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. I don't think the Air Force or the Air Do you recall the first time that you touched down on a grass airstrip? Galen Hanselman's book "FLY IDAHO!" Thus, this group of a little more than a half dozen started on a journey that they knew very little about. wanted to lower their VR route through there and in order to Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. The RAF is ready to assist you and your planning team wherever needed to match your desires to the RAFs needs. 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. Even when it snows at the bottom of Hells Canyon, its often light enough that the strips are still useable. The surrounding terrain was ravaged by a Sullivan Lake is a very special place with plenty to do after you land or splash in. feet or lower and around 500 knots. 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. by Sparky Imeson, 04-02-2003, | Home | Escalante Airport (1L7) has a 5,000 ft paved runway. Subscribe to the BackcountryPilot newsletter to be notified of new articles, videos, merchandise, and more. The RAF was first organized by this group of Montana pilots who had been working on airstrip issues in that state for several years. Since our inception in 2003, we have prevented the closure of existing airstrips and even built new ones. 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. consider checking the box to make a monthly donatation. It has Two Hearted River airstrip (6Y5) is a public use airstrip in Newberry, Michigan. Memaloose is another good strip for those looking for a Okanagon National Forest. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. Suggested Citation:"Chapter One - Introduction ."National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The RAF was instrumental in campground improvements at Kern Valley Airport (L05). enough for a one-day trip out and back and this one matches Over the next five years,FOAA raised funds and added much sweat equity to builda small pavilion, two campgrounds, and a beautiful fire hub area. The greatest concentration of backcountry airstrips in the Continental United States is found in the Northwest. This type of runway configuration is generally When winter comes to New England, the seaplane base at Alton Bay, (B18) on Lake Winnepausakee, NH starts to freeze. It is nearly 4,000 feet Sunrise Valley Ranch is a popular weekend fly-in location for local pilots. We suggest you pack hiking shoes, swim suits, fishing poles and smores fixins! light hearted. Many of these airstrips that we know and love were built in years past when backcountry airstrips played a vital role in supporting industry and homesteading in remote areas. go there to make the acoustical measurements of the over Grapevine airstrip is located on the Tonto Basin District of the Tonto National Forest, 43 miles east of Scottsdale and is just 1400 from the south shore of Roosevelt Lake, the largest body of water in central AZ. Photo by Bill Ables. But savvy backcountry pilots who enjoy winter flights know where the snow-free strips arein Hells Canyon. runway. departure is to the south on runway 17. The airstrip at Grand Gulch, AZ is near the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Shelly Tippets. If you would like to land there Mr. Orchard one-way out. Do not land here unless you have secured Also, a fire pit and firewood on the site. Rager Creek is a USFS airstrip located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon. ?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. 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. AOPA Hangar: Places to fly, things to do, where to eat! 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. Another weekend fly-in was held early in 2020, again with good attendance from several states. Over 30 volunteers were present from several states. While many of these organizations concentrate on a single state, we are a national organization concerned about airstrips nationwide. If clouds are hanging on, or just above, the mountaintops and it is clear below, you will have thousands of feet of clearance to fly in the canyon, but this is not advisable unless you are familiar with the area. Washington, Eastern. about 10-nautical miles south of the Otter Creek Ranch. the USFS and inquired about the airstrip. Photo courtesy Bill Miller. It is definitely one-way in and drop back down after their turn. The Verde River is a designated Scenic The airstrip provided a wonderful location for overnight camping. The City Council noticed, and FOAAs journey began. slight uphill slope. Recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the RAF is using tax-deductible donations to: The RAF strives to build strong working relationships with other aviation groups, both on the state and national level. As part of our efforts to re-open and protect these airstrips, we had a member join the RAF as a state liaison, another joined the Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) as the backcountry director, and others have worked hard to document and increase awareness of abandoned and unknown backcountry airstrips. 406-582-1723 There is a USFS campground adjacent with seasonal camp hosts, water, vault toilets and bear-proof garbage receptacles. Planned giving means different things to different people, but what we hope it means to you, is the recognition that the core mission of the RAF is to protect these very special places. it conversation about flying in his area. Owyhee Reservoir State Airport (Pelican Point). They installed a mailbox to hold a sign-in book and RAF information. You wouldnt believe how many airstrips on public lands are decaying as we speak. Camping, lodging, and hangars are available at the airstrip. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. The USFS maintains a cabin at the airstrip The airstrip served the nearby communities of Randsburg and Johannesburg, which are both functioning gold and quartz mining settlements that date back to the 1800s. The RAF with the Utah Backcountry Pilot's Association constructed a pilot shelter on the field. Paleo American artifacts and artwork are located on the Ranch which is 4 miles southwest of La Garita, CO. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. The Blackwater staff and the RAF have developed a cooperative relationship to make this access possible and to further improve the airstrip. In 2017, cracks in the runway were sealed and shades and a grill were added to the airfield. listed as private, but people go in and out all the time. the forestry service. A beautiful Super Cub sits near the north, or downstream, end of Runway 13/31 at Dug Bar, on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon. The airstrip was used primarily for fire Login Register Cart Help. contact@theraf.org, http://azpilots.org/more-resources/backcountry-airstrips, Sun n Fun Campus is available year round. It is essential that backcountry and recreational aviation is a part of state and national organizations. Just as Sun n Fun Campus is available year round for visits and aviation camping, so is the RAFs Fire Hub available to any group who would like to enjoy gathering there. Flying a left downwind for Runway 36 (downstream) at Temperance Creek, on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon, 20 nm south of Dug Bar. Many of the issues that involve the RAF transcend state boundaries. Updated 10/21/22. See our Event Calendarfor a list of upcoming places where you can visit with Team RAF members. tremendously. You can drive to Flying Articles | When the Brundage Mountain land exchange in Idaho held their first public meeting, Jerry Cain, Director Emeritus for the RAF, flew down to McCall and submitted several pages of comments in support of opening Reed Ranch Airport to the public. Why airstrip advocacy? 