SUCCESSFUL WORK PARTY AT DOUBLE CIRCLE RANCH AIRSTRIP

We accomplished everything we’d planned and more this weekend at the old Double Circle Ranch and airstrip. (Eagle Creek.) Nine aircraft and about twenty-two folks including personnel from the US Forest Service came to support the work. Local ranchers Jean and Erik Schwennesen, Jacob Cannon, ranch hand from the old 4-Drag Ranch and Dave Krejci, showed up. Jean Schwennesen, summer intern for the Clifton District, also filled the role of USFS volunteer coordinator. Local ranchers sent over their gas grills, generators and necessary tools. Cub Crafter’s AZ dealer Rick Bosshardt drove from Phoenix to provide all our heavy hauling and food, and man did we eat! Ron Keller of NMPA and NM DOT Aeronautics Division blessed us with a full dinner of homemade green chili brats.

We oiled both the lodge and the bunk house, cleaned both structures completely, and installed an incredibly beautiful new counter top provided by the USFS that Recreation Tech Micah Miller had milled himself from a fallen ancient alligator juniper. It is three-inch thick by 12 feet long and solid. We’ll be heading back in a week or two to seal it for use. We re-positioned a huge juniper fence post at the gate to the airstrip, and mowed much of the parking area.

Seventeen folks spent both Friday and Saturday night with movie night in the lodge Friday night. Great thunderstorms rolled through on Saturday night, but visitors were happily tucked away in the lodge building, fireplace going, enjoying great conversation and friendship. I wish to thank everyone from AZ Pilots’ Assoc. and others who pitched in to help.

The USFS has approved the window project that we will try to complete this winter with the porch roof tentatively scheduled for April.

We sure hope to see all of you at Double Circle one of these days. Follow links to a safety briefing and informational pamphlet online under the Resources tab at: azpilots.org.

Submitted on October 3, 2014.

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