RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION NEWS • ACTION WINTER 2016 WWW.THERAF.ORG ISSUE 17 The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, maintains and creates airstrips for recreational access. U.S. Forest Service commits funds for airstrips The Recreational Aviation Foundation is pleased to year; the result being the formal inclusion of aviation announce that language was included in the Omnibus Bill within the new USFS Planning Directives. supporting report and signed by the President that “Mark made the point to the USFS folks that we were allocates $750,000 for airstrip maintenance on U.S. literally just trying to help them do the job they could Forest Service (USFS) lands. In spite of cuts to the USFS never seem to get done,” McKenna added. budget, the RAF made the point that backcountry “A number of aviation groups had asked for this for a airstrips are valuable and deserve funds that the USFS good long time, and it never made it past staffers in the allocates to maintain recreational assets. House. The Big Creek Four come to mind. If this doesn’t The bill further stipulates that the Forest Service is to help, I will be surprised,” McKenna said. consult with Congress, state and local officials, and How will implementation begin? Spencer says, affected stakeholders before making a determination to “They'll be asking for needs through their teams in the close or terminate the use of any rural airstrip. field, and then I believe we'll get to give some input on “These two pieces go a long way towards advancing projects that will benefit backcountry aviation assets and the RAF mission,” RAF president John McKenna said. experiences. Our job will be to let our partners know the “Our foot-time, meetings with the Committee members money is available, and encourage them to begin and staff, and formal testimony did some good.” prioritizing projects.” “This goes to show that perseverance pays off,” said “Finally, this should be a door opener to Forest RAF Public Lands Liaison Mark Spencer of Arizona who Service staff who haven’t yet seen how aviation folks can accompanied McKenna on multiple trips to Washington, cooperate successfully on our mutual goals,” McKenna D.C. RAF delegates had laid important groundwork last concluded. RAF partners with Friends of Arcadia Airport– RUS Success Florida christens “Aviation City” Liability protection for airstrip Join the RAF at Florida’s Arcadia shelter, brick fire pit and plumbed owners is a key RAF initiative. Municipal Airport (X06) for a week- water,” Jack Tyler, RAF Florida RAF delegates have worked with end of hospitality and Arcadia's 87th Liaison said. state legislatures to accomplish annual Championship Rodeo, March This will be the RAF's third this. To date, 27 states (in green) 11-13. Arcadia has both paved and Rodeo Weekend at Arcadia and now include non-commercial grass runways. Come and see why “each time it's been more enjoyable aviation in their Recreational Use Arcadia has been christened and better attended,” Tyler added. Statutes; three states list “Aviation City.” FOAA has also arranged a river recreation broadly – recreational “The Friends of Arcadia Airport cruise on the nearby Myakka River. aviation is implied. States shown (FOAA) built a welcoming on-airport Blackwater plans in green now include recreational campground complete with pilot The annual Blackwater (8FD3) aviation. Celebration is April 22-24. See See www.theraf.org for updates Blackwater River State Forest. An on each state and how the RAF is interpretative hike with the Santa working to protect landowners in Rosa County Forester is planned to order to open up more learn more about this special place recreational flying destinations. to visit. View the RAF Event Calendar for all the events with RAF involvement scheduled for the Southeast in 2016. At left: RAF Florida Liaison Jack Tyler (in orange) joins George Chase to celebrate cooperation between the RAF and Friends of Arcadia Airport – RAF photo. RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION President’s Message – 1711 WEST COLLEGE ST, BOZEMAN, MT 59715 406-582-1RAF (1723) www.theraf.org Just Tricia McKenna Administrative Director: [email protected] Sarah Chandler, Volunteer Coordinator: [email protected] show me All the following serve on a volunteer, unpaid basis: DIRECTORS the baby John McKenna, President: Montana [email protected] Tim Clifford, VP: Florida [email protected] –John McKenna Rol Murrow: New Mexico [email protected] Peter Bunce: Washington, DC/Wisconsin [email protected] on’t tell me about your Steve Johnson: Missouri [email protected] labor pains, just show me the Alan Metzler: Pennsylvania/Montana [email protected] Dbaby is a statement I occasionally mu er. Mike Perkins: Colorado/Montana [email protected] My son once said, “Dad, you're not really a boring guy, Jerry Cain, Chuck Jarecki, Dan Prill, Directors Emeritus Bill McGlynn, Development Director: [email protected] it’s just that you talk about boring things.” Hopefully he was Safety and Education Coordinator: Alan Metzler, referring to my day job of being a life insurance agent and [email protected] not about my life in general. With that backdrop, it is Environmental Science Advisory Committee: perhaps why I enjoy the RAF to the degree I do. The work is Ric Hauer, Andy Turner, Mark Novak and Roger Blew interes ng, we are doing some fun things, and good is Newsletter Editor: Carmine Mowbray [email protected] happening as a result. STATE LIAISONS Here are a couple RAF babies we are pre y proud of. AK – Al Clayton [email protected] This month the RAF signed a first-of-a-kind agreement AZ – Mark Spencer [email protected] with the Nature Conservancy to construct a new airstrip in AR – Dave Myrick [email protected] CA – Chris Berge [email protected] Arkansas. With this first success we believe there will be CA – Rick Lach [email protected] addi onal ones to follow. We an cipate construc on to be CO– Patrick Romano [email protected] complete in the next couple months and opening this CO – Tom Haefeli [email protected] FL – Jack Tyler [email protected] summer. GA – Eric Davis [email protected] The RAF received official no ce that the budget that GA – Brett Wilkes [email protected] Congress just passed includes $750,000 for maintenance of ID – Mike Hart [email protected] rural and backcountry airstrips on USFS lands. This is a first- IL – Mike Purpura [email protected] KY– Jeff Smith [email protected] of-its-kind line item specifically applying to avia on assets on ME – Andy Rowe [email protected] the ground. This alloca on can go a very long way