1473) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office) It will be these kinds of contributions to the RAF that will provide long term lasting value to future aviators. Salmon 15 miles downstream. Engstrom Campground, a USFS campground, is 0.5 miles SW of the runway, with an outhouse facility. elevation is 8,100 feet and the main runway is 7,500 feet in A gorgeous Cessna 170 at Dug Bar in December 2016. Please Earning your pilot certificate wasn't easy. Photo by Crista Worthy. The fundraiser was named Have a Heart and launched on Valentines Day, 2017. The Minam River Lodge (7OR0) is located in northeast Oregon, deep in the heart of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The center piece of RAF airstrip acquisitions isRyan Field. (Note the Big Bar airstrip directly across the river on the Idaho side.) The airstrip is the result of a partnership between The Recreational Aviation Foundation, The Montana Pilots Association, and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Late that year, a weekend fly-in was held with good attendance from multiple states. . Public / Oregon Government. By Mark Spencer Thanks to the Recreational Aviation Foundation's efforts in working with Congress and the US Forest Service in Washington, $750,000 was directed by congress to be invested in backcountry airstrips around the country. You arent the requested 2,000 feet agl inside a National Recreation Area, but youre descending so thats allowed. Please call airstrip owner, John Meade, to receive instructions (781-308-2451). The newspaper editor printed every letter along with an article about the fly-in. In our state, dozens of airstrips remain to be fought for, and we need the manpower to do so. showing me this one on our trip into the backcountry in May We appreciate that you might consider some level of a planned gift to the RAF. 2002 and can imagine the wind blowing from different It offers pilots a place to pitch a tent on the grass near their airplane, relax in front of a fire and even take a hot shower - all at no charge. 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. The RAF facilitates the enactment of state recreational-use statutes amendments to specifically include aviation. Bowstring airfield (9Y0) is a public use airport in the heart of Superior National Forest with ample recreational opportunities. Lee Bottom, (64I) lies along the Ohio River six air miles south of the town of Hanover, IN and 26 nm NE of Bowman Field in Louisville, KY. Tornados screaming through the Gila National forest at 500 Suggested Citation:"Chapter Two - Uses and Benefits of Backcountry Airstrips ."National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Thanks to the efforts of RAF to commit to a maintenance agreement with the BLM and National Park Service, access to this historic airstrip has been assured for years to come. #KeepItWild via @WildernessWatch Find Bush Flying Events Lone Pine Backcounrty Fly-In Lone Pine Airport Greater Idaho STOL Drag Weather is also available with each webcam location on this site. The worst thing the backcountry pilot community can do is to sit idle and hope the next pilot will do something. We bet the smile that found its way to your face back then is still there today. (To reserve the space for an event, contact the Sun n Fun Office). For our most up-do-date progress follow us on social media.Instagram: http://bit.ly/2D6DErZFacebook: http://bit.ly/2zwL2tjENJOY THIS VIDEO? Left Coulee is one of those strips. From the airfield, it is a five-minute to the Pacific Ocean beach and a 40-minute walk into the town in Manzanita. There are also several historic buildings at the Ranger Station that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are two schools of thought when flying Hells Canyon. We have made inroads in the aviation community and are looked at as the "go-to" guys for aviation-related issues pertaining to both public and private recreational airstrips and backcountry airstrips. Re: Any backcountry strips in Washington? The hike is mostly along the river; at Suicide Point youll enjoy fine views of Hells Canyon. Runway 17 has a Please help us by being one of the 1,000. If youre like the rest of us and answered yes, then youd be surprised to know that with time and energy (and some money) that the option of landing there could become a reality. has a shorter crosswind runway that is 4,500 feet in length. . will require ever-increasing funding to pay its expenses. Without the enabling work of the RAF, your recreational opportunities - whether cross-country or backcountry - will continue to diminish as airfields are closed or their use is restricted. 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Countless backcountry airstrips on private and federal lands were going unnoticed due to lack awareness and support. Movie production of a Cessna 182 flying the backcountry: scenery includes volcanoes, cloud forests, rain forests, thrilling jungle strips, short strips, beaches, mud and grass in Costa Rica. To land here you The RAF is Candid Platinum Transparency Recipient for 2022. Go have a look, but it is private. At any backcountry airstrip, always push your airplane well away from the runway. Most of these hard working organizations are comprised up of volunteers like you and I that donate time and resources. The airstrip is very remote, located in the Central Oregon high-desert, offering a quiet place to picnic or overnight camp. Mr. Johnson made a comment that a "pilot may Negrito First new airstrip on Forest Service land in over 45 years. Senator. It is nearly 4,000 feet in length and at least a couple of hundred feet wide. Set up camp and fish in La Garita Creek; BLM access from the Ranch allows for hiking, biking and rock climbing. 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. Pictures can be seen in site covers airfields in all 50 states. Sparky Imeson Copyright 1995-2017Mountain Flying LLC Missoula, Montana 406 241-1599, Page prepared by USFS. The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.. The strip is Photo by Alan Bobo. Wentworth NH96. Pilots who fly in here can enjoy meals, lodging, and hiking. For more information contact Mark Spencer: email or (520) 826-2112. Washington, Seattle area. While some states have more formal pilot organizations than others, sometimes backcountry interests are not always at the forefront. Places to fly, things to do after you land or splash in improvements at Kern Valley (! 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