RAF FLOODS AIRVENTURE WITH ORANGE

Thank you to the many RAF supporters who attended our Tuesday donuts and coffee social at Redbird’s booth. It was well-attended with new friends and long-time supporters joining in lively conversation. “We want to send special thanks to Redbird Flight Simulations CEO Charlie Gregoire and the entire Redbird team for hosting us this year,” Marketing Coordinator Taylin Trafton said.

At Tuesday’s event, RAF President Bill McGlynn and RAF Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley announced details of the Fly Rocky Top airstrip network in Tennessee as part of the RAF’s latest Expanding the Map initiative. McGlynn added a message of thanks to all the RAF volunteers who are giving so much time and effort toward making Fly Rocky Top a great destination.

Thanks also to those who attended Tuesday’s RAF Forum "Beyond the Pavement in the Southeast,” presented by aerobatic pilot Mike Goulian. He provided more details about Fly Rocky Top and the RAF mission to an enthusiastic crowd.

RAF leadership was present for the excitement when AOPA announced their sweepstakes winner, Ashley Almquist. Ashley is the new owner of the Aviat Husky, which is wrapped in a custom-designed RAF color scheme. She was delighted when McGlynn gave her an RAF hat and inducted her into the RAF.

“Our RAF volunteers also enjoyed spotting the new names we’ve added on the volunteer appreciation tiles in the shade of the Brown Arch. The tiles were made possible by a generous anonymous donor, and it's a great way to recognize the many volunteers who are the backbone of the RAF,” RAF Operations Coordinator Kodi Hilborn said.

Submitted July 29, 2026

By Carmine Mowbray

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 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 Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026