when MD – Craig McCullough [email protected] combined with the cost sharing and volunteer labor that the MI – Brad Frederick [email protected] MN – Kirk Hiner [email protected] RAF and its partners provide. It will certainly go further than MO – Sarah Dickerson [email protected] the $0 that has been available in the past, not to men on MO – Jim Dickerson [email protected] the ripple effect this could have across other agencies, both MT – Ron Normandeau [email protected] MT – Jon Hudson [email protected] federal and state. This is a very important milestone and NM – Larry Filener [email protected] something the RAF has been working with the USFS to NY – Rus Holland [email protected] implement for a good long me. A fair bit of D.C. shoe NC – Susan Dusenbury [email protected] leather was used up ge ng this accomplished. Details of ND – Brian Rau [email protected] OH– Freeman Swank [email protected] how the funds will be available are being worked out as of OK – Steve Thompson [email protected] this wri ng. PA – Lloyd Babcock [email protected] Congress included this language in the 2016 Budget PA – Chris Groshel [email protected] SC – Kathy Hegenberger [email protected] Report which we believe has significant value to our TN– Steve Lewis [email protected] community: “The Commi ee directs the Forest Service to TX – Chase Snodgrass [email protected] consult with Congress, State and local officials, and affected UT – Steve Durtschi [email protected] UT – Wayne Loeber [email protected] stakeholders, prior to making a determina on to close or VT – Bob Burley [email protected] terminate the use of any rural airstrips.” This one sentence VA – Randall Burdette [email protected] should send the message to local USFS staff that we are WA – Dave Whitelaw [email protected] serious about this business of keeping these assets available WI – Jeff Russell [email protected] BLM Liaisons: Pete Smith; Craig McCullough Continued . . .
The Recreational Aviation Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) public charity, Federal EIN 42-1613294; Montana State ID D-128852. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers and gifts are deductible for federal estate and gift tax purposes. Please provide your current email address to [email protected] to receive the newsletter digitally. Newsletter flag photo: LaSalle Mountains from Delores Pt., Colorado, Patrick Romano. 2
Radio Chatter Thanks for the hard work. You deserve recognition! Notes from our supporters . . . • • • Wish I had more time!! You guys did a great job opening (North Fox Island) runway • • • back up, very impressive. We hope to make it back to camp Please keep up your personalized touch, we thank you. at some point. What a beautiful place!. I am going to • • • check out a membership in RAF. Feel free to let me know I'd like to make a donation for the holidays in my father's about volunteer opportunities. name. He's a member of RAF, and gets to fly in the back • • • country a lot more than I do. I can’t think of a better gift. I have limited experience flying in the backcountry, and • • • understand the importance of backcountry airstrips and maintaining them. I embrace all which the RAF represents. I have enjoyed the • • • many hours spent at the fly-ins with fellow members. My I know how hard you guys work and greatly appreciate it. favorite place to visit is Russian Flat where the stars are Many of my donations sometimes get put on the back magnificent. Please accept my donation as a small token of burner and just missed. Thank you! appreciation. Keep up the great work! RAF representative on BLM advisory panel Longtime RAF supporter and pilot was proclaimed in January 2002, they Jeff Patnode of Lewistown, MT, was were in jeopardy of closure. Through HELP WANTED appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the efforts of the RAF, MPA and the general Join our TEAM of Interior to the Central Montana Bureau of pilot community, six airstrips were RAF Volunteers today! Land Management (BLM) Resource retained for public use. Advisory Council. “These councils are good places for These 12- to 14-member councils the RAF and aviation-minded folks to are citizen-based groups that provide be,” said RAF president John McKenna. advice on the management of public “Thanks to Jeff for stepping up.” lands. The BLM seeks people qualified Patnode is vice president of If you have any interest or through education, training, knowledge, equipment at Lewistown-based Century expertise in: or experience for these three-year Companies, Inc., a five-state enterprise Event Planning Council appointments. employing over 150 people. Patnode Fire Hub Tenders –installing The BLM manages one-eighth of the and Century donated equipment and U.S. land mass and seeks to collaborate labor during the construction of Russian bricks at RAF Fire Hubs with all stakeholders to set mutual Flat (M42) in central Montana. or objectives for proposed recreation would like to be more opportunities, and pool resources toward involved in your state shared goals. Council members by becoming represent various categories of interest a state liaison, within their geographic area. They Let us know! advise BLM Officers on management of It could be the most fun resources, implementation of resource you’ve ever had. plans, resolution of land use conflicts and assure public input prior to land use Contact: and management decisions. Sarah Chandler For example, ten primitive [email protected] backcountry airstrips were constructed and on Montana BLM land in the 1950s. Patnode with his Cessna 185f, “the perfect Tricia McKenna When the Missouri Breaks Monument plane to explore the West,” he says. [email protected]
