Also, a RAF grant was approved for continuing maintenance and cleaning supplies so volunteers can keep it clean and stocked. Sparky Imeson Copyright 1995-2017Mountain Flying LLC Missoula, Montana 406 241-1599, Page prepared by be able to get down on the strip during the summer months, View a PDF of the Copperstate Forum - Camping with Your Plane (Approx 6mb) Hells Canyon Packers can arrange guided fishing, hiking, hunting, rafting, or jet boating trips. The RAF was instrumental in campground improvements at Kern Valley Airport (L05). mailing address to send a check, please contact me at: After a major fundraising effort, including a $5,000 RAF grant, the project was completed and dedicated. Astronaut Kent Rominger Airport (KRCV) in Del Norte, CO, offers great access to some very unique backcountry flying experiences in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. is located in a deep, narrow canyon just north of the Oxbow The name says it all. 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. forest fire in the 1920s and has new growth pine forest. . Read chapter Appendix A - Survey : TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues the uses. Two RAF members flew in to visit with FOAAs Board and a plan was hatched. The airstrip is well mainted and primarily used as a the middle of Idaho's backcountry. The The pilot shelter consists of a meeting/classroom area, kitchen, bathroom with shower, and covered porch area. The shower house is the red building shown farthest to the left. These airstrips are within the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Located near the Sun n Fun Corn Roast - in the woods, lakeside and under live oaks draped with Spanish Moss - it is meant to both symbolize and also to serve in its own right as a gathering point for flyers arriving by plane. We suggest you pack hiking shoes, swim suits, fishing poles and smores fixins! Private / Idaho Power Company. | Return Policy Located on BLM land Northeast of Lake Mead and Southwest of St. George are the historic ruins of Grand Gulch Mine, Arizona's Richest Copper Mine in 1911. RAF volunteers annually assist with maintenance of the airfield and camping grounds. There is a shelter, running water, electricity, small refrigerator, toilet and shower available. pilots elect to fly in from the south while others prefer All of the projects were funded by an RAF grant. Photo by Bill Ables. 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. Additional funding for the project included cash donations, and over $18,000 in donated labor, supplies, heavy equipment use and operation from various contractors involved. enormous ranch. The airstrip is about 15 miles south of Memaloose. blow from any direction. Mile Hi. Washington, Seattle area. 1473) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office) difficult to locate in its current condition because it Backcountry and recreational flying is the shining star in general aviation-- we must take advantage of this and use our resources for airstrip maintenance and protection. Only three roads reach the river inside Hells Canyon: Hells Canyon Road at the dam, Deer Creek Road at Pittsburgh Landing across from Pittsburgh airstrip, and Imnaha Road, which leads down to Dug Bar. permission. Nez Perce pit houses and ancient Native American pictographs are also on site. The airstrip is still considered open but is no longer used Reserve is located in the Gila National Forest and is close to at least 6 recreational airstrips in New Mexico and Arizona. Please Our mission statement says it best: The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.. Two Hearted River airstrip (6Y5) is a public use airstrip in Newberry, Michigan. Photo courtesy Bill Miller. RAF hosted first work party N Fox Island. If There is walking access to the McKenzie River for fishing, kayaking or rafting. Even when it snows at the bottom of Hells Canyon, its often light enough that the strips are still useable. Each region receives its portion of this money based on total number of feet of existing airstrips. 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. This public-use 1,840 ft. dirt airstrip became extensively degraded. During Winds can cause turbulence inside the canyon: if winds aloft at 9,000 feet exceed 25 knots, its best to scrap a canyon flight. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. There is a USFS campground adjacent with seasonal camp hosts, water, vault toilets and bear-proof garbage receptacles. Therefore, please When winter comes to New England, the seaplane base at Alton Bay, (B18) on Lake Winnepausakee, NH starts to freeze. Chukar Flats is a challenging backcountry airstrip, located in North Central Oregon in a deep canyon along the east bank of the John Day River. RAF collaborated with the owners to develop the airfield in order to provide access to this spectacular high-desert location. doi: 10.17226/22368. Airstrip is within a WSA designation (Wilderness Study Area); BLM controlled. tremendously. Your gift, whether it is a cash contribution through your will, a life insurance policy, a piece of real estate, or an appreciated stock portfolio, will provide the kind of secure funds that the RAF needs to assure that those special experiences continue to be available to pilots of the future. Reserve Airport (T16) is a public use airport located approximately 6 miles west of Reserve, New Mexico. 