RAF 2025 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES WRAP-UP

The RAF concluded four regional 2025 educational conferences, with the final gathering in Silver City, New Mexico in early October. Each conference began with a Friday evening dinner, then resumed Saturday for a full day of educational presentations to benefit RAF volunteers, beginning with RAF mission progress, RAF grant opportunities, and the safety and etiquette initiative. Liaisons and Ambassadors shared their efforts and successes collaborating with both private landowners and public agencies, like the US Forest Service, and partners such as AOPA. Speakers discussed backcountry airfield opportunities, and relevant state and federal policies addressed each group.

"The regional educational conferences are an invaluable opportunity to meet with the other RAF key volunteers from our regions. It is a great chance to network and discuss projects and successful approaches to challenges. I have yet to go to one and not come home with a new idea to use in my own region," said Drew Lyons, and RAF Liaison for Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

RAF volunteers and directors came from across the country at their own expense, beginning with the April meeting in AOPA’s Frederick, Maryland headquarters and a one-on-one conversation with new AOPA President Darren Pleasance. The Midwest event took place in May in Brainerd, Minnesota. Legendary Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, was the site of September’s gathering, and owner Pat Hartness co-hosted the event with typical Southern hospitality. Most of the attendees tent camped in the spacious lawns of the underwing camping area. 

The final conference highlighted working with public lands, and New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller invited Camille Howes, Gila National Forest Supervisor, to address the group. “She had a great message of encouragement for everyone, as well as insights into how we can continue to assist our Forest Service partners in furthering recreational airstrip opportunities,” said RAF Operations Coordinator Kodi Myhre.

"Our educational conferences are a key place to give our volunteers tools and information to continue to advocate for recreational aviation access and collaborate with each other," RAF Volunteer Coordinator Erin White said. "Having great aviation partners and guest speakers really elevates the level of education at the conferences, and we're continually impressed by the level of commitment and accomplishments of our volunteers."