continued from page 2 RAF benefits from Amazon sales to the flying public. We realize this won't end the discussion The RAF is pleased to be one of the select charities about open or closed airstrips, but we know it is a very useable that benefits when you shop Amazon Smile. Amazon will now donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon instrument in the RAF tool bag. Smile purchases to the Recreational Aviation Foundation A good deal of labor pains were felt in all of this, but the when you shop at (smile.amazon.com). The RAF certainly babies they have produced will hopefully mature into yet believes in shopping locally, but if you are going to buy another wonderful child we can all nurture. online please consider using Amazon Smile and choosing We are truly off to a good start in 2016. the Recreational Aviation Foundation as your charity. – John There is no additional cost to you. 3 Arkansas digs into three-state project – Dave Myrick, RAF Arkansas Liaison In the almost four years I’ve been the Arkansas mission. A group of very dedicated local aviators working Liaison I’ve been very surprised by the enthusiasm and alongside the RAF has launched a groundbreaking dedication of the local aviation community. Our RAF project that has been over two years in the making. membership has increased six-fold and continues to The Ozark’s Airfield Project began with their idealistic grow at a very welcome pace. I credit this growth with statement, “We would like to develop the Ozarks into a the passing of legislation that has included aviation national recreation fly-in destination.” The project will activities in the Arkansas Recreational Use Statute. include eastern Oklahoma, northern Arkansas and Happily, I am finally able to announce a new project southern Missouri. All three states now have private that defines the very essence of the RAF and our airstrip liability protection. Centrally located in the U.S., the Ozarks can be reached within a day's flight of a very large percentage of the nation’s GA community. They abound with recreational opportunities without high density altitudes. Nature Conservancy partners A focal point is the construction of a new 3,000 ft recreational airstrip in cooperation with the Arkansas Nature Conservancy. Representatives attended the groundbreaking in December along with myself, and RAF Directors Tim Clifford and Steve Johnson. This new airstrip, informally called Trigger Gap, is situated on one of the most spectacular and scenic bluffs in Arkansas and offers camping, a pilot shelter and trail to the protected, wild and scenic King’s River. As many as nine new airstrips are planned. Just as important, this project will invite owners of private Myrick, in orange cap, is all smiles as the shovel crew prepares for airstrips within the three-state area to participate. the first new airstrip in the Ozark Airfield Project in December. Left to A mobile interactive app is planned to provide aviators right: Presley Melton, RAF member; Chris Schnurbusch, Matt Trulove with a comprehensive list of airstrips and activities. The and Cori Miller of Crossland Construction; Tim Schnell with Arkansas pilot will be able to enter aircraft capability, and pilot’s Nature Conservancy; Steve Johnson, RAF Director; Myrick; Chad Cox, Founder of Ozarks Airfield Project; Tim Clifford, RAF Director, level of experience. and Mr. Parker the lab, an RAF honorary canine. These are exciting times for this overall area! Idaho Fires, Summer 2015 – Carol Strong, Contributor RAF members Tom and Carol Strong volunteer at Moose Fires during the second half of the month created a very Creek Ranger Station for the month of August each different environment, far from paradise. “No planes flew summer. The Ranger Station is located adjacent to Moose into the strips for 13 days . . . just helicopters dropping off Creek airstrip (1U1). Here’s how Pilot Getaways described fire fighters!” Carol said. the location in its Summer 1999 issue: “Nestled deep within Firefighting activity triggers TFRs that pilots must be the remote and rugged mountains of Idaho's Selway aware of. It’s best to check while you have internet service, Bitterroot Wilderness lies a little slice of paradise.” since cell service is intermittent in the backcountry. If you Popular with backcountry pilots, Moose Creek tallies up spot evidence of fire, report it to Flight Service. Be aware of nearly 50 operations per month. seasonal or acute fire restrictions while camping.
Moose Creek airstrip in early August 2015. At right is a similar view from the Ranger Station during the serious 2015 fire season – Carol Strong photos. 4 Arizona’s Grapevine preservation project – Mark Spencer, AZ Liaison and Public Lands Director
For nearly three years of interaction with the U.S. Otto trucking, giving their time and working side by side Forest Service (USFS) we heard several times from our with the aviation community and USFS on a project they friends at the Tonto National Forest in central Arizona, may never personally benefit from! “Get the MOU signed.” With the MOU signed in early We worked six hours on Friday, fourteen on 2015, we began working on our long time hope of Saturday, and another seven on Sunday, not to mention gaining USFS approval to perform critical maintenance the many weekends of prep work performed to clear the of the Grapevine Airstrip just 1,400 ft from the shores of cracks in the weeks preceding this. Roosevelt Lake, on the Tonto. That approval was given In all, nearly 20,000 pounds of material was applied by Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth in to the airstrip, and both edges were mowed. September, and the weeks of weed control All 32 people on Friday; 40-plus people on and crack clearing began. Grapevine is 40 ft . . . an incredible Saturday; and the remaining dozen working wide by 3,800 ft long with a large apron at into Sunday were fed by a small crew of both ends, and has seen no asphalt exhibit kitchen folks lead by Kit Murphy. maintenance for three decades. I could point out many individuals who have This work, dubbed the Grapevine Asphalt of collaboration given above and beyond to accomplish this, Preservation Program (GAPP) resulted in an but each person was truly needed and incredible exhibit of collaboration between the between the necessary to accomplish the goal. RAF, AZ Pilots, and the USFS the weekend Whether cooking, running water to thirsty of November 13-15. RAF, AZ Pilots, laborers, mowing, or inching one of the three What stood out most about this effort to rigs forward as the crews worked feverishly preserve this incredible airstrip was how hard and the USFS behind them, each person and job everyone worked. Volunteers made incredible contributed to our success. Many who could meals, kept everyone hydrated, fed material not attend gave of their finances, and many to the machines and swung the wand, squeegeed, and gave in both time and finances. burned weeds. No doubt, the APA, the RAF, Otto Trucking, Crafco, Equally amazing were the folks from Crafco, Bryan, and the USFS made a great team! See the video at our Jason, and Robi, and Robert, our driver, from facebook site! Next is fog sealing the entire surface to arrest the sloughing off of loose aggregate that continues to erode from the surface. This is an important additional step in preserving the asphalt, that we hope to accomplish in 2016. Our APA and RAF team will be looking for a professional source to provide the material and volunteers to assist. Watch for dates on this!
