Archive for February 2022

RAF Chairman John McKenna and Director Tim Riley traveled to our nation’s capital and met with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania on Monday, February 28 in his D.C. office. Rep. Thompson is the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee that oversees the US Forest Service. He said he has interest in seeing additional…

Schafer Meadows, 8U2 is in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, and maintenance is handled non-mechanically. A video has been released of the ongoing runway work, featuring a team of mules, the use of a vintage grader, a Fresno scraper, and a sickle bar mower. RAF Liaison Scott Newpower helped coordinate the project with then-District Ranger Deb…

Our friends at AOPA’s Air Safety Institute invite you to attend the first of three backcountry flying safety webinars scheduled this year. The first “Flying the Backcountry: Risks and Rewards” episode is this Thursday, March 17, 7pm EDT. Joining AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Executive Director Richard McSpadden are Mark Patey and Todd Christensen. Learn their tips on…

Not all backcountry airfields have the resources to produce materials to build a pilot shelter, but some Georgia and Florida RAF volunteers have placed a portable sawmill at Creighton Island to do just that. Georgia Ambassador Lou Furlong reports on a successful work party at this privately-owned coastal island airfield February 18-20. He was joined…

Vice President of Appreciation Annette is no stranger to the wilderness experience. She has enjoyed canoeing, camping and hiking all her life and appreciates the opportunities aviation offers those adventurous pursuits. Since reuniting with her high school sweetheart, George Richmond, some of those adventures have included solo hiking 560+ miles of the Appalachian Trail, flying…

This year’s General Aviation Awards have been announced and one of the three honors goes to RAF Supporter Dr. Amy Hoover. The FAA recognizes aviation professionals for their contributions to general aviation safety, and professionalism with this award. Amy Hoover, of Ellensburg, WA is the 2022 CFI of the Year. Amy achieved her Ph.D. in…

The ice runway at Alton Bay, NH (B18) opened for several months this winter season, to the delight of local pilots. Located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay is a seaplane base in the summer. But the boats, paddle boards and kayaks get stored for the New England winter, and pilots eagerly…

RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig received a cordial invitation from Jared Esselman, Utah Director of Aeronautics for RAF supporters to take advantage of a $200 discount to attend Utah’s upcoming Aviation Conference May 9 – 11 in Provo. “I want to promote backcountry recreational flying in Utah, so I’m offering RAF members a special discount…

Idaho Ambassador What is your day job?Patent Attorney Favorite airstrip?It’s hard to choose, but Big Creek, Idaho, is among the best. Your next adventure?Flying in and wandering about the Utah and Idaho backcountry. Flying opens up a host of hiking and unique photo opportunities. Submitted on February 1, 2022.