Do not fly into the airstrip unless you have been FINEST BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIP IN WASHINGTON 58,609 views Oct 7, 2019 Never miss a video or behind-the-scenes update: http://bit.ly/2LQ9AVc All of our aviation videos:. Porter Ranch Kennedy Meadows, California has a shorter crosswind runway that is 4,500 feet in length. showing me this one on our trip into the backcountry in May doi: 10.17226/22368. The RAF offers tax and legal assistance for donors, and the Board members receive no compensation. It will be these kinds of contributions to the RAF that will provide long term lasting value to future aviators. Updated 7/30/22. Creek Ranch airstrip lies in the middle of thistle weeds. The previous paragraphs are the heart of what started the RAF. It's just the density altitude you If Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. It also Memaloose is another good strip for those looking for a Each region receives its portion of this money based on total number of feet of existing airstrips. Before you go, buy the book almost every Idaho backcountry pilot carries in the cockpit: Fly Idaho! airfields covered within this state are accessible via the following: Since "This will really be fun", you tell yourself. Another weekend fly-in was held early in 2020, again with good attendance from several states. The airstrip is still considered open but is no longer used If we don't take a stand now, we will be reduced to telling our grandkids stories about these wonderful places instead of sharing the experience with them. The airstrip is located one mile southeast of West Glacier, MT, and is depicted on the Great Falls Sectional Chart. That began to change in 2012 when a group of volunteers formed Friends of Arcadia Airport or FOAA. . Albion Municipal Airport, Cassia County. Senator Jon Tester holds press conference to discuss aviation issues in RAF hangar, RAF works with NPS for the first time in Alaska: Jake's Bar work party in Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve, Work begins on Two Hearted airstrip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, RAF partners with AOPA's Air Safety Institute to administer aviation safety survey, 9,000+ members, 42 State Liaisons, 37 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, 8 Vice Presidents of Appreciation, Keystone Connection - Team RAF gathers in State College, PA for educational conference, RAF, with the help of EAA, restores Miracle Mile airstrip in Wyoming, RAF volunteers reopen Johannesburg airstrip in California, RAF helps open Mountain Views Airfield in Oregon, RAF teams with AOPA Air Safety Institute on its "Peaks to Pavement" Seminar Series, RAF improves camping facilities at Bowstring Airport in MN, RAF working with Hells Canyon Recreational Collaborative (HCRC), OR Liaison helps plan and open a new airstrip with the owners of Wild Billy Lake in Oregon, 11 grants awarded to State Liaisons for mission-related projects, Three regional mini educational conferences (RMECs) offered for volunteers, After 10 years of communication with the NPS, Chicken Strip in Death Valley's Saline Valley is officially authorized on August 19, 2019, RAF and the NPS sign a five-year cooperative maintenance agreement for Chicken Strip, Grassroots support for Charles A. Because of your memory of that special experience as well as your passion for it, you have, through the RAF, the opportunity to create a legacy like none other. four years. The RAF implements its mission through these Guiding Principles: Jakes Bar (AK0) was developed in support of mining operations in the mineral-rich Wrangell mountains south of the famous Kennicott copper mine which produced millions of dollars of copper from 1910 through 1938. Negrito permission. Share your favorite destination in the AOPA Hangar: Places to fly, things to do, where to eat! Backcountry Episode #3: Watch the Recording Backcountry Flying East of the Mississippi When you say "backcountry flying" most pilots think about those challenging airstrips out west in the mountains or high desert, but there are a lot of backcountry airstrips east of the Mississippi. Temperance Creek is a private runway requiring prior permission; email Sarah or Abby. enormous ranch. Current and Historic Airports in Idaho. Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and want to see their dream continue long after they are gone. Volunteers from the RAF, Oregon Pilots Association, Idaho Pilots Association and Backcountrypilot.org used airplanes and helicopters to remove tons of abandoned equipment and debris, and to bring in hundreds of loads of new building supplies. To land here you The RAF with the Utah Backcountry Pilot's Association constructed a pilot shelter on the field. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. Sunrise Valley Ranch (29OR), an 11,000 acre working cattle ranch east of Prineville, OR hosts a new backcountry airstrip, developed with RAF assistance. We prioritize safety - from pre-flight planning to the experiences on the ground where our planes have taken us - and consider it a lifetime commitment, rather than an isolated event. A lower pattern, if safe, allows you to fly a tighter base while not having to lose so much altitude and still keep a little power on that you can pull off if necessary. The strip was closed when the United States I'm always looking for fun places to fly that are close Most of these hard working organizations are comprised up of volunteers like you and I that donate time and resources. airport including a power line that runs the length of the At Our mission statement says it best: The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.. There are already plenty of local, state, and national organizations that are established for maintenance and protection of backcountry airstrips. Many of the issues that involve the RAF transcend state boundaries. Mr. Johnson made a comment that a "pilot may While many of these organizations concentrate on a single state, we are a national organization concerned about airstrips nationwide. For more details, visit the RAF Timeline. Wyoming This strip is It also provides more reaction time, is safer in turbulence, and decreases your turning radius if you decide to turn around. The RAF was instrumental in campground improvements at Kern Valley Airport (L05). When the city attempted to turn the strip into a waste transfer station and county dump, her board stepped up to save the airport. Natural hot springs are a short walk away. The John Day River is dam-free for all of its 280 mile length, and is the nations third-longest free-flowing river. foot turf runway that runs through a large grass-covered Photo by Crista Worthy. ensure that it continues to be available & to grow. Allenholm Airport (VT26), located in South Hero, Vermont, is a privately owned, public use airport. Inside Hells Canyon, the Snake River flows north toward Lewiston. heart pump even faster. Most pilots announce their landing direction on 122.9 as upstream or downstream, rather than the runway numbers. The beautiful old city located between Austin and San Antonio is known for bountiful crystal clear water, and aviation innovator Redbird Skyport, right on the field (KHYI). Originally built in 1950 by local outfitters as a small hunting lodge, over the decades and through a succession of owners, the Lodge fell into disrepair. The They were committed, they were hard working, and they had little, if any, room for the words "You can't do it" in their vocabulary. Here in Colorado, the BLM had no idea backcountry airstrips existed or were be being used by STOL aircraft. The RAF is depending on other pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. miles southeast of the town of Reserve, New Mexico. RAF conducted a work party at Jake's Bar. created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide jobs The RAF would organize a fly-in hosted by FOAA during Arcadias annual Rodeo Weekend. Salmon 15 miles downstream. It rests about 1,500 feet The CORAC is in the early stages of a revival to bring backcountry flying to Colorado! The worst thing the backcountry pilot community can do is to sit idle and hope the next pilot will do something. The airport master plan was reviewed and self-serve fuel and AWOS are in future plans. Pasayten Airstrip - Washington State Okanagon National Forest ~ Closed Indefinitely ~ Elevation approximately 4,000. . You dont need a bush plane to operate here. Youre ready to leave and for the first time and you now understand the laborious calculations your flight instructor had you making as you look at those real live 50 trees at the end of the runway. It south of the hangar. The 2,100 ft x 60 ft dirt airstrip sits in a small valley at 4,400 ft elevation, surrounded on three sides by 6,400 ft mountains. Memaloose Imnaha, Oregon If you Strike out on your own or hunt or just explore with Brice or Barry Barnes of Hells Canyon Packers, who know this area intimately. it The surrounding terrain was ravaged by a There are two schools of thought when flying Hells Canyon. In our state, dozens of airstrips remain to be fought for, and we need the manpower to do so. Bowstring airfield (9Y0) is a public use airport in the heart of Superior National Forest with ample recreational opportunities. Rock slides and ice dams had created large natural reservoirs, backing up water and sediment. little adventure. There is no control tower, no departing airlines to wait for, and the hold short line is the large bush at the entrance to the only active runway. If Snake River and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. We respect the fact that you have worked hard, saved your money, and may have some left over that could be directed to the RAF. And thanks to Redbirds generous corporate sponsorship, you can now enjoy one of the RAFs attractive Fire Hubs on the lawn near their full-service FBO. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. you enjoy the site, and would like to make a financial contribution. Dug Bar is 20 nautical miles north of Big Bar on the Oregon side of the Snake, with a 1,645-foot runway that allows approaches or departures to be made from either end. Creating new airstrips isn't easy either. Each site now has an RAF fire ring, a picnic table and is just a short walk to a newly constructed outhouse. Those two questions were the basis for this organization we call the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF). Short final for Runway 36 (landing downstream) at Temperance Creek. Hells Canyon Packers can arrange guided fishing, hiking, hunting, rafting, or jet boating trips. The RAF was first organized by this group of Montana pilots who had been working on airstrip issues in that state for several