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. First new airstrip on Forest Service land in over 45 years. Each site now has an RAF fire ring, a picnic table and is just a short walk to a newly constructed outhouse. USFS. Thus, this group of a little more than a half dozen started on a journey that they knew very little about. What are the benefits of joining the RAF? These funds have recently been directed toward a campaign to construct pilot shelters at larger, paved airports that serve as gateways to the backcountry. Pilots who fly in here can enjoy meals, lodging, and hiking. 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. Possum Creek Glenwood Springs, Colorado Some pilots prefer to stay high, leaving an escape route until over the destination airstrip, and then spiral down. To land here you pretty easy in and out. for thousands of workers during the Great Dlepression. These situations lend themselves perfectly to the tax-deductions that are available to the donor. edge on the south side. Jerry is also the AOPA Airport Volunteer and listed in the Montana Airport Directory as the local contact for Lincoln Airport. MT U.S. Most pilots announce their landing direction on 122.9 as upstream or downstream, rather than the runway numbers. want to touch down call Mr. Johnson at 307-366-2447. Senator. 68CN The airstrip is Tornados screaming through the Gila National forest at 500 McKenzie Bridge State Airport (00S) is a beautiful public use backcountry airfield in the Cascades Mountains. 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. In about thirty days we had the funds we needed, Brad said. The Wolf family from Syracuse, Utah, enjoying a picnic at an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip. here for the site's main menu. Anderson-Plummer Airport, Latah County. 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. Another weekend fly-in was held early in 2020, again with good attendance from several states. Recreational Aviation Foundation light hearted. The last of the private holdings were ultimately traded in a land swap with the USFS in 1989. you enjoy the site, and would like to make a financial contribution. one-way out. . 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) that was Allen H Tigert Airport, Caribou County. 40 Acre Airstrip, Lemhi County. Photo by Crista Worthy. paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com. listed as private, but people go in and out all the time. For a 6 guys sat around a campfire in the backcountry and said, If not us who? The airstrip is located one mile southeast of West Glacier, MT, and is depicted on the Great Falls Sectional Chart. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. They realized the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern. Reviewing safety briefings and contacting airfield owners (where applicable) is essential before use. Some Years ago, RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick learned about an abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps airstrip in the Lake Superior State Forest from Michigan Dept. By Matt S | June 19, 2013. 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. Please take the time to contact your state aviation organization or the RAF and ask: "How can I help enhance backcountry and recreational flying?". If you would like to land there Mr. Orchard Washington, United States Map Airports 704 2 problem reports Loading map . The ability to fly in, camp, and explore the surrounding area at a beautiful backcountry airstrip is a priceless experience. 2002. In our state, dozens of airstrips remain to be fought for, and we need the manpower to do so. Order a copy of the Idaho Aeronautical Chart too, because it shows the locations of many strips not shown on FAA sectionals. Mr. Johnson made a comment that a "pilot may 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. Updates (To reserve the space for an event, contact the Sun n Fun Office). the Author The strip sits on a 70,000-acre cattle ranch Wyoming Temperance Creek is a private runway requiring prior permission; email Sarah or Abby. Mr. Orchard is a delightful gentleman and we had quite a Weather for Yellow Pine. Please Blackwater Airfield (8FD3) is a Florida Forest Service airfield to which the FFS is willing to permit public access on a request basis, should its condition be judged safe and not otherwise in use. Although this airplane has bush tires, tricycle-gear aircraft with normal-sized tires can land at Dug Bar. enough for a one-day trip out and back and this one matches is open and well maintained by its owner, Robert Orchard. RAF Wyoming State Liaison Lori Olson is the Upton airport manager and chairs the Upton Airport Board. The RAF was founded as a public charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in December 2003. The airport Rager Creek is a USFS airstrip located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon. of Aeronautics. Since the RAF is a 501(c)(3) public charity, all donations are tax deductible. Russian Flat is the newest public airstrip on Forest Service grounds in the Continental United States. . Land on the dark sand or else. The Double Circle Ranch (Z66) is located on the Clifton District of the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest roughly 29 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona. In order to provide a connection between the backcountry and surrounding communities, the RAF is attracting donors who wish to specifically target their charitable donations locally. during fire season. Located in a beautiful wilderness setting, the Minam River Lodge is the perfect fly-out location for a relaxing lunch or a long, peaceful weekend retreat with that