In May 2024, 30 volunteers completed another successful work party, maintaining five airstrips in Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge.
Recreational Aviation Foundation
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.
Grant awarded to build pavilion at 52S
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has approved a grant to help build a pavilion at St. Ignatius Airport (52S) in Montana.
Maybe it’s time for a trip to Alaska?
Officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation note that 144 public use cabins in the Tongass National Forest across southeast Alaska are in danger of being closed due to lack of use.
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.
Grant funds improvements at 66S
The $10,000 grant will go towards an irrigation system, grass seed, and chemicals to improve and stabilize the runway turf at the Cavanaugh Bay Airstrip in Idaho.
New identifier for reopened Maine airport
The FAA has assigned a new identifier, 82ME, for Red Pine Airport, which is located within The Nature Conservancy’s Saint John River Forest in northern Maine.
Second grant to fund more improvements at Ohio airport
Planned improvements include an open-air pilot shelter with a concrete floor large enough for several picnic tables and adequate storage for carts, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and bikes. The plan is to add an RAF fire ring, and at least three wooden tent platforms closer to the lake’s edge within the more wooded environment.