The Recreational Aviation Foundation is “expanding the map” for backcountry pilots, with plans to open and reopen more than 15 backcountry airstrips around the country.
“We are expanding backcountry access like never before, and we are excited for aviators to explore the growing number of destinations where you can share the joys of recreational aviation with family and friends,” RAF officials said.
The Expanding the Map initiative begins with the reopening of Walker Ridge Airstrip in Northern California.
RAF volunteers, led by RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair, have reclaimed Walker Ridge, a once-abandoned Bureau of Land Management airstrip, according to RAF officials.
Walker Ridge offers a remote, secluded backcountry airstrip within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area regions, according to RAF officials.
“There are very few opportunities like this for pilots in these large metropolitan areas to fly out to a genuinely remote location and camp with their airplane just a few hours from home,” RAF officials said. “The combination of dark skies, sweeping valley views, camping right at the airstrip, and true seclusion makes Walker Ridge a rare and special destination. Nestled within the protected landscape of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Walker Ridge offers an experience that is both uniquely accessible and remarkably wild.”
The foundation has dedicated a new section of its website to highlight the Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find more information about Walker Ridge and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here.
Walker Ridge now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide, a resource where pilots can find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings.
For more information: TheRAF.org/Expanding-The-Map
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