Ben Carlson sent in this photo with a note: “In the Utah Canyonlands.”
backcountry flying
Airplane camping on a weight and space budget
Kevin and Jill are turning their humble 1946 Taylorcraft into a cozy camping machine, packing ultra-light gear and carefully planning fuel stops to make the most of their 65-horsepower plane. While their setup may not be as glamorous as a Super Cub adventure, they’re having a blast exploring new airports, meeting fellow pilots, and enjoying the simpler side of aviation camping.
The Recreational Aviation Foundation looks to the future
As the Recreational Aviation Foundation turns 21, it looks to the next generation to carry on its mission.
Volunteers restore fly-in cabins in Alaska
Seven volunteers from around the country joined US Forest Service employees to complete repairs and restore cabin access for users with mobility challenges. Additional work, including clearing trail and filling woodsheds, was accomplished at a second cabin on Heckman Lake and a cabin on nearby Jordan Lake.
TL Sport introduces two backcountry aircraft
Focused on the growing market of remote, challenging destinations, these new aircraft are being designed, engineered, and manufactured by TL Sport Aircraft specifically for the North American market, according to officials with the Czech Republic-based company.
New nonprofit created to expand backcountry access
The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation will raffle off the first Carbon Cub (S/N 001) as the grand prize in a fundraiser to help financially support the new foundation and its operations.
Grant funds solar weather station testing at Death Valley airstrip
A grant from the Recreational Aviation Foundation is funding a remote solar powered weather station at Saline Valley Warm Springs Airfield, commonly known as the Chicken Strip, in Death Valley National Park’s remote Saline Valley.
Help save 18 backcountry airstrips in Utah
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has put out a call to action for pilots to submit positive comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s plan for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) in Utah, which would effectively close 16 backcountry airstrips.
Redbird and the RAF Partner on educational resources for backcountry flying
Identifying a shortage of training materials that support pilots in developing their skills in off-airport, backcountry, and recreational flying, the organizations are creating a catalog of resources covering topics such as practical flying skills and habits, planning and preparation, basic survival and first aid, and gear recommendations and usage.