A new partnership between the Recreational Aviation Foundation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may lead to additional access for backcountry pilots.
“This is far more than an agreement to provide volunteers and RAF grant money for projects in Texas,” said RAF Chairman John McKenna in announcing the March 18, 2022, formal agreement. “The State of Texas is looking to the RAF for expertise and guidance on managing aviation assets in their parks while identifying new opportunities to provide additional recreational access.”
The five-year agreement ensures collaboration between the recreational aviation community and TPWD to ensure aviation access to state parks. It is modeled after other national MOU’s the RAF has in place and formalizes that aviation volunteer groups are a resource for ongoing maintenance and operations. Projects will be coordinated through RAF State Liaisons with other state pilot organizations, with TPWD approval.
The agreement also authorizes the RAF to assist TPWD in “planning future recreation aviation opportunities by proposing areas and airstrips to be utilized for recreational aviation access and purposes.”
TPWD will collaborate with the RAF when opportunities arise for participation in public planning, implementation, and evaluation of land, water, and waterways for projects designed to enhance aviation access to state parks, RAF officials added.
Reflecting the RAF Code of Ethics, the document states, “Each pilot is an ambassador to the non-flying public.”
“Pilots are expected to act with courtesy for those on the ground by maintaining reasonable distance and altitude and avoiding low level flights, unsafe operation, and excessive noise,” it continued.
Congratulations to RAF and TPWD. This shows, once again, that constructive dialogue, cooperation and good results between “the alphabets” and state and local public agencies are possible, and very likely with effort and dedication by all involved. Looking forward to follow-up reports on progress under the Texas MOU.