RAF now Delta Sky Miles beneficiary The Recreational Aviation Foundation is now a SkyBonus 3. Open the FLIGHT PREFERENCES located on the top right member. When you book a ticket on Delta, the RAF gets hand corner. points for your travel. It does NOT affect any of your SkyMiles 4. On the BASIC INFO page, enter the SKYBONUS ID as or other bonus programs. It is purely a benefit to the RAF. US0056924 and Save. The RAF redeems the points earned through your The ID will now auto-populate on the PASSENGER INFO purchases for benefits on Delta such as travel that we might page whenever you log in and book a flight. otherwise have to pay for. If you book with a travel agent or a Delta Representative, It’s easy to sign up– When you change your profile on you will need to provide your SkyBonus number, US0056924. your SkyMiles account it remains until you change it, thus Please ask your travel agent to place the SkyBonus ID in eliminating the need to put the SkyBonus number in each time the Tour Code Box. you book a ticket. For tickets purchased through Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Instructions: etc. you’ll need to manually enter your SkyBonus number to 1. From the homepage, log in to your SkyMiles account; earn credit. These self-serve discount travel sites do not store 2. In the top left corner, click MY PROFILE; the SkyBonus ID. 5 Team building – RAF adds State Liaisons
Brett Wilkes, Georgia lessons, I passed my Brett is a Georgia native. School and a job overseas Private at seventeen in a took him away for many years until an opportunity 50’s Cessna 172,” he said. opened up in finance for a major airline back in Georgia During college in about 15 years ago. upstate NY, he began As a young teenager he spent weekends pumping competitive sailing and gas and sweeping floors at a local airfield in exchange Architecture School. After for flight lessons, and soloed on his sixteenth birthday college, he continued with his check ride sailing on Chesapeake following a year later. Bay while starting his He flew anything with Architecture career and wings to build time in family. those early years of He resumed flying in flying. his late thirties after For the first thirty years moving from Baltimore to Louisville, KY. He earned his Brett has owned several instrument rating in a Piper Warrior. aircraft, some of which “We purchased a low-time Arrow and I enjoy flying it he built or rebuilt around the region. I also spent a great weekend on Lake himself, with the pride of Champlain earning my seaplane rating,” Jeff adds. “I look the fleet being a 1947 forward to working with my new friends at the RAF to PA-12 with all the advocate for Kentucky’s small grass strips.” Alaska mods. His two [email protected] kids are both interested in aviation, with his 14 year-old daughter about to start Freeman Swank, Ohio glider lessons, and his 10 year-old son flying every Freeman is as chance he gets and helping to build and maintain the comfortable piloting a family airplanes. Brett’s wife has also gotten the bug, and John Deere tractor or a found her niche doing fabric covering. Brett and the kids motorcycle, as he is enjoy Supercruiser camping in south Georgia. flying his Piper Brett is a member of EAA and AOPA, as well as Cherokee. serving on his county airport authority. Ever since taking An Ohio native, the PA-12 on a nine-state tour of the Rockies last year, Freeman started flying in he’s looked for a way to get more involved in promoting 1971. He was inspired backcountry and recreational flying. He looks forward to by the Flying Farmers he working with Georgia State Liaison, Eric Davis and met while he was in the together furthering the mission of the RAF. Farm Science program [email protected] at Ohio State. He and wife Mary Jane now Jeff Smith, Kentucky reside in Wellington, Jeffrey, “Jeff” grew up in rural New Jersey near the where he spent his career as both a farm implement Delaware Water Gap. His father introduced him to Ernie dealer and educator. “Pete” Billows and flying at age 15 at Trinca Airport in While Freeman’s interest in airplanes and Northern New Jersey. Jeff soloed on his sixteenth birth- motorcycles might lead you to believe he likes speed, the day in a J-3 Cub on skis, landing in a cornfield. “After a fact that he and Mary Jane once drove a 1950s farm year of pumping gas and washing airplanes to pay for tractor (with an Airstream trailer in-tow) 1,500 miles from
RAF mourns loss of publisher and pilot John Kounis, California Liaison John Kounis, 51, editor of Pilot Getaways, passed away presenting on a variety of subjects including mountain July 13 at his home in Glendale, CA. He had recently flying. delivered a Cessna 185 from California to Malaysia. John John had worked for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory served the RAF in many ways, including his work in data in Pasadena. His brilliance spanned many areas, and the systems and as the RAF Southern California liaison. He RAF was a beneficiary of his knowledge. was an avid backcountry pilot and with his brother George, For George’s fascinating detail of John’s life, go to: flew their Cessna 185 to many RAF events, often http://pilotgetaways.com/mag/ja15/RememberingJohn
