Archive for 2021
Five inches of new snow didn’t deter a hardy group of 11 RAF volunteers who traveled to the northernmost village in Wisconsin in mid December to cut trees and remove brush at the Cornucopia airfield, WI23. “The snowstorm the previous week didn’t appear to impede the skid steer or the volunteers,” RAF Director Jeff Russell…
After nearly two years, RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi decided it was time to gather his team of “Gettin’ it Done” RAF volunteers to refresh Blackwater, 8FD3. The group endured a light drizzle, but two aircraft flew in and camped. RAF Alabama Liaison Dan Barnhill and his parents joined the group. “All planned projects were completed,” Capozzi…
In preparation for a December 3-5 Creighton Island fly-in, Georgia Ambassador Eric Davis reported, “We had great weather and a solid showing by our Creighton Island diehards,” in mid-November. Davis was joined by RAF Georgia Liaison Kevin Barry and Ambassador Lou Furlong for a work party at this privately-owned coastal island airfield. The team mowed…
Sporty’s Tailwheel Checkout Course is out, and the RAF appreciates that its final segment shares the RAF mission, and the importance of preserving recreational and backcountry airstrips. Some of the RAF’s accomplishments are shown, while the narrator points out that there is probably a recreational airfield within an hour of your home. There is an illustration of…
January 3 is Butchie Ryan’s 100th birthday. To honor this remarkable woman, we’re sharing a few highlights of her very full life. The RAF will be forever grateful to Butchie and her late husband Ben for donating their Ryan Field property near West Glacier, Montana to the RAF so it can be enjoyed by all.…
A substantial volunteer effort took place at Two Hearted airstrip (6Y5) during the last two weeks of October. RAF supporter Jerry Ness donated his time and use of his equipment to re-grade a significant portion of the airstrip, with Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick, Leon Everhart and Mike Hintz also contributing time and energy to the project. Frederick explains that Two Hearted airstrip, 6Y5 is closed until the State…
The RAF was invited to be the first of 13 parties to sign the New Mexico Airstrip Network (NMAN) Memorandum of Understanding renewal. “I’m proud to have been at the signing of the original MOU, and this renewal is proof that our combined efforts are worthwhile. The RAF will gladly shoulder our responsibilities going forward,” RAF…
RAF Maine Liaison Steve Mason has reported on a successful improvement project at Norridgewock, Maine, KOWK. The municipal airport has multiple asphalt runways and a parallel turf airstrip. Mason learned that the town would not maintain the turf airfield, so he obtained an RAF grant to reclaim and enhance safety at the strip. “The grass…
RAF President Bill McGlynn was a panelist on the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s “Back to the Back Country: 2021 in review” live webinar November 18. This presentation was a segment of the Air Safety Institute’s Backcountry Safety Initiative that the RAF participated in last May. The free webinar was a reflection on recent backcountry flight accidents in…
RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi has been awarded an RAF grant for continued maintenance at Blackwater airfield (8FD3) near Munson, Florida, 33 nm northeast of Pensacola. “This grant will benefit the aviation community and continue our current relationship that the RAF enjoys with the Florida State Forestry who owns the airfield,” Capozzi says. This grant will…
Recent Posts
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 Jeff Smith, a pilot and an RAF Supporter.
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
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
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
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…
