR GLACIER CREEK WITH HAND TOOLS

August 25, 2026
Nestled in among awe-inspiring mountains, Glacier Creek (KGZ) airstrip is 15 nm east of McCarthy in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. On July 11, a work party drawing 25 volunteers was held there, led by RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza, her husband Randy, and Alaska Ambassador Bri Norby. They were joined by a group of National Park Service maintenance crew members who’d been flown in the night before and cleared the trail from the airstrip to the cabin before volunteers arrived.