Archive for 2015

Utah, Tennessee, Kansas, Indiana, Maryland . . . Forest Service, BLM, private landowners . . . are just a few of the places, agencies, and individuals the RAF is involved with to generate new opportunities on our quest to “Expand the Map.” The fun is talking about destinations, maybe sitting around a campfire with a few folks, and thinking of new places to go. Working with partners and new people who might not have worked with us in the past, and seeing a project go from an idea to a place for all to enjoy. It is happening right now, and we are collectively Expanding the Map. But like our flying, when we expand our capabilities, we take on new responsibilities. Responsibilities we might not have felt at the prior level. From flying a fixed-gear aircraft to one with foldable wheels, we add the responsibility not to forget to put the wheels back down when we get ready to land. Very few incidents have been reported about forgetting to raise the gear when departing, but forgotten gear-down landings litter the reports. As we grow and Expand the Map we all need to make sure to do our best to plan for and conduct a successful outcome. We need to be responsible and remember to put the wheels down. The responsibilities of taking care of one nearby airstrip is not such a big task, sort of like flying a basic airplane. However, as we expand our options, there are levels of complexities that come with the territory. More levers to pull, and buttons to push, more things to remember in order to safely conduct the flight. So it goes with Expanding the Map. We need to pay all the more attention. Who will our partners be? How do we make sure the place stays in good shape? Who will take care of cutting the grass, cleaning the outhouse, changing the windsock, and maintaining online listings? What is there to do when we arrive, and for sure, how will we pay the bills? Expanding the Map is exciting, but it will be the little things all along the way that we have to keep our eyes on. “Cockpit Resource Management” if you please. We are so excited to be asking you to get even more involved, because we are going to need you. You have heard it before, but without you, Expanding the Map would not be possible, and frankly, without you, there would be no reason to Expand the Map. The RAF is on a roll, and just like the basics of flying, we all need to remember those things needed to make this work – Gas on, switch on, hang on. - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted July 15, 2026

FEATURING: RAF PULASKI GLASSES Raise a glass to the work that keeps backcountry aviation alive! These RAF Pulaski Glasses are a perfect addition to your bar or a thoughtful gift for any aviation or backcountry enthusiast. Each glass features the RAF’s signature Pulaski tool, a tribute to the hardworking volunteers who preserve, improve, and protect airstrips across the country. Just like the tool itself, these glasses celebrate grit, utility, and a commitment to getting the job done. The Pulaski is a versatile, heavy-duty tool used for trail building, chopping wood, and clearing brush, making it an essential part of backcountry work for RAF volunteers. Made in the USA from high-quality glass, they’re built to last. Get yours today. 

You’d have a hard time finding a more beautiful place to fly than Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ). The Grand Teton, Big Hole, and Snake River mountain ranges surround this eastern Idaho valley. Driggs has become a world-class destination for the pilot community. National Geographic magazine listed Driggs as “one of the ten best outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S.” Just a 45-minute drive over Teton Pass is Jackson, Wyoming, a famous Western destination. The airport, at an elevation of 6,257, accommodates aircraft on both its 7,300-ft paved runway and 3,000-ft turf landing area, marked with cones. Note: The SW 3,451 feet of the paved runway is closed until August for reconstruction. Check NOTAMS before landing. Fly-in visitors are welcome to camp underwing at its grassy tie-down area. It’s an ideal gateway to the Idaho backcountry. Enjoy views of the nearby Teton Range from the 12' x 16' cedar pilot shelter. There is potable water, a toilet, power, a gas barbecue, and a charging station nearby. Within walking distance of the campground is the Forage restaurant. A bike shed and loaner bikes, provided by the Idaho Aviation Association Borrow-A-Bike program, are available to ride into town. If you desire a more urban experience or wish to explore further, the airport has rental cars. “It’s a great destination for the pilot community, with access to hiking, biking, fishing, floating, golf and a small town with numerous shops and restaurants,” RAF Director and Driggs resident Tim Riley says. He and a local RAF supporter recently completed a spring cleanup to ready it for the season. The amenities were provided cooperatively through the RAF, the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA), the City of Driggs, and its Airport Board, with financial contributions from each. For more information on Driggs, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted July 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

It’s bear grass season around West Glacier, Montana, and nearly a score of volunteers from three different states drove in to Ryan Field June 12-13 to complete seasonal maintenance, and enjoyed spotting the showy blooms throughout the woods. Bear scat was also seen in several places – a reminder that a clean camp protects both campers and wildlife. The airfield remains closed until the new runway grass has stabilized for landing, so watch the Airfield Guide for an announcement that the field has re-opened. As a result, there was no annual Ryan Fly-in this year. Volunteers removed downed trees, cleared and marked hiking trails, mowed around the buildings and part of the runway, cleaned bear boxes, the pilot shelter, cabins, and barn. “We welcomed new volunteers and continue to work hard maintaining the field. We are as eager as everyone for the grass to take good hold so the runway can open again,” Administrative Director Tricia McKenna said. Submitted June 30, 2026