The pilot pavilion that began to take shape in spring of this year is now officially complete at Trigger Gap Airport (17A) in Arkansas.
The raising of the open-air timber and stone pavilion was truly a team effort, according to officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).
Volunteers came from 12 states, representing the RAF, Tailwind Aviation Foundation, and local Fly Oz friends, most of whom are also RAF members, said RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell said.
“Many generous donors also pitched in by providing the necessary finances for this project,” he added.
“When the swarm of volunteers leave, 95% of the work has been done. It’s that final 5% that is left for the remaining few,” RAF Arkansas Liaison Harper Goodwin observed. “There were many standouts among the ‘Let’s get this thing finished’ crew.”
Multiple volunteers showed up in in late summer to tackle the tasks that needed to be done, including climbing all over the roof to install panels, RAF officials.
“The RAF and the folks in Arkansas have been working on this partnership for a very long time,” noted RAF Chairman John McKenna, who flew in to help at the pavilion-raising work party in May. “The pavilion is simply the culmination of the tireless efforts by all who have joined in that effort.”
Those of us who live in the Ozarks are so fortunate to have Trigger Gap. A huge thank you to the RAF, to Dave and Harper, to all of the donors who made the airstrip and amenities possible, to everyone who came to Arkansas to work on the project, and to the Nature Conservancy for trusting us with the land. We are grateful. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining the RAF.
Be safe. Come see us.
As one of the “worker bees” on this project it was truly a fun project that helps others enjoy the outdoors for generations. The RAF is a great organization, help came from 12 states and donations from even more to make it a reality.
Thanks Dave…the pavilion is a work of art !!!
Thanks to all who volunteered to preserve our grass roots heritage and legacy aircraft back country landing fields! Ooh Rah! Semper fi
Readers of this article may want to become members of the RAF. I am. Even if you are not a backcountry pilot or maybe never landed on grass, you are helping to support aviation and prevent the closings of airports that were built before you were born. It’s easy to help.
https://theraf.org/about/