UTAH’S TAYLOR FLAT AIRSTRIP GETS GREEN LIGHT TO REOPEN

“Daggett County Commission just recently approved both the Taylor Flat Airstrip [Right Of Way] lease agreement with the BLM, and the application for an FAA identifier for Utah’s Taylor Flat Airstrip,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig announced.

Taylor Flat, in the northeast corner of Utah is managed by the BLM’s Vernal Field Office, and Lessig thanks the staff there. “Special thanks to Daggett County for their willingness to handle and record the airstrip Right Of Way and allow pilots to enjoy this beautiful airstrip,” Lessig said.

Lessig was instrumental in preparing the application, coordinating between Daggett County, the BLM, and other stakeholders, and gathered information to assist the BLM throughout the required Environmental Assessment. “Thanks to Wendy’s taking action as the RAF Liaison, and her professional persistence following through the lengthy public review process, Taylor Flat Airstrip will reopen as another unique backcountry destination,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. Volunteers will be organized to work on reopening the 2,500 x 70 foot airstrip, expected in spring 2026. The dry camping area is within a quarter mile of the Green River.

This airstrip has been closed for 28 years and will remain so until the planned work is complete. Kent Bond – Lessig’s fellow member of Utah Back Country Pilots – originally suggested the remote possibility of reopening the airstrip, and Lessig, along with RAF Utah Ambassador John Clayton, took on the task. “The RAF persisted and did not give up throughout the two and-a-half year process. Once opened, watch for Taylor Flat in the Airfield Guide, and a new RAF windsock midfield at the airstrip,” Lessig added.

Submitted October 15, 2025

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