RAF FRIENDS GATHER AT OSH AIRVENTURE

The RAF had a great week at EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture 2024, and we appreciate meeting and re-connecting with our fantastic supporters along the way. The energy around the RAF mission was apparent throughout the event grounds, with spontaneous happy reunions happening among supporters who easily recognized one another in their “RAF orange” attire. Attendance was enthusiastic at the RAF’s planned events as well.

Throughout the week the impressive RAF-branded Husky was on display in the Redbird Flight Simulators booth where RAF volunteers helped answer questions about Simuvation’s RAF-branded sim on display. Attendees were encouraged to board the sim and try their hand “flying” the RAF-branded Husky into a selection of RAF-supported recreational airstrips. “That was fun!” was heard on more than one occasion after folks tried their skills landing virtually at Ryan Field (2MT1) and other turf strips.

True to an RAF annual tradition, supporters enjoyed the donuts and coffee social on Hartzell’s rooftop Tuesday morning. RAF Directors Pete Bunce and Jeff Russell expressed appreciation to the standing-room-only crowd. At the conclusion of the event, Bunce and Russell led the group on a walkabout to take “family” photos at the displays of various industry partners.

Throughout the week at the Brown Arch, visitors found a spot of shade and viewed the growing list of RAF volunteer names etched in stone. This tribute to RAF volunteerism was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The RAF thanks Hartzell Propeller, Redbird Flight Simulators, Aviat Aircraft, and Daher-Kodiak for their support at OSH; and thanks all the volunteers who made our donuts and coffee social, and Redbird booth participation so successful.

We look forward to another fun-filled week in Wisconsin in 2025!

Submitted July 31, 2024

Posted in News

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