6 Complete roster of RAF State Liaisons is on RAF website
Ohio to Florida, says low and slow is okay too. “Thirty- meeting friends new and old. “It amazes me how much one days traveling at nine miles an hour, you sure see a we have in common and how we all get to know each lot of the country,” Freeman quips. other. Aviation is the common thread.” The Swanks own a private grass strip near Butler, OH “I enjoy promoting the RAF mission and introducing with two miles of river front and access to 18 miles of bike people to recreational flying opportunities in Tennessee," trails and camping. Mary Jane says, “We welcome the he says. "I'm blessed, in that I'm doing all I ever wanted public to use it. We’ve had over 30 airplanes here at one to do: fly. [email protected] time!” Freeman adds, “We love to have visitors for a fly- in breakfast or for a camping weekend right on our Jeff Russell, Wisconsin airstrip, or the commercial campground off the end of the A lifelong resident of strip. Contact Freeman at [email protected] Wisconsin, Jeff Russell grew up in Sheboygan Steve Lewis, Tennessee and now resides near Steve was born and raised in northeast Tennessee. Madison, WI. He flies a He graduated from East Tennessee State University in SuperCub and Cirrus out 1971. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant through ROTC, of the Morey airport in he went on active duty in the U.S. Army in the early Middleton. “The 1970s. His first civilian job was as a flight instructor at Tri- SuperCub rotates Cities airport, (KTRI) which eventually led to a 30-year between Bushwheels, career in corporate aviation, including dairy product skis and floats, and transport pilot, among other interesting jobs. spends at least two As an EMS Bell 407 helicopter pilot, Steve’s missions weeks a year in the often take him across state lines and through backcountry of Montana mountainous, rugged terrain. In just twelve minutes, he and Idaho,” he says, can reach an emergency adding, “I look forward to working with the RAF on its site that would have mission to promote recreational aviation in Wisconsin.” taken an hour by ground. Young Jeff was exposed to general aviation while “Response time is so flying with his dad in their Cherokee 235. It wasn't until important. If we can get 1998 that circumstances allowed Jeff to take flight on the ground, get the lessons and become a pilot himself. patient loaded and to the Jeff is the president of Fisher Barton Blades, an hospital for treatment American-made lawn mower blade manufacturer with with angioplasty or clot- plants in Wisconsin and South Carolina. busting drugs, we can When not aviating, Jeff enjoys fly fishing, sailboat save a life,” Steve said. racing and bicycling. His girlfriend of 29 years, Rhonda, Buying a Super Cub ten enjoys their flights into the backcountry and has an years ago opened the interest in learning to fly as well. door to backcountry To share his passion for aviation, Jeff gives numerous flying. Steve enjoys flying talks about his floatplane adventures to Hudson Bay; and with friends he met at the SuperCub.org Fly-In in New to the backcountry airstrips of the west. Holstein, WI. In 2014 he took his 17-year-old grandson Pictured are Rhonda and Jeff with his SuperCub. and their adventures included landing on sand bars in the [email protected] Wisconsin River and in a field at a dairy farm. “We’re thrilled to add these enthusiastic folks to our Steve has also organized Super Cub fly-in’s at 0A9 group of dedicated volunteers,” RAF president John for five years. He enjoys the flying, the camaraderie and McKenna said.
RAF mourns loss of Reade Genzlinger, dedicated director RAF Director and Secretary/Treasurer Reade Genzlinger Kenzie was passionate about flying, and had earned her was killed in an aircraft accident near Alpine, WY in January. private license. A high school senior, she was also a world- Reade’s passenger, 17-year-old Kenzie Ruston also lost her class jump roper. For more about Kenzie or to memorialize life. her, click this GoFundMe site. Reade leaves behind his wife Lynn, and five children. Lynn RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Myrick wrote, “The fact they and the family kindly suggested memorials to the RAF were doing something they loved does not make the honoring Reade’s passion for its mission, and “his gratitude loss any easier. We are a family and that in itself makes this for the wonderful friends he’d made through his work there.” tragedy even more striking and personal.”
7 Vision of excellence for recreational aviators – RAF Code of Conduct – RAF Safety and Education Committee, Alan Metzler, Coordinator – Devin Landry photo.
