WHERE TO FIND THE RAF AT AIRVENTURE

The RAF is gearing up for AirVenture (July 24-30) and we hope to see you there! Here is a list of where you can find RAF volunteers throughout the week:

All week
RAF volunteers will be in the US Forest Service booth (Hangar D) each morning (except Tuesday) throughout the week. Stop by to learn about the work we do with the USFS on public lands.

We’ll also have a very special surprise at the Daher booth all week. Come by to take a look, and say hello!

Monday, 7/24
2 pm: RAF presentation by Wisconsin Liaison Amanda Levin at the Pilot Proficiency Center, “The Risk of Losing Access: The RAF at 20 Years.”

Tuesday, 7/25
9-11 am: Donuts and Coffee on the Hartzell rooftop (Booth 296/297). Come spend time with the RAF community!

11:30 am: Family photo (everyone is invited) at Daher booth

2 pm: RAF presentation by RAF President Bill McGlynn at the Pilot Proficiency Center, “Slowing Down and Setting Your Watch Back 100 Years: Backcountry Flying and Preserving Public Treasures.”

Thursday 7/27
8:30 am: RAF presentation on Forum Stage 9: “How to Save an Airstrip.” RAF Director Jeff Russell and IN Liaison Bill Steinmetz presenting.

Flying yourself to Oshkosh? Consider stopping in to Manitowish Waters, WI, where you can land on the grass or paved runway and camp and shower at the airport. Take a day to enjoy the many fun opportunities around the area, including biking, fishing, and water skiing.

We look forward to seeing you at Oshkosh! Don’t forget to wear your RAF logo wear so we can spot you!

Submitted on July 13, 2023.

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