Archive for 2020


By ewhite December 10, 2020
Managers of Death Valley National Park in California are seeking public input regarding future use of the park’s Stovepipe Wells Village. One of the park’s proposals is to change the Stovepipe Wells airstrip into a dedicated night sky viewing area due to the prohibitive maintenance expense of repaving the runway. This is due to the…
By ewhite December 10, 2020
The RAF is pleased to announce that one of the country’s most distinctive airports has been saved from potential closure. Goodspeed Airport, (42B) lies beside the historic Connecticut River in East Haddam, CT. The airport has a 2,120-ft paved runway, a parallel turf runway, and is the only seaplane base in southern New England, listed…
By ewhite November 30, 2020
The RAF has granted $14,000 toward the preservation of Minnesota’s Isle Airport, (MY72). Minnesota Liaison Kirk Hiner and RAF Director Emeritus Peter Burwell met with Isle Airport management to agree on cost sharing a project to remove encroaching trees that were threatening to close the airport. In June, the RAF reported that the city council…
By ewhite November 30, 2020
A picnic pavilion is going up at Havana Regional (9I0) in Illinois! The project is being coordinated by the Havana Regional Airport Board and members of the local EAA Chapter 1420. RAF awarded grant funds to partially fund improvements at the airport. Additional improvements include year-round showers and a fire pit, f
By ewhite November 30, 2020
Campground improvements at Fort Kent Municipal Airfield in Maine are now complete. Camping area additions include two picnic tables and a picnic area shelter just off the west side of the runway next to the trailhead to Fish River Falls. Fort Kent Municipal Airfield is adjacent to Maine’s Fish River, and George Dumond of the Fish River Flying Club has…
By ewhite October 15, 2020
The RAF has granted funds to help cover the cost for improvements at Fort Kent Municipal Airfield in Maine. Camping area additions will include two picnic tables and a picnic area shelter just off the west side of the runway next to the trailhead to Fish River Falls.  Fort Kent Municipal Airfield is adjacent to Maine’s…
By ewhite October 9, 2020
Maryland Ambassador Day job: Product Manager of Digital Air Traffic Tower Solutions at Frequentis USA Favorite airstrip: Far too many to say. Perhaps Alton Bay or KLUA. Honestly, I hope I haven’t found my favorite yet. Next adventure: Backcountry flying in Idaho – hopefully very soon!
By ewhite September 9, 2020
RAF grants are used typically to purchase building materials, with much of the labor provided by RAF volunteers. Occasionally professionals must be engaged to complete specialized tasks. When Montana’s Schafer Forest Service airstrip (8U2) needed serious grounds work this summer, RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower outlined the need, and an RAF grant was awarded for the…
September 4, 2020
A West Virginia RAF member who owns the mountaintop grass airfield Rainelle, (WV30) has worked with RAF West Virginia Liaison Evan Davis to open it to RAF membership for fly-in camping. “There is no place in West Virginia that provides a facility like this that I am aware of,” Evan said. In order to make it…
By ewhite September 2, 2020
Maine RAF Liaison Andy Rowe reports that the tree removal project has begun on Cowboy’s Air Ranch (84ME), closing it for the time being. An RAF grant is being used to extend the 2,100-foot long turf airfield an additional 1,300-1,500 feet and equipment is now on site. This airfield is privately owned, and permission is required…
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Recent Posts

February 27, 2026
Looking for a way to participate with like-minded RAF supporters? Like to roll up your sleeves on an airfield project? The RAF makes it easy for you to learn about and plan for upcoming 2026 RAF events, work parties, and other activities. Events are added all the time, and the calendar will begin filling up as summer approaches, so we encourage you to make a habit of checking it often. Scroll down on the RAF homepage or go directly to the Calendar page here . Due to the number and variety of aviation activities, only those with RAF involvement will be listed on our calendar. We encourage you to check your own state’s pilot and aeronautics resources, and type-club social media for other activities. Submitted February 27, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
February 27, 2026
Have you explored the RAF Airfield Guide ? If discovering new places and adventures excites you, the Airfield Guide is the place to begin planning your next destination! You can filter airfields by amenities, runway length and type, and geographic region to get a tailored list of destinations perfect for your next flying adventure. You can also create flying routes to plan a longer trip. If you come across an airfield listed in the Guide that you've been to, submit a comment to share your experience with others. The Airfield Guide is a high-quality tool to help you discover special places around the country. It's fast and easy to sign up for, and is free, without ads. If your head is in the clouds, dreaming about where to fly this summer, the Airfield Guide is the place to find your inspiration. Submitted February 27, 2026
February 27, 2026
This month, we are featuring a most unique destination, Alton Bay, New Hampshire, B18, located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a busy seaplane base during summer, and when winter chill descends on the countryside, the watercraft get stored, and eager pilots await New Hampshire’s DOT Aeronautical Division’s go-ahead for ice landings when they deem the ice is a safe thickness. Local volunteers get involved and mark the runway with cones, and keep the ice field, taxiway, and parking apron graded, typically through March. The RAF, alongside other local organizations, has played a role in keeping Alton Bay open and maintained over the years—helping fund fuel and equipment parts, and supporting the dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep the runway in excellent condition. Pilots enjoy the experience of landing on pure ice on New Hampshire’s largest lake – skis not required – and locals report a fantastic season this winter, logging more than last year’s record 764 landings. “Pilots eager to practice this New England winter tradition come from as far as New Jersey, Michigan, and the New England states to land, socialize, or walk the short distance to town for shopping, dining, and the surrounding amenities,” said New Hampshire Liaison John Meade. Alton Bay businesses warmly welcome visitors to their annual February Winter Carnival that draws large crowds for sleigh rides, ice skating, beer and chili bar, a chowder cook-off, and food and swag vendors. Find Alton Bay Ice Runway on the Airfield Guide and bookmark the Alton Bay Facebook page to check out photos, reels, reviews, and of course, current dialog. Those who pay a visit to B18 receive a coveted Ice Wing certificate and Ice Chip. Submitted February 27, 2026 Photo Credit: Greg Delp
By Carmine Mowbray February 27, 2026
The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places. These folks enjoy serving as advocates in their respective states, helping the RAF preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza says, “Being an RAF State Liaison is one of the most fulfilling roles…
February 24, 2026
FLORIDA AMBASADOR