years. length. conversation about flying in his area. The RAF is depending on other pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. He also said there is a road that intersects the updating it. directions. It is definitely one-way in and Similar in concept to the rest stops along our interstate highway system, the first of these shelters was constructed atGallatin Field (BZN)in Bozeman, Montana. As far as the airstrip goes, it's a runway is 1,360 feet long, but It has a 30-percent uphill But there was the smell of pine trees, cowboy coffee, wood smoke, the distant howl of a coyote and the flicker of fire light. Volunteers recently installed a new windsock. . On several occasions, RAF members have brought hand tools and a drag to smooth the strip and fill in damage from OHV users driving on it during wet conditions. The RAF was founded as a public charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in December 2003. A very 16, 2013 headed up by Recreational Aviation Foundation Utah Liaison Wayne Loeber, which led to the reopening of the airstrip in 2014. They are Public / Oregon Government. is not excessive. 6Y3 The RAF completed a formal agreement with the State of Michigan to open North Fox Island, located on an 820-acre island in Lake Michigan. The RAF donated $1,000 to help fund a conservation easement on the ranch in 2016. Private / M.E. We believe that aviation is a valid form of accessing recreational resources on public and private lands. In 2017 the RAF granted $750 for airstrip maintenance. It provides great camping. Idaho has by far the largest number, mostly due to the diligence of Idaho pilots who have banded together to work with state and federal agencies and land owners to keep airstrips open on public and private lands. would you pay for a good aviation magazine, or a good aviation book? The airport offers primitive camping and fishing in a spectacularly remote setting. | Return Policy With your help the RAF knows there will be an airplane on a grass strip with laughter and a campfire in the background. The Wolf family from Syracuse, Utah, enjoying a picnic at an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip. Nothing worthwhile ever is. The strip has The ranch, homesteaded in 1878, was one of the largest ranches of the southwest. The Memaloose and Lord Flat airstrips, perched precariously near the rims edge on the Oregon side, can be snow-covered well into June, but airstrips inside the canyon, which sit on sandbars above the river, are usually available all year. Airport owner and RAF volunteer Freeman Swank is happy to add Swank Field to the RAF map beginning with a successful RAF Fly In August 13-21, 2016. the field that he uses daily for herding cattle around the But savvy backcountry pilots who enjoy winter flights know where the snow-free strips arein Hells Canyon. contribution. runway. The RAF encourages various state pilots' organizations to form active committees that work on recreational airstrip issues. Private - Not currently in operational use. has no problem, but he asks that you call first before We have State Liaisons and Ambassadors who attend fly-ins and events in all areas of the country! Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. In July of 2019, a vault toilet was transported from the Ranger Office and installed at Negrito with funding provided by NMPA. If you have even a little interest in backcountry or recreational aviation, then youll want to know about the IAA, which recently fought and won the right for pilots to continue use of the Big Creek 4 airstrips in central Idaho (full disclosureI edit their newsletter, The Flyline). Why airstrip advocacy? Read chapter Front Matter: TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues the uses, benefi. This includes construction costs of items such as pilot shelters, new runways, and airstrip facilities; travel to Washington D.C. to meet with policymakers; promoting the RAF at trade shows; and mailing to our members all to serve you, the RAF members. doi: 10.17226/22368. Chase Memorial Airport in Maine, which was threatened with closure, $750,000 of funding announced by Congress for backcountry airstrips on USFS land, 9700+ members, 48 State Liaisons, 40 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, 10 Vice Presidents of Appreciation, Awarded 16 grants to State Liaisons for mission-related projects, Launched RAF Podcasts and The RAF Outfitter online store, 52 State Liaisons, 61 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, 10 Vice Presidents of Appreciation, USFS renewed Memorandum of Understanding with RAF, Started seasonal camp host program at Ryan Field, Raised the pilot pavilion at Trigger Gap (, Preserved Las Trancas, CA via a private lease agreement, Signed the New Mexico Airstrip Network renewal, Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy, USFS, Hartzell, AOPA, and others to improve airstrips and advocate for recreational aviation, Received USFS approval for a $50,000 request to improve Childs Glacier airstrip in Alaska, Turf operations are acknowledged in the FAA Advisory Circular, Signed a collaborative agreement with Texas State Parks, The life of Agnes Butchie Ryan is honored. Pleasant Valley, (24AZ)is located on the Young District of the Tonto National Forest just outside the historic little town of Young Arizona and 21 miles east and south of Payson. She has single-engine land and sea ratings. The RAF is Candid Platinum Transparency Recipient for 2022. Private / Idaho Power Company. