AN OREGON GEM – VOLUNTEERS PROTECT PACIFIC CITY STATE AIRPORT

The RAF recently learned the history of an Oregon gem, Pacific City State Airport ( KPFC ), thanks to David Inman, vice president of  Friends of Pacific City State Airport. Nestled in the middle of a small Oregon coastal town, the airport lies near rivers, a beautiful beach, and a picturesque cape.  Fishing dories launch directly into the surf.  Horses traverse the miles of sandy beach, much of which is within Bob Straub State Park. The town is a mix of small-town homes and businesses.  Family-friendly inns and five-star accommodations are within an easy walk from the airport.

Of vital interest is that for years, the State of Oregon’s Aviation Board and Oregon Department of Aviation (ODA) considered selling or closing the airport.  While the State claims a sale of the airport would retain public access, the Friends fear this could change. The Friends’ goal is to encourage the State to join together with the many supporters to make a better state-run airport, similar to the RAF’s success under the leadership of Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes at McKenzie River Bridge state airport.

On September 22nd, The Friends, supported by the RAF, organized a work party of 50 pilots, families and community volunteers — some from hundreds of miles away — to demonstrate their support for the airport.“The airport is important economically to the community, is frequently used by emergency services and recreating pilots, so our group has a mix of members,” David said. Lack of State advocacy led to neglect —trees and brush were encroaching on the Runway Safety Area, “and so began an effort to team-build with the ODA by forming a volunteer work party,” David added.

“The airport itself has its challenges,” David explained.  It’s 1,875 feet long, and 300 feet shorter landing from north to south. The pavement is good, but just 30 feet wide.  A road passes the north end of the runway and an estuary lies to the south.  The ramp has parking for about five aircraft “and these spots go rapidly on a sunny weekend.  If it has been dry for a while, parking in the grass is possible,” David said. 

“It’s the Friend’s goal that Pacific City State Airport becomes a well-supported state airport and that a healthy relationship is made with the State Aviation Board and the Oregon Department of Aviation,” David said. To that end, this first work party was highly cooperative and successful. Volunteers brought tractors with brush hogs and buckets, a front end loader, chipper, dump truck, track-hoe, and many chainsaws. The ODA surveyed the property lines, provided another large chipper, a dump truck, tractor, a supervisor and crew of three.  The community supplied discounted lodging, a staging area, snacks, lunch, a doctor, first aid, safety crew, and expert loggers.  In all, the volunteers and ODA crew removed ten dump truck loads of chipped debris and one of garbage. Both south and north approaches were improved.

“This was a beautiful day with much accomplished,” David said.  “With the help of those writing letters to the Board, donating, and volunteering support for the airport, the goal is nearer.”

Submitted on October 11, 2018

Posted in News

Recent Posts

WORTH THE READ: STEVE JOHNSON GUEST EDITORIAL

May 19, 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 Steve Johnson, former RAF Director, Supercub.org founder, and Gold Seal CFI/MEI.

LOCK HAVEN BATH HOUSE TO GET REFURBISHED, THANKS TO RAF GRANT AND VOLUNTEERS

May 14, 2026
Lock Haven Airport, or William T. Piper Memorial Airport (KLHV), has a legendary past. From 1937 to 1984, it was the home of Piper Aircraft, where the Cub was born. The vintage aircraft community celebrates to this day with its annual “Sentimental Journey” pilgrimage fly-in, and fills the parking areas along both its paved and turf runways. For recreational pilots, it’s a great base location for fly-outs, including scenic flying opportunities over the mixed hardwood forest along the Susquehanna River. The year-round camping area has working restrooms, a pavilion to escape the elements, and a bath house that had deteriorated. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini and RAF Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner assessed the deteriorating bath house and decided to do something about it. They have been awarded an RAF grant for upgrades and refurbishment. “Our goal is to bring the bath house back to full operational capacity and improve the site’s utility,” Vignolini said. “By replacing damaged siding and applying fresh paint, the project halts deterioration. The other planned bath house and campground improvements ensure that the environment matches the prestige of the aircraft that visit.” The Sentimental Journey Board organized an initial work party in April. Volunteers have provided the specialized machinery and tools to complete the structural work and site preparation. Vignolini and Turner are now ready to line up volunteers to replace an insufficient water heater, install privacy dividers, and integrate an RAF fire ring and RAF information box. CAP volunteers will help with the project. Volunteers will be the primary workforce, bringing their own tools and expertise to the field, from licensed plumbers to seasoned handymen. “Lock Haven has always been built by the hands of those who fly there,” Vignolini said. Work will continue in May, with the goal of being completed for the 2026 season. “The campground and fire ring serve as the ‘social hangar’ where elder pilots pass down knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills to the next generation of aviators.” Vignolini added. Lock Haven Airport can be found in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 14, 2026

