VOLUNTEERS RAISE PAVILION AT TRIGGER GAP

The open air pavilion is nearing completion at Trigger Gap Airfield in Arkansas, 17A. Volunteers came from 12 states representing RAF members, the Tailwind Aviation Foundation, and local Fly Oz friends, most of whom are also RAF members.

“We had a very successful work party,” RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell said. “All had a great time and enjoyed building community together in addition to structures,” he added. The Nature Conservancy staff also came out including Scott Simon, Arkansas TNC Director.

“I was awed by the skill, enthusiasm and can-do attitude of each and every one of our forty volunteers,” RAF Arkansas Liaison Harper Goodwin said. Everyone contributed, some by screwing 16-inch screws into massive beams with big hammer drills, while others dug trenches, installed wiring and lighting, built a shower tent, mowed, leveled new areas, and spread grass seed, he reported. There were trips to the hardware store. Folks boiled some crawfish, and cooked for the crew. “My goodness did they cook . . . three meals a day,” Harper added. “Everyone was an important cog in the wheel and it was a lot of fun seeing it run smoothly.” 

In addition to the pavilion, the crew replaced windsock frames, cut and split firewood, fabricated chairs and painted them along with cementing in a new monument sign. Stone masons are scheduled over the next several weeks to create a stone fireplace and wall to finish the pavilion.

“I am very proud of what we all accomplished and most of all I cherish the friendships that were made. I look forward to crossing paths with each and every one of the team as we now have a special bond, with Trigger Gap and the RAF as the foundation,” Harper said. 

The RAF thanks all who contributed their time or monetary donations toward this project, and values its relationship with Fly Oz and The Nature Conservancy.

See details about Trigger Gap in the Airfield Guide.

Volunteers Improve Richland Creek

In addition to all the work accomplished at Trigger Gap, volunteers took on projects at Richland Creek airfield, 4AR9. They constructing a composting toilet similar to Trigger Gap and erected a gazebo with wood cut by the same Amish supplier who provided timbers for the Trigger Gap pavilion.  (Photos and report to follow.)

“Trigger Gap and Richland Creek are but two more examples of the best that the RAF can be…not only did we build structures but once again we built community,” said RAF Chairman John McKenna. “Big thanks goes out to the folks who traveled near and far to help as well as to those that contributed the funding needed to buy what hard work alone could not.” The Richland Creek listing can be found in the  Airfield Guide.

Submitted May 14, 2021

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HIGH ROCK, MD

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
The RAF is proud to have become stewards of a very special fly-in destination in western Maryland, along the North Branch of the Potomac River. The RAF has just registered it with the FAA, and you’ll now find High Rock Airfield, 68MD, on your chart. When you think of Maryland, maybe the Star-Spangled Banner comes to mind, or midshipmen on the Annapolis parade grounds. But anyone who’s flown around the state will know why it’s called “America in Miniature.” Within an hour and a half C182 flight from High Rock, one could see diverse geographic contrast between rustic hamlets in the forested ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Mountains, the spreading grid of urban Baltimore, and Maryland’s 4,000 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. You’d also experience Maryland’s varied climates, from cooler mountain conditions in the west to warmer, more humid conditions near the coast. High Rock’s 1,700-ft turf airfield offers a backcountry setting less than 100 nm from a region with over 10 million residents. As impressive as the solitude, the setting offers visitors its aviation heritage, thanks to the late Robert Armstrong. Pilots “Bob” and his father Harold collected and restored vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship, including a “Lindy Award” at EAA’s AirVenture for their Aeronca Champ restoration. It was Bob’s wish to preserve the airfield for future generations of aviators to enjoy camaraderie in this sylvan setting. High Rock airfield is named after a nearby overlook that rises 1,000 ft above the forest-lined airfield and offers afternoon shade. Visitors can camp near the river, and in season can angle for trout. Enjoy floating the river in your inflatable or SUP. Find more about High Rock Airfield and the required Safety Briefing in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 30, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

GEM OF THE EAST: HIGH ROCK AIRFIELD IN MARYLAND EXPANDS THE MAP

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
An extraordinary private airfield in Maryland has been generously gifted to the RAF by the late Bob Armstrong, honoring his family’s lifelong passion for aviation. High Rock Airfield lies within a sweeping bend of the North Branch of the Potomac River and brings another eastern US destination into the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. A true gem of the East, it offers a real backcountry experience just 85 nm northwest from where the Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses the Potomac in bustling Washington, DC. “We are humbled to have become the stewards of this special place, and will honor the Armstrong family’s legacy by creating a welcoming place to enjoy the fellowship of backcountry aviation,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Bob and his father, Lt. Col. Harold Armstrong, were indeed passionate about aviation and based their multiple rare aircraft here. Bob was a lifetime member of the EAA, the Aeronca Club, AOPA, the QB Club, the OX-5 Organization, the Cumberland Soaring Group, the Soaring Society of America, and the Vintage Sailplane Association. He and Harold collected vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship. One Aeronca Champ restoration won the highest “Lindy Award” honors at EAA’s AirVenture competition in Oshkosh.

ARIZONA'S GRAPEVINE RUNWAY CRACK SEALED

October 29, 2026
The Arizona Pilots Association (APA) and US Forest Service completed crack sealing at Grapevine airstrip, 88AZ, in September after a few weather postponements. The RAF helped arrange the project through its Cost Share agreement with the Tonto National Forest. As a result, the US Forest Service paid a portion, and the APA paid the lion’s share of the crack sealing. “Our contractors did a great job on the recent crack seal project,” APA officer and RAF supporter Tommy Thomason said. Grapevine airstrip near Roosevelt Lake offers camping, and APA volunteers have added two ramadas and fire rings. There are two vault toilets thanks to the RAF's Cost Share agreement. APA’s Mike Andresen organizes work parties for weed and erosion control to make sure the facilities are in order. Visitors are invited to fly in and camp together the third weekend of each month September through April. See the Grapevine page on APA’s website here for the safety briefing, RSVP contact, and other details. The RAF thanks the APA for their continued collaboration at backcountry airstrips and for all of their contributions towards general aviation in Arizona. Find more about Grapevine in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 29, 2026

AOPA REGIONAL MANAGERS FEATURED AT RAF OCTOBER ONLINE MEETING

October 29, 2026
More than 40 RAF key volunteers were apprised of current AOPA advocacy efforts during an annual online meeting with AOPA’s State Advocacy team of Regional Managers on October 13. Leon Jackler, Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy, began with appreciation for the RAF, saying, “You’re the people actually swinging axes and clearing brush. Thanks for all of your committed volunteers.” He then introduced each AOPA Regional Manager to discuss their specific action items. Common to most of the seven regions was the need for vigilance on taxes and fees, limiting the use of ADSB to extract fees, preserving existing airports, and preventing states from putting aviation fuel taxes into their general fund, called “revenue diversion.” A strong theme in each region was appreciation for the successful RAF-AOPA collaboration. One of several examples of this teamwork was the cooperative success adding “aviation" to Louisiana's Recreational statute, “on the first try.” Collaborative efforts continue to preserve Agua Caliente airport in California, Aeroflex Andover airport in New Jersey, and others. In closing, RAF Chairman John McKenna reiterated the value of this partnership. “I’m proud of the relationship that exists here. We’ve got people who care.” Visit AOPA's state advocacy page here . Submitted October 29, 2026 Cover Photo Credit: Jim Stevenson, Knik River, AK

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.