SOUTH DAKOTA’S CUSTER STATE PARK DECISION

An aerial view of a runway in the middle of a field surrounded by trees.

In late 2022, Custer State Park Airport’s asphalt surfaces were determined to require extensive maintenance. RAF South Dakota Liaison Karl Jungclaus reported that the financial burden would have been placed upon the Park. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) determined closing the airport was the best option. 


The RAF, South Dakota Pilots Association (SDPA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and other groups and individuals all endeavored to raise public awareness, and provide supportive reasons to preserve the airport. 


Leadership from SDGFP was receptive to pilots’ opinions, but continued with their plan to close the existing airport. They considered complex factors including financial, public opinion, natural environment and habitat before making the decision to close the airport.



In June 2024, a video conference was conducted between the RAF and SDGFP leadership. The idea of an alternative site within the park to operate aircraft was determined to be worthy of investigation. Custer State Park staff searched for suitable locations. “Unfortunately, the staff felt that no suitable locations were available due to complicated topography, boulders, prairie dog holes, power lines, bison travel corridors and the obligation for the park to protect its population of endangered Black Footed Ferrets,” Jungclaus reported.


“While this is certainly a disappointment and ends an era of aircraft operations within Custer State Park, a solid and respectful relationship was started between SD Game, Fish and Parks leadership and multiple aviation interest groups including RAF, SDPA, and AOPA; along with multiple like-minded groups and individuals,” Jungclaus said. Not one to be deterred in carrying out the RAF mission, Jungclaus added, “We hope to explore other public land opportunities within South Dakota where recreational aviation could thrive.” 


Submitted on November 7, 2024.

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

RAF SEEKS AIRPORT ENGINEER VOLUNTEER

October 8, 2026
The RAF is excited that our Expand the Map initiative to open and rehabilitate airfields is off to an impressive start. As a result, we are seeking an airport engineer who is willing to volunteer their consulting services on airfield projects around the country. "Our supporters have many talents and areas of expertise," President Bill McGlynn said. “Please let us know if you’re an airport engineer who would be interested in volunteering your knowledge to improve recreational airfields.” Please contact Erin White, RAF Volunteer Coordinator, ewhite@theraf.org . Submitted October 8, 2026.

CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

October 8, 2026
Like many people at this time of year, you may be considering your charitable contributions. The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of professional financial planning talent with several planned giving ideas to help you enjoy the advantage of tax benefits while benefiting the RAF mission. You can even specify a project that you'd like to support. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers), can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for your direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize. If you have any questions, a great way to start is to contact RAF Texas/Montana Ambassador Steve Maus, CLU, MSFS, and Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy. Reach him at: smaus@theraf.org .

RAF OUTFITTER OCTOBER FEATURED COLLECTION

October 5, 2026
FEATURING: RAF FLY ROCKY TOP COLLECTION This summer, the RAF proudly announced the Fly Rocky Top Airstrip Network, opening up a new way to experience the beauty, adventure, and recreational flying opportunities of East Tennessee. Now, you can take a little Fly Rocky Top spirit with you wherever you go!  The new Fly Rocky Top Collection has officially landed at the RAF Outfitter, with something for just about everyone. From adventure-ready KÜHL layers to hats, a lightweight women’s performance shirt, and stickers, the collection was made for days at the airstrip and everywhere your adventures take you in between.

RAF 2026 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

October 1, 2026
RAF key volunteers from across the nation gathered at Seattle’s Museum of Flight for a two-day RAF Educational Conference that ended Saturday, September 26. The days were filled with discussions about ways to further the RAF mission, beginning with the US Forest Service. The RAF Board of Directors and AOPA co-president Katie Pribyl and board member Peter Burwell updated the group over breakfast, and RAF Liaisons reported on airfield projects. Other presentations included author Richard Kyte on the importance of community, the RAF Safety, Education and Etiquette (SEE) committee reported on its messaging to pilots, Garmin presented its new Axis platform, author Richard Holm presented on the history of aviation’s role in the Idaho backcountry, and RAF Georgia Ambassador Dhruv Thakkar discussed the use of Digital Control Towers. Attendees also received an update on the RAF Airfield Guide and heard from RAF staff on tips for holding work parties and connecting RAF supporters. RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig, RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller, and Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson were presented with the RAF's Wind Beneath Our Wings Award for outstanding volunteer contributions to the RAF mission. Among the attendees were National RUS Liaison John Nadeau and his wife, who drove thousands of miles from Maine to join. "It was well worth the trip to learn about important projects fellow volunteers are working on from coast to coast, and how they successfully handle difficult situations using the RAF Way." The conference concluded with a talk from former and current principals of the adjacent Raisbeck Aviation High School. Dinner was later held in the high school, at which retiring RAF Director Steve Taylor was honored. Attendees enjoyed seeing their fellow volunteers and meeting new friends. Volunteers walked away feeling inspired and energized, with new ideas to continue their efforts preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access. Submitted September 1, 2026 Photo by Jake Peterson

DIRECTOR EMERITUS STEVE TAYLOR RECOGNIZED

October 1, 2026
The RAF extends its appreciation to Steve Taylor of the Seattle area for his dedicated service on the RAF Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025. Throughout his time on the Board, Steve generously shared his aviation experience, perspective, and relationships in support of the RAF mission. He contributed to numerous RAF efforts, including the RAF Kodiak missions in support of airstrip work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, and has been a valued advocate for the organization and recreational aviation. Steve also played an important role in helping bring the RAF’s 2026 National Educational Conference to Seattle. The gathering gave RAF volunteers, supporters, and partners an opportunity to learn, connect, and spend time together at the Museum of Flight and Raisbeck Aviation High School—two places that reflect Steve’s long-standing commitment to aviation and aviation education. In recognition of Steve’s service to the RAF and his support of the next generation of aviation leaders, the RAF made a donation to Raisbeck Aviation High School in his name during the conference. Steve’s contributions to the RAF extend well beyond any single project or event. We are grateful for the time, experience, relationships, and enthusiasm he has shared with the organization over the years, and we are proud to recognize him as a Director Emeritus. “We can't thank Steve enough for his devotion to the ongoing success of the RAF. He has ‘changed the game' for us in many ways and raised our stature as a volunteer organization,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Submitted September 1, 2026