WORTH THE READ: WENDY LESSIG GUEST EDITORIAL

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 Wendy Lessig, a pilot and an RAF Utah Liaison.

Passion - Patience - Perseverance

There is no instruction manual for how to be an RAF Liaison. Every Liaison has their own unique set of skills, experience, and motivation, but I can guarantee that every single one has a passion for the RAF mission – to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational use.


It was a bit daunting at first to be appointed as the RAF Utah Liaison. The other RAF State Liaisons across the country seemed to have lots of amazing airstrip improvement projects – pilot shelters, showers, fire rings, pit toilets – and there was none of that in Utah. All of the Utah backcountry airstrips are primitive and probably destined to stay that way. You have to provide your own tent if you want shelter, haul your own water for a spit bath, gather rocks yourself for a fire ring (do not forget to fetch your own firewood), and bring a shovel for #2. Also, bring your own food, because there are no grocery stores or restaurants anywhere nearby. None of the RAF projects in other states seemed to be applicable to Utah.


It became clear that Utah has a different set of recreational airstrip challenges and opportunities. Utah has the third-highest percentage of public land, about two-thirds, behind Alaska and Nevada. There are 121 airstrips in Utah on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Most of these are backcountry airstrips that have existed and been in use since the Cold War uranium mining boom, dating as far back as the 1950s. Many of the airstrips have breathtaking views of Utah’s red rock canyons, nearby historical sights, and camping under a billion stars at night. Utah’s airstrips offer recreation like no other place on earth.


The BLM land management plans do not prohibit airstrips, but most of the airstrips have not been named as an allowable use, either. If the airstrips are not specifically authorized in the BLM plans, the privilege of their use and enjoyment could be lost. So, this RAF Utah Liaison dove in headfirst into the BLM world of NEPA, which is the review and decision-making process that every U.S. federal agency follows. There has been abundant support from RAF experts and resources whose guidance and experience with federal land management have been invaluable. There is still a lot to learn.


Preserving the backcountry airstrips in Utah has been like peeling an onion, but with persistence instead of tears. The outer layers have been easier, with Calls To Action and the help from RAF supporters who sent public comments to the BLM, which has resulted in 20 airstrips being added directly to the BLM land management plans so far.


It was easy enough to gather backcountry aviation information and coordinate input from other stakeholders to help the BLM with their NEPA review and approval to reopen Taylor Flat Airstrip, which had been closed for 30 years. Generous RAF grants to fund required archaeological surveys bumped 10 airstrips in southern Utah to the front of the

BLM’s NEPA review queue. These, along with two additional airstrips, are expected to be approved by the BLM very soon.


The airstrip successes make the hard work and diligence worthwhile, but authorized airstrips are not the only success. A BLM-RAF relationship has been built on trust and mutual cooperation. The BLM now seeks RAF input as a backcountry aviation resource. Together, we have laid the groundwork and precedents that will benefit

future airstrip reviews by the BLM. It turns out, there really is an instruction manual for how to be an RAF Liaison. It starts with that first step and continues with passion, patience, and perseverance.

Wendy was introduced to aviation as a five-year-old when her family transferred overseas, but she had no dream of becoming a pilot. That all changed when, as a solution to a transportation problem, she took her first flight in a single-engine airplane to visit college friends. Wendy was hooked! Just three months later, she’d earned her private pilot license, and she has been flying ever since, earning more ratings along the way. Wendy continues to hone her backcountry flying skills in Utah, Idaho, and Montana, flying across the lower 48 states and even to Baja. Always an eager volunteer, Wendy continues to work hard helping preserve backcountry airstrips at work parties. She knows the importance of commenting on government actions that affect backcountry airstrips.

Submitted February 16, 2026

Posted in Guest Editorial, News

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WORTH THE READ: STEVE JOHNSON GUEST EDITORIAL

May 19, 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 Steve Johnson, former RAF Director, Supercub.org founder, and Gold Seal CFI/MEI.