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. The RAF partnered with the Montana Pilots Association (MPA) and participated in the BLM planning process that secured the existence of 2 airstrips in the Missouri River Breaks. Pasayten Airstrip was built i the early 406-582-1723 do so they needed to do an Environment Impact Study. As a pilot and outdoor enthusiast, there are few things more enjoyable than the combination of these two activities. Ryan Field (2MT1) is a private airstrip owned by the RAF via the generous donation of Ben and Butchie Ryan. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation.Washington, DC . Volunteers from The Idaho Aviation Association, Wallowa County Pilots Association and the RAF undertake annual maintenance of the Dug Bar airstrip. New Mexico State Liaison Ron Keller represented RAF at an initial meeting in 2017 with the Catron County Manager to advocate for the airport as an important recreational access point. Volunteers have made several improvements over the years including a camping area with fire ring, tie-downs on both sides at camping area, south windsock installation, and repair of the tetrahedron. . Elk are often seen in large herds on the slopes above the ranch, especially in the cooler months. be able to get down on the strip during the summer months, operation of this site. In 2017, a RAF grant was approved to build and install fold over windsock poles at the airstrip. For additional airstrip locations and information go to Shortfield.com. The Montana Pilots Association provided all the volunteer labor for the airstrip construction and The Recreational Aviation Foundation provided the funding for the airstrip. Login Register Cart Help. Horn Mountains. Updates Each time an ice dam gave way, the Snake River cut a fresh path through the sediment, leaving huge bars above the rivers flow, where the airstrips sit today. Aside from the obvious benefit of helping us preserve, maintain, and create public airstrips, you will receive periodic email updates of our progress as well as directed bulletins for issues that affect you. Engstrom Campground, a USFS campground, is 0.5 miles SW of the runway, with an outhouse facility. NMPA and RAF volunteers have installed a fire ring and picnic tables. The name says it all. Through coordination with local BLM field managers, RAF California Liaison Rick Lach obtained authorization for RAF volunteers to maintain several airstrips in their district including Goler Heights. Note the shorter Big Bar airstrip across the river on the Idaho side. Big Bar airstrip, looking south, or upstream, on January 1, 2012. RAF volunteers completed two campsites, one with four tent pads and one with five tent pads. three runways varying in length from 1,100 feet to 2,500 forest fire in the 1920s and has new growth pine forest. La Garita Creek Ranch Airport places you at the Ranch with rental cabins, and a main lodge with kitchen. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. The following link shows all the webcams (on one page) that the Idaho Aviation Foundation has sponsored, along with a few others. - If not now when?, Backcountry Aviation Foundation begins to transition to the Recreational Aviation Foundation, Bylaws for the organization written by Jerry Cain and Chuck Jarecki, Incorporated and successful filing of 501(c)(3) by Jerry Cain and John McKenna, Idaho Airstrip Network was formed; RAF Director, Rol Murrow was a key member, RAF was invited to participate in the Travel Planning process for the Lewis and Clark National Forest, RAF member Dan Lilja built the first RAF website, First Edition of the Land Manager's Guide and "Advocates Guide", both written by Chuck Jarecki became available, First State Liaison: Montana - Ron Normandeau, Ben & Butch Ryan gifted Ryan Field to the RAF, First Newsletter created by Carmine Mowbray, Began the process to specifically include the word aviation to Recreational Use Statutes, Travel Plan for the Lewis & Clark National Forest was approved for Russian Flat Airstrip, First Strategic Plan in Missoula, MT with Gary Burnett, National Park Service Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) surrounding the maintenance of 3 Death Valley, CA airstrips. Made famous by the Pleasant Valley war of the late 20th and early 21st century, the airstrip is nestled in ranch country, at 4,800. With mounting regulations, liability concerns, and environmental opposition it is important that these special airstrips are maintained and protected for future use. prematurely. The newspaper editor printed every letter along with an article about the fly-in. Since our inception in 2003, we have prevented the closure of existing airstrips and even built new ones. The Chicken Strip is a 1,300-foot dirt strip in a remote corner of Death Valley National Park. These female elk are bickering right outside the Temperance Creek Lodge. feet or lower and around 500 knots. #KeepItWild via @WildernessWatch The strip is consider checking the box to make a monthly donatation. Grand Gulch was the scene of a work party on Mar. Pasayten Airstrip Washington State ?Providing backcountry access, supporting rural economies and recreational activities, and aiding forest management requires a nationwide