JUST LUCKY? OR WELL-PREPARED TO OPEN THE CHUTE?

May 13, 2026
“Wow, did they ever get lucky!” When something good happens to a person or an organization, how many times have you heard that phrase? Or maybe even said it yourself? When, in reality, there’s been long term effort building skills, cultivating a growth mindset, expanding networks, and building relationships. When all is added together, this preparation creates a situation where opportunities are likely to arise. Or said another way, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” It may appear to the casual observer that the RAF is about to get real lucky real soon. We think we are about to have the year we have been waiting for – well, maybe not waiting for – but rather preparing for. Over the course of the next 12-18 months, we will be announcing more airstrip possibilities and projects than we have ever experienced in a similar period. Leadership has been thinking about this for a good long time, and we have worked hard to be ready. What does that mean? It has meant building what I believe is one of the finest groups of people in aviation. People who are ready to step up and who bring and invest the skills needed to make things happen. It means having saved some money, which gives us the ability to say “Yes” and accept opportunities and the responsibilities they bring. It means having the relationship capital with our partners, be they private or public, that is required to make progress. We want you to know that we will be calling on all of us to give our best effort so we don’t miss our chance to get “lucky.” We will need people to take charge of projects just like you have in the past. We will need people to give some time – or maybe a lot of time – if they can spare it. We will need financial resources to meet the demands that we will be called upon to provide. I think we are ready, and I further think this is going to be one of the most exciting periods we’ve seen in the RAF timeline. I hope you are all in. Since the RAF was founded out here in rodeo country, it only seems appropriate that just before the chute is opened, a simple nod of the head throws it open and signals that big action is about to happen. Here’s to a little “nod of the head.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted May 13, 2026

CAMPSITE IMPROVED AT FRONT ROYAL WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT, VIRGINIA

May 13, 2026
RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky organized volunteers the weekend of May 8-9 to clean up the campsite and install new amenities at Front Royal Warren County Airport, Virginia, KFRR. Assisting were the Warren County Airport Commission and Friends of Front Royal. “Together, we accomplished an amazing amount in a short time. From removing loads of trash to installing the beautiful new RAF-branded fire ring, entrance sign, and flag pole, the campsite has already been transformed into a welcoming destination pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” Kosubinsky reported. The team also cut and stacked enough firewood to last several seasons to benefit future visitors. The volunteers also set up an RAF table and greeted visitors during the airport Wings and Wheels event. This public-use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway and offers camping with access to a porta-potty, indoor restrooms, and a courtesy car. It’s known as a gateway airport to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. “Thank you again for helping make the KFRR Stokes Airfield Campsite something we can all be proud of. I look forward to many future gatherings around that new fire ring,” Kosubinsky added. Find more on Front Royal Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 13, 2026

RAF VOLUNTEERS HELP MAINTAIN GREAT VALLEY AIRFIELD, NEW YORK

May 11, 2026
RAF New York Liaison Doug Turnbull organized a work party at Great Valley airfield, N56 near Salamanca, in southwestern New York on Saturday, May 2. The group of volunteers cleaned up the riverbank, performed seasonal maintenance, and added a new RAF windsock. They removed encroaching brush along the 3,200-ft turf runway to make the approach more visible. The airfield is privately owned but open for public use. “Owner Anna Northrup was very appreciative of the fellowship and that she didn’t need to worry about these things. She generously provided morning donuts and coffee and lunch from the adjacent Katy's Fly-In restaurant,” Turnbull said. “The many hands made quick work, and it was good to spend time with other RAF volunteers out in the field working on this strip,” Turnbull added. Find more on Great Valley in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 11, 2026