LOCK HAVEN BATH HOUSE TO GET REFURBISHED, THANKS TO RAF GRANT AND VOLUNTEERS

May 14, 2026
Lock Haven Airport, or William T. Piper Memorial Airport (KLHV), has a legendary past. From 1937 to 1984, it was the home of Piper Aircraft, where the Cub was born. The vintage aircraft community celebrates to this day with its annual “Sentimental Journey” pilgrimage fly-in, and fills the parking areas along both its paved and turf runways. For recreational pilots, it’s a great base location for fly-outs, including scenic flying opportunities over the mixed hardwood forest along the Susquehanna River. The year-round camping area has working restrooms, a pavilion to escape the elements, and a bath house that had deteriorated. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini and RAF Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner assessed the deteriorating bath house and decided to do something about it. They have been awarded an RAF grant for upgrades and refurbishment. “Our goal is to bring the bath house back to full operational capacity and improve the site’s utility,” Vignolini said. “By replacing damaged siding and applying fresh paint, the project halts deterioration. The other planned bath house and campground improvements ensure that the environment matches the prestige of the aircraft that visit.” The Sentimental Journey Board organized an initial work party in April. Volunteers have provided the specialized machinery and tools to complete the structural work and site preparation. Vignolini and Turner are now ready to line up volunteers to replace an insufficient water heater, install privacy dividers, and integrate an RAF fire ring and RAF information box. CAP volunteers will help with the project. Volunteers will be the primary workforce, bringing their own tools and expertise to the field, from licensed plumbers to seasoned handymen. “Lock Haven has always been built by the hands of those who fly there,” Vignolini said. Work will continue in May, with the goal of being completed for the 2026 season. “The campground and fire ring serve as the ‘social hangar’ where elder pilots pass down knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills to the next generation of aviators.” Vignolini added. Lock Haven Airport can be found in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 14, 2026

JUST LUCKY? OR WELL-PREPARED TO OPEN THE CHUTE?

May 13, 2026
“Wow, did they ever get lucky!” When something good happens to a person or an organization, how many times have you heard that phrase? Or maybe even said it yourself? When, in reality, there’s been long term effort building skills, cultivating a growth mindset, expanding networks, and building relationships. When all is added together, this preparation creates a situation where opportunities are likely to arise. Or said another way, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” It may appear to the casual observer that the RAF is about to get real lucky real soon. We think we are about to have the year we have been waiting for – well, maybe not waiting for – but rather preparing for. Over the course of the next 12-18 months, we will be announcing more airstrip possibilities and projects than we have ever experienced in a similar period. Leadership has been thinking about this for a good long time, and we have worked hard to be ready. What does that mean? It has meant building what I believe is one of the finest groups of people in aviation. People who are ready to step up and who bring and invest the skills needed to make things happen. It means having saved some money, which gives us the ability to say “Yes” and accept opportunities and the responsibilities they bring. It means having the relationship capital with our partners, be they private or public, that is required to make progress. We want you to know that we will be calling on all of us to give our best effort so we don’t miss our chance to get “lucky.” We will need people to take charge of projects just like you have in the past. We will need people to give some time – or maybe a lot of time – if they can spare it. We will need financial resources to meet the demands that we will be called upon to provide. I think we are ready, and I further think this is going to be one of the most exciting periods we’ve seen in the RAF timeline. I hope you are all in. Since the RAF was founded out here in rodeo country, it only seems appropriate that just before the chute is opened, a simple nod of the head throws it open and signals that big action is about to happen. Here’s to a little “nod of the head.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted May 13, 2026

CAMPSITE IMPROVED AT FRONT ROYAL WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT, VIRGINIA

May 13, 2026
RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky organized volunteers the weekend of May 8-9 to clean up the campsite and install new amenities at Front Royal Warren County Airport, Virginia, KFRR. Assisting were the Warren County Airport Commission and Friends of Front Royal. “Together, we accomplished an amazing amount in a short time. From removing loads of trash to installing the beautiful new RAF-branded fire ring, entrance sign, and flag pole, the campsite has already been transformed into a welcoming destination pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” Kosubinsky reported. The team also cut and stacked enough firewood to last several seasons to benefit future visitors. The volunteers also set up an RAF table and greeted visitors during the airport Wings and Wheels event. This public-use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway and offers camping with access to a porta-potty, indoor restrooms, and a courtesy car. It’s known as a gateway airport to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. “Thank you again for helping make the KFRR Stokes Airfield Campsite something we can all be proud of. I look forward to many future gatherings around that new fire ring,” Kosubinsky added. Find more on Front Royal Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 13, 2026

RAF VOLUNTEERS HELP MAINTAIN GREAT VALLEY AIRFIELD, NEW YORK

May 11, 2026
RAF New York Liaison Doug Turnbull organized a work party at Great Valley airfield, N56 near Salamanca, in southwestern New York on Saturday, May 2. The group of volunteers cleaned up the riverbank, performed seasonal maintenance, and added a new RAF windsock. They removed encroaching brush along the 3,200-ft turf runway to make the approach more visible. The airfield is privately owned but open for public use. “Owner Anna Northrup was very appreciative of the fellowship and that she didn’t need to worry about these things. She generously provided morning donuts and coffee and lunch from the adjacent Katy's Fly-In restaurant,” Turnbull said. “The many hands made quick work, and it was good to spend time with other RAF volunteers out in the field working on this strip,” Turnbull added. Find more on Great Valley in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 11, 2026