someone special. consider checking the box to make a monthly donatation. Please consider a financial contribution to support the continued growth & operation of this site. will require ever-increasing funding to pay its expenses. Sullivan Lake is a very special place with plenty to do after you land or splash in. Suggested Citation:"Chapter One - Introduction ."National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. ____________________________________________________. No longer a line drawing in your training manual as they await your departure. He also said there is a road that intersects the United States It is a great place to bring the whole family. Family style breakfast or lunch is available with prior arrangement. Unfortunately, most Northwest backcountry airstrips are inaccessible for at least half the year, due to a combination of high latitudes and mountain altitudes. The RAF is depending on other pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. Private - Owner Robert Orchard. Complete runway, historical, and recreational information on all the airstrips in this article can be found in the two-volume set, Fly Idaho! 2002, 2023 by Paul After we informed them that almost a two dozen airstrips were in their districts, they became very cooperative in helping. We know we're responsible users of these lands, but the perception to many is the opposite. Pilots who fly in here can enjoy meals, lodging, and hiking. Its been a wild ride of ups, downs, highs, lows, rain and rainbows, but we havent lost sight of our goals and have gotten further in three years than we thought wed get in ten. Also, with the help of the RAF, the group has organized a Colorado Recreational Aviation Committee (CORAC) to direct our efforts. the forestry service. by Christopher Martindell - When I took the pictures I Bass and salmon are also caught; in summer during slow water, people fish for sturgeon and carp. Late that year, a weekend fly-in was held with good attendance from multiple states. This spot is well worth visiting. by Sparky Imeson, 04-02-2003, | Home | If Over 30 volunteers were present from several states. Gold miners who had previously worked in South Africa named the outpost. It may just have been the best landing you recall making. Pasayten Airstrip - Washington State Okanagon National Forest ~ Closed Indefinitely ~ Elevation approximately 4,000. . This beautiful Wyoming airstrip is located Orchard Ranch Airstrip S of Big Trails, Allenholm Airport (VT26), located in South Hero, Vermont, is a privately owned, public use airport. Countless backcountry airstrips on private and federal lands were going unnoticed due to lack awareness and support. Public / Oregon Government. Sunrise Valley Ranch is a popular weekend fly-in location for local pilots. One of our ongoing projects has been working with the BLM to revive airstrips and include airstrip terminology into the resource management plan (RMP). Be careful with downdrafts over the These airstrips are within the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. site covers airfields in all 50 states: Click Since 2003 the RAF has grown to over 10,000 supporters with donors from all fifty states and additional donors from over thirteen foreign countries. 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). You wouldnt believe how many airstrips on public lands are decaying as we speak. The strip is south of town and east of the Big Miracle Mile is a public use airstrip in Wyoming, located on the Miracle Mile section of the Platte River -- a renowned fly fishing area. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. The airstrip is the result of a partnership between The Recreational Aviation Foundation, The Montana Pilots Association, and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Two Hearted River is considered a premier US trout stream, and there is a state campground near the airstrip. Click Show More!WHO WE AREIn 2015 we quit our lives in the city to buy bare land in the country and build a timber frame home from scratch with our bare hands, debt-free, with no prior experience. Washington, DC ? Strike out on your own or hunt or just explore with Brice or Barry Barnes of Hells Canyon Packers, who know this area intimately. This airstrip on the southwest side at a 20- to 30-degree angle. 3rd Edition. Photo by Crista Worthy. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. Since our inception in 2003, we have prevented the closure of existing airstrips and even built new ones. In 2017, a RAF grant was approved to build and install fold over windsock poles at the airstrip. With only two years having gone by since we organized, the results have been rewarding. Mr. Orchard has a Maule STOL plane based at They knew these places were special and that someone needed to step up to the plate and defend them. Runway 17 has a 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. Photo by Shelly Tippets. 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. An RAF grant has partially funded the ice base. ensure that it continues to be available & to grow. River and Eagle Nesting Zone. | 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. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Background: Blackwater River State Forest is one of the largest state forests in Florida and is named for the Blackwater River, which begins to the north in Alabama and meanders approximately 30 miles southwestward through the forest into Blackwater Bay near Milton, Florida. nice cowboy. 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