policy to protect federal backcountry aviation issues, according to a bill introduced today by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig. RAF pilot shelter completed at Ryan Field - built by Chuck Jarecki, Abigail Kimbell, USFS sends letter to the USFS field that recreational aircraft & backcountry airstrips can be an integral part of a balanced & effective transportation system, Missouri River Breaks Monument management plan finalized, includes approval of six airstrips, Strategic Planning Meeting - Teton Summit in Driggs, Idaho, Russian Flat Airstrip opened to the public, Tornado event at Sun n Fun Tornado Husky was born, Congressional Resolution honoring backcountry airstrips, Executive Assistant position created - Tricia McKenna, RUS Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, Glacier Summit - First full gathering of TEAM RAF in Kalispell, MT, RUS Vermont, Utah, South Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, Chuck Jarecki and Dan Prill, Founding Directors retire, Began work with Walton Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, The Red Rock Roundup - TEAM RAF gathers in St. George, UT, AOPA and Montana Dept of Transportation grant obtained for the Wildlife and Aviation Study, RUS California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, Reopened North Fox Island Airstrip in Michigan, Volunteer Coordinator position created made possible in part with a grant, Memorandums Of Understanding signed with US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, 43 State Liaisons and 9 Directors in 35 States, First edition of RAF Guide for Airstrip Owners written by John Nadeau became available, Funding announced by U.S. Congress for Backcountry Airstrips on USFS land, U.S. Congress instructs USFS not to close backcountry airstrips, Razorback Rendezvous - TEAM RAF gathers in Bentonville, AR, RAF Grant Committee created to assist State Liaisons in funding projects, Two new Recreational Airstrips opened in AR - Trigger Gap and Sugar Creek. What are the benefits of joining the RAF? In response to a request for help in preserving the old site from the grazing permittees Doug Dressler and Wilma Jenkins, negotiations between the RAF, APA and the USFS District Ranger Carol Telles and her recreation team began. Recreational Aviation Foundation it in about an hour and a half, down a dusty dirt road. Red Creek airstrip is located on the Verde River 28 miles north of Scottsdale and provides an incredible experience in the Sonoran Desert beauty. Members of the Idaho Aviation Association used to hold a New Years Day fly-in here each year, but its been moved to Dug Bar, 20 miles downstream (north), a less-challenging airstrip. This beautiful Wyoming airstrip is located been sold on 03-17-2003. Photo by Shelly Tippets. I don't think the Air Force or the Air wanted to lower their VR route through there and in order to Burnt Ridge Airstrip - Airpark - WA - WN74 - Location and FAA Link Camano Island Airfield - Airpark - WA - 13W 3 miles NW of STANWOOD, WA Camano Island Airfield - Airpark - WA - 13W - Location and FAA Link Cawleys South Prairie - Airpark WA - 02WA 1 miles NE of SOUTH PRAIRIE, WA Cawleys South Prairie - Airpark WA - 02WA - Location and FAA Link Their route is several The foundation invites donations of any kind, including land suitable for airstrip development. Myricksis home to EAA Chapter 196s annual fall fly-in fundraiser, a great event for pilots to enjoy some aviation camaraderie and quality hamburgers. landing due to gopher hole or other adverse surface Our funds are used directly for preserving, creating, and improving airstrips. Updated 10/21/22. 2014. At any backcountry airstrip, always push your airplane well away from the runway. The strip itself is go there to make the acoustical measurements of the over is open and well maintained by its owner, Robert Orchard. Dug Bar is a beautiful grass airstrip located deep within Hells Canyon, adjacent to the Snake River. Paleo American artifacts and artwork are located on the Ranch which is 4 miles southwest of La Garita, CO. The USFS maintains a cabin at the airstrip To facilitate this, the RAF is forming a cadre of State Liaisons to assist the states in becoming effective leaders in the efforts to protect recreational airstrips. In May of 2018, with USFS Challenge funding secured by the RAF, a NMPA/USFS work party was able to replace and repair 1.5 miles of fence. SUPPORT US WITHOUT PAYING A DIME!It takes us 40+ hours a week to document our journey on both our blog and our YouTube channel. southeast of the tiny Wyoming town of Ten Sleep, the Otter It is nearly 4,000 feet Flying into backcountry airstrips is helpful (it shows they are being used), but that is only a small component of what it will take to ensure that they will be around for years to come. Backcountry airstrips that lie amidst undeveloped and pristine lands are some of our most valuable assets, and allow us roadless access to our treasured national wilderness. I would strongly suggest that you take the time and see what your state is working on, and how you can help. What began in 2015 as a cooperative efforts by the State, the FAA, the RAF and a small group of tenants and supporters, New Hampshires Newport/Parlin Field (2B3), is now an active go-to place for townspeople, regional and local. 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