VOLUNTEERS WORK TO IMPROVE GRAVELLY VALLEY

A group of men standing in front of an orange wind cone

Nine volunteers, including RAF California Ambassadors Alan Cossitt and Jason Brand, flew and drove into Gravelly Valley airstrip, 1Q5, in the Mendocino National Forest over the October 19 weekend to install a new windsock and paint the runway threshold markers to make them more visible. District Ranger Frank Aebly and Forestry Technician Mark Sampson represented the Forest Service, helped haul water and cement, and transported supplies to the strip.

Cossitt said, “This airstrip is a gem due to the area’s physical beauty, and the large Tule elk herd that frequents the area. September is peak rut season, a wonderful reason to use the airstrip.” He reports that work party participants who spent the night heard some bugling from rutting elk. “The Forest Service is very supportive of the airstrip and sees it as a key resource in future recreation plans,” Cossitt added.

That support was especially evident at the October 19 event. Aebly and his team had to get NEPA approval, organize clearing brush and digging of the windsock hole, purchase all the needed equipment and parts, and fabricate the windsock pole and mount.

“The Forest Service invested a substantial amount of time and money into improving the airstrip, and the RAF appreciates their support,” Cossitt said.

The 3500-ft runway surface is rough but still usable. The USFS hopes to drag the runway soon but is still determining when this will occur.

To delve deeper into the history and features of Gravelly Valley, we recommend exploring the Airfield Guide for a comprehensive overview.

Submitted on October 28, 2024.

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