he Recreational Aviation Foundation offers recommen- Aircraft dations to advance flight safety, airmanship, • Use an aircraft that is capable and maintained for the T professionalism, consideration and courtesy toward the intended mission. people and wildlife who share the recreational environment. • Be competent in the use of appropriate technologies Each of us is an ambassador to the non-flying public, and to for navigation, communication, and emergency rescue. the landowners or managers responsible for the airstrips we • Carry redundant transceivers and navigational enjoy. We want to be the friendliest and most helpful equipment. recreational users working with land owners and managers. • Equip with proper water, food, clothing, shelter, first aid Significant negotiation and work go and tools. Prepare for an extended time on the ground if into protecting backcountry airstrips necessary. Each of us and trust is earned through fulfilling • Secure your aircraft. our commitments to the land is an Environment managers and owners. Honoring • Use “Pack it in / Pack it out” and these agreements can go a long way ambassador “Leave No Trace” practices. towards these efforts, and even • Keep your aircraft/seaplane clean of to the non- opening new airstrips. A few rogue weed traces and seed to prevent the spread pilots can destroy this trust and set flying public of invasive vegetation. our backcountry efforts backwards for • Recognize and minimize the environmental impact of years. aircraft operations. This Code of Conduct presents a vision of excellence for • Go beyond applicable agreements, laws and recreational aviators. Its principles complement and regulations in being considerate stewards of the underscore legal requirements and agreements for land environment and others who may be sharing it. use. • Act with courtesy to other recreators. Maintain Pilot reasonable distance and altitude and reduce your noise • Make safety your highest priority, acting with signature to a safe minimum. responsibility and courtesy. • Know wildlife refuge boundaries and seasonal areas of • Develop the skills necessary for safe backcountry wildlife congregation to avoid low level overflights. aviation. Use instructors and knowledgeable pilots to seek • Minimize discharge of fuel and oil during refueling, excellence in airmanship through training and practice. preflight preparations, servicing and flight operations. • Establish and adhere to personal minimums based on • Avoid very early morning departures unless safety of objective evaluation of ability. flight requires a deviation. • Research and practice prudent operating practices for • Do not use sensitive backcountry airstrips for training. the area and airfield you wish to explore. i.e, reporting points Stay long enough to enjoy their special recreational benefits. and altitudes. • Anticipate, recognize, share with passengers, and Purpose of the RAF manage risks using sound principles of aeronautical Safety and Education committee: decision making. • Highlight practices to support safety and professionalism; • Be aware and • Promote improved pilot training, airmanship, conduct, consider all in the personal responsibility, and pilot contribution to the recreational aviation community and society at large; flying environment, • Encourage sound judgement and ethical behavior; avoiding operations • Advance self-regulation through the aviation community that may alarm, as an alternative to government regulation; disturb, or endanger • Support improved communications between pilots, passengers, people or regulators, and others in the aviation industry; and – Mike Sidders photo. wildlife. • Promote recreational aviation and make flying a more rewarding, safe and enjoyable experience. 8 Backcountry noise study update From RAF University of Montana graduate student Devin Landry is nearing the final Volunteer stages of his research project into the potential impacts of backcountry Coordinator aviation on wildlife stress levels. Sarah Chandler With help from volunteer RAF pilots, Landry was able to complete a second research season last summer collecting data from backcountry The RAF has been airstrips throughout Montana and Idaho. Upon returning to UM in the fall, a success because of the passion Landry turned right around and worked with the RAF to construct an online and dedication of volunteers. We use survey of pilots nationwide. the words “passion” and “dedication” Responses came pouring in throughout September and October. “I’d like because RAF volunteers share their to thank every RAF member who took the time to complete this survey,” time, expertise and talents without Landry said. “And a big thanks to all the volunteer pilots who flew us and the any compensation. People behind equipment into the backcountry over the last two years.“ the scenes write thank you notes, Landry is currently synthesizing field and survey data, and looks forward attend meetings, staff booths, cook potatoes, enter data, represent the to sharing the project results with the RAF over the coming months. RAF in their state as well as fulfill many other important functions. Without this amazing volunteer CFI encourages RAF support force, the RAF could not achieve our Jim Crawford of North Conway, NH is mission, continue growing as an a flight instructor, and he takes no money organization and serve the needs of for the Flight Reviews he gives. Instead, the recreational aviation community. Thank you to all of our wonderful, he suggests the pilot make a donation to amazing, hardworking volunteers! the RAF. We appreciate Jim’s generosity! Would you like to join our team of At left: Jim Crawford and Andi Bartlett, passionate aviators who work to RAF supporters. preserve, maintain and create airstrips for recreational access? We are looking for additional help in the following specific areas: Volunteers bring talent to RAF State Liaisons Thank You Notes VPs of Appreciation – Carol “Pinky” Strong is one of Real Estate Committee the women writing thank you notes to our many RAF Marketing friends and supporters, gaining the title “Vice President of Event Planning Appreciation.” Pinky doesn’t let vacation get in the way of Do you have a “hidden talent” or her task. Here she is writing a dozen notes while on interest not on this list? vacation in Hawaii. Make 2016 the year you get involved with the RAF . . . You can Patricia Tyler has taken on half the alphabet to help make a difference. You can give thank everyone who supports the RAF. Pat and her back. You can learn something new. husband, Florida Liaison Jack Tyler, split their time You can build new relationships. You between the Sunshine State and Montana. Their can strengthen the aviation dedication to the RAF is year-round! community. As you consider lending a They do such