OUR TRUE NORTH

As aviators we often find ourselves in a discussion about these two directional guides. True North sure has a nice ring to it. Navigators have used it for centuries. But our magnetic compass is what technically keeps us heading in the right direction. Magnetic North has a way of shifting so we all know our compass takes that deviation into account, and we depend on it to arrive at our desired destination.

So, here at the RAF we do our best to keep our heading toward that geographic point on our mission-driven map. Like a long cross-country flight, the RAF has always had a destination in mind. En route, we have had to adjust. Without taking into account the deviation and changes that take place in our magnetic world – just like in the RAF world – we might lose our way. Like Magnetic North, the world continues to move, and so has the RAF.

The most significant adjustment has been you, the people who have supported us. You have guided our work through your collective involvement. As we close out our 20th year, it seems appropriate to see how we are progressing. So when we looked at that early line we drew on our map, and now see we are following a magenta one, we know we are progressing. You have not just been along for the ride, but rather you have been our trusted co-pilot. The good news is we are headed in the same direction which really is our True North.

You are, and have always been the reason for the mission, and you’ve kept your finger on the map to help us track that magenta line, keeping us on course.

Please know we want each of you to stick with us, continue to guide us, and most important, enjoy the ride and the stops along the way. You are the fuel in our tanks and we know without you the journey simply would not be worth it.

Thank you for being our True North.

– John McKenna, RAF Chairman

Submitted on October 10, 2023.

ROB KEANE

February 24, 2026

FLORIDA AMBASADOR

HOWIE BOHL

February 24, 2026

CALIFORNIA AMBASSADOR

RAF AWARDS GRANT FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF HCRC

February 24, 2026

Oregon RAF Liaison Bill Ables has been awarded a $5,000 RAF grant to retain RAF membership in and support the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative (HCRC) for the next five years. The HCRC was organized in 2016 at the request of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation as a framework for the various recreational user groups to collaborate with the US Forest Service within the 652,488-acre Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Ables, a past Director and current member of the group, explained that HCRC membership is a cross-section of user groups from both the private and commercial sectors, including river rafters and jet boaters, backpackers, horse packers, aviators, and governmental management agencies. Providing ongoing support ensures continued aviation representation. The rugged Snake River canyon region hugs the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, and includes nine backcountry airstrips within the Recreational Area. All are maintained by volunteer aviation groups in collaboration with the USFS: Cache Creek, Salmon Bar, Dug Bar, Temperance Creek, Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Lord Flat, Memaloose, and Big Bar. “Our support of HCRC, combined with the other involved aviation groups, ensures ongoing maintenance and improvements at each of these nine airstrips. It benefits general aviation by preserving access to enjoy the beauty of the Hells Canyon area, which directly speaks to the Mission of the RAF,” Ables said. For more information on Dug Bar, Cache Creek, Big Bar, and Memaloose, see the Airfield Guide . Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Temperance Creek, and Salmon Bar are not listed in the Airfield Guide at this time. Submitted February 24, 2026