VOLUNTEERS ASSEMBLE RAF FIRE HUB AT TRIPLE TREE AERODROME

The Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina was the site of a very special RAF work party March 3-4 to assemble a colossal RAF Fire Hub. The crew of around 20 included Triple Tree Aerodrome founder Pat Hartness and local Triple Tree volunteers, RAF Chairman John McKenna, and RAF volunteers from as far as Florida, West Virginia and Georgia. Leading the construction was RAF Oklahoma Liaison Steve Thompson and RAF Supporter Paul Iverson. “Triple Tree is honored to be a recipient of this one-of-a-kind Fire Hub, and we plan to cherish and celebrate this addition as part of our commitment to general aviation,” Hartness said.

The patio-sized brick layout is anchored by three “propeller” blades provided by corporate sponsors. The structure had been disassembled in San Marcos, Texas by volunteers who carefully numbered each brick, then loaded and shipped all the components over 1,100 miles where this crew reassembled the display at its permanent home.

“Because of the friendship the RAF has with the Triple Tree Family, the Fire Hub has found the best of homes,” said McKenna. “Stories will be told in its presence, memories made around the open fire, and aviation is all the better because of this special place.”

Rachel Thompson provided the workers an abundant meal, with several of her legendary pies for dessert.

For more information on Triple Tree Aerodrome and the required safety briefing, see https://tta.aero and the Airfield Guide.

Submitted March 13, 2025

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