a good job that we have received “thank hand, you should know that while you” notes for sending our “thank you” notes! giving of your time, expertise and talents, you can expect something in Data Entry Volunteer – Sue Mann is a private pilot in Oregon but also splits return. Long time RAF volunteer her time between Canada and Hawaii. When she is not flying her Husky A-1, Debra “Smoky” Folsom says, “helping she is a nurse and commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. She joined the the RAF, it seems like I always get RAF in order to support backcountry flying and the airports around the country back more than I give – great new that serve those pilots. friends, lots of adventures and knowing that I am doing something Social Media Volunteer – Greg Daughtry lives in Boulder, CO. He is an that makes a difference!” avid climber, skier, fly fisherman and pilot. Originally from North Carolina, As your Volunteer Coordinator, Greg moved west 25 years ago to follow his love of the high mountains and the thing I look forward to most is big skies. He got involved with the RAF to help improve access opportunities meeting and working with RAF for aviation users in our public and private lands. He can usually be found members all across the country. pickin' a guitar and singin' to the wolves and willows. Please let me know if you are interested in getting more involved. Graphic Design Volunteer – Cody Wellons is a private pilot from Atlanta, Thank you, GA. He’s had a lifetime interest in aviation and the outdoors, and he enjoys spending time hiking, camping, snowboarding and cycling. Cody's interest in Sarah Chandler the outdoors and backcountry flying aligns perfectly with the RAF's mission, [email protected] and he is excited to create graphics and visuals that will help the organization. 9 State Reports
Idaho – Mike Hart We finished closing the season on combined into three and all involved in The RAF continues working with the North Fox Island airstrip with a recorded forest planning. Idaho Aviation Association, Idaho Airstrip total of 27 aircraft and an unofficial total The Flathead Nat’l Forest is Network and agencies like the BLM and of around 35 aircraft. This does not proposing their EIS will be released for U.S. Forest service to support continued include all the visits from the core crew public comment in April: The Helena/ access to the many strips in the state. that worked on the airstrip through the Lewis and Clark NF has finished its The RAF’s efforts in Washington, D.C. season. Aircraft from MI, OH, IN, IL, WI, public meetings and is engaged in the securing airstrip maintenance funds for NM and PA via MT stopped in at preparation of the “Proposed Action” the USFS will definitely have a major Michigan’s newest public use document which should be out for public positive impact in Idaho! recreational airport. comment this spring; The Custer/ Last year saw the conclusion of the Gallatin NF is starting the planning Nez Perce Forest Management planning process this month (January) and is in process. It is through Forest Plans that the process of conducting the Forest policy affecting airstrips is detailed. RAF Assessment. Public meetings are participation was strongly felt and you expected this summer, fire season can see it in the plan. Fish Lake airstrip permitting. (S92) in particular is an excellent A very important part of these Plans example. Maintenance deferred by last will be the Grizzly Bear Amendment. All year’s fire season is slated for this year. these forests contain large areas of The inclusion of this airstrip in the Forest grizzly bear habitat, and there are Plan helps secure its continued airstrips in bear country. The grizzly operation and now there are funds bear, under protection of the Endangered Species Act, has recovered available to make it so. This coming season we will be This year I hope to make headway to the point of delisting as an scheduling work parties for cutting brush endangered species. To accomplish the on the currently closed Big Springs along the sides of the runway. Check the airstrip located near Island Park, ID. We amendment, the RAF and Montana RAF calendar for dates and alternate Pilots Assoc. made comments of record. will be working to identify issues that weather dates. If you stop in with stand in the way of reopening this great Cow Creek airstrip, Missouri Breaks nothing official going on, please help by suffered vehicle damage over the years. recreational strip. We will also continue bringing a trash bag, walk the beautiful to support efforts to resolve the status of beach, and help by picking up washed Mile-Hi, Vines, Dewey Moore, and up plastic bottles and other trash. If you Simonds, known as the “Big Creek would then fly the refuse off the island it Four” in the Frank Church River of No would be a great help. Return Wilderness. 2016 6Y3 season looks to be busy as we do continuous improvement Maryland – John Nadeau through the season. In the past, MD recreators of various Look for a 6Y3 Safety Briefing on the pursuits kept requesting specific RAF website this spring. additions to MD’s Recreational Use We are looking for donations for a Statutes. The lengthening list of second new mower to help cut the recreational activities apparetly included runway, as it takes 6 1⁄2 hrs with one aviation before the RAF began its state- mower. Our goal is $3,000. The MPA, RAF and BLM partnered by-state RUS effort to include aviation. Michigan RUS: together to erect a fence and signage at Sometime after 2008, the Legislature The RAF along with AOPA continues the airstrip with the goal of eliminating changed the RUS, replacing the specific working with the Michigan Private this type of damage. list with the broad definition: Airport Owners Assoc. to get “aviation In November, volunteers from the “Recreational purpose, meaning any activities” added to Michigan’s RAF and MPA graded the strip. Pete recreational pursuit.” Recreational Use Statute. With 29 Smith, MPA member and RAF BLM Our stance, when explaining this to states having accomplished this, one Liaison, reported that on Dec. 5, he and airstrip owners in MD, is that aviation would think it would be an easy slam the crew finished the east end fence of used to be in the RUS along with the dunk. Not so. The Trial Lawyers are 13 sections, and that they will resume other forms of recreation, and the list putting up a fierce battle against it in working when materials arrive for the was eliminated in favor of a broad their claims to the Legislature. We have west end. It was agreed among the defintion of recreation. In a legal case, made headway last session and now partners to close the strip to allow for aviation is obvioulsy included in the new will continue the battle into the 2016 revegetation until it is determined that broad definition of recreation. So with a session. landing on the strip won't cause level of confidence, we have added damage. Watch for notices of re- Maryland to the RAF’s list of “green” Montana – Ron Normandeau opening mid-summer 2016. states. Winter has for all intents and purposes, shut down backcountry visits, Victory in New Hampshire– Michigan – Brad Frederick except for ski planes. There is plenty to David DeVries, president of the New North Fox Island Airstrip (6Y3) keep us busy, anyway, with five forests Hampshire Pilot Assoc: sent this: 10 State Reports
“Aviation in New Hampshire scores a Vermont and Northern New England USFS victory! The final ruling has been posted have some of the most beautiful and and the petition to close Bellamy River in accessible backcountry spots in the U.S. aviation concerns Dover, NH has been denied! Thank you to Mountain flying, wilderness flying, plains in Montana all who helped in the cause! flying, island hopping and oceans all well – Ron Normandeau “Bob Burley provided background data within a day’s range. Our advantage is The Helena and Lewis and on wildlife and noise. We were joined by shorter distances compared to western Clark Nat’l Forests have combined one of our dedicated RAF members from states while the vertical rise of peaks is into the Helena/Lewis and Clark the SPA, Steve Williams, in the fight.” virtually the same. We have more lakes (HLC) and is now engaged in and streams and our backcountry is green Forest Resource Planning New Mexico – Larry Filener in season and white in winter. Grass, activities. Over the past months the gravel, ice, snow and water are all possible USFS has held public meetings in Fall is a beautiful time to fly here in NM. operating environments in the backcountry. In August, the annual Mystic Bluffs fly-in Lewistown, Stanford, White Sulphur Pavement to pavement is a limited flying Springs, Townsend, Great Falls, was held and was a tremendous success. existence! Near Ramah, NM it’s surrounded by the Helena, Lincoln, Augusta, Choteau red bluffs and sandstone, and is truly a and Browning. magical spot. To make it even more The MPA and RAF have worked special, the town of Ramah shows up with closely with the HLC National the most incredible breakfast you can Forest. The most notable accomplishment was the construction of Russian Flat airstrip, the first new airstrip on USFS lands in forty years. The HLC Forest documents include aviation which allows us to approach them about airstrips in Inventoried Roadless Areas, which Hiking, birding, hunting, fishing, has been a stumbling block in the camping, swimming and all manner of past. outdoor activities are at our wingtips for a Another issue concerning minimal expense, so backcountry flying is aviation is the condition of the obvious addition to our skill set. Benchmark (3U7) airstrip. At these meetings, the USFS expressed a imagine, including green chile breakfast Vermont has over 80 airstrips. Roughly ten are supported by Vermont AOT desire to close it for safety reasons. burritos and blueberry French toast. The airstrip is a 6,000-foot This year we had 25 aircraft from as far Aviation. The other 70 are private, mostly permission only. asphalt runway built in the 1960s. away as Nebraska and Texas visiting. We The surface is deteriorating and were especially pleased to have AOPA In 2012, due to RAF efforts, Vermont improved its Recreational Use Statute, needs some sort of treatment. The representative Yasmina Platt and her USFS has determined there are husband attend. See her tremendous blog specifically indemnifying private landowners from aviation related liability. 48,000 feet of cracks in need of HERE: repair. We also have had several exciting Land owners now are more willing to permit access with permission. The RAF is looking into several developments with privately owned options to solve the problem. The airstrips. Early in the summer, several Interested? We have developed guidelines for very low impact backcountry USFS is thinking of approaching members traveled to Taos, NM to assist in the military for help, as they opening a new private strip near the Rio access. RULE 1: Get permission first. expressed a desire to use the Grande gorge. It’s a beautiful spot located airstrip for training. The MPA and within walking distance of the Rio Grande RULE 2: Leave it better than you found it. RAF have had discussions on the gorge. NMPA and RAF are negotiating with options of grinding the surface and the owner for limited access and hope to Things we’ve done this year include: ● Landed on ice near a small General removing it or doing crack repair. have a fly-in there this summer. Both will be very expensive given Our members also traveled to Santa Store for smoked sausages ● Flown to apple orchards for the fall the remote location and distance to Rosa, NM and commenced negotiations move equipment and material. with a private land owner to reopen an harvest and some great pies and jams ● Fished for fresh dinner trout Another round of public airstrip near the Pecos River. The airstrip meetings will take place in January is very remote and beautiful. We will keep ● Watched moose, deer, eagles, falcons and other wildlife in their habitat and February and scoping on the our members updated as discussions Draft Environmental Impact progress. ● Flown to remote farmers markets in the Adirondacks Statement will take place in the ● Attended an American-Canadian ice spring and summer of 2016. Vermont – Bob Burley fly-in (40 aircraft) on the ice – Ron Normandeau, Chairman, The Vermont truth is that backcountry ● Swimming and camping near MPA Backcountry Airstrip aviation happens safely right here, in all cascading streams. Committee; RAF Montana Liaison: seasons. [email protected] 11 RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION 1711 West College St., Bozeman, MT 59715 406-582-1RAF (1723) www.theraf.org
The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, maintains and creates airstrips for recreational access.
IN THIS ISSUE–
• RAF secures funds for USFS airstrip maintenance • Ozark Airfield Project launched • Cooperation leads to major upgrade on Arizona airstrip • Florida’s Arcadia goes all out for RAF • 30 states now include aviation in Recreation law • Meet four new State Liaisons
• RAF wildlife/noise study in Relaxing around Arcadia’s new campground fire pit – Jack Tyler photo. progress
The Recreational Aviation Foundation was formed in 2003 by a group of pilots in response to diminishing backcountry aviation destinations. Supporters from all 50 states and the GA and commercial aviation industry have joined in. To become a supporter of this important effort, use the secure “Donate now” button at www.theraf.org or use the form below.
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