Cost of the project was shared by the U.S. Forest Service, the Arizona Pilots Association (APA), and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) through a Master Challenge Cost Share Agreement. Tonto National Forest paid $15,000 towards the $30,000 project, while APA came up with $10,000, and RAF kicked in $5,000.
backcountry flying
Picture of the Day: Mountain flying fun
Terry Hayes submitted this photo and note: “Johnny Rankin enjoying his flight in a C-180 over Glacier Park, Montana.”
New deal increases access to five New Mexico backcountry airstrips
An agreement has been inked between officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation and Gila National Forest in New Mexico to increase access to five backcountry airstrips: Beaverhead, Jewett Mesa, Me-Own, Negrito, and Rainy Mesa.
Volunteers work to reopen L88
A grand reopening of New Cuyama Airport (L88) in Southern California is planned for Oct. 13, 2022. The backcountry airstrip, located between the Southern California coast and Sierra mountain range about 32 nm north of Santa Barbara, has been closed since 2019.
Picture of the Day: A beautiful day for flying
Terry Hayes submitted this photo and note: “A beautiful day for floatplane flying in the Sierra Foothills in California.”
Picture of the Day: A happy Howard
Glenn Brasch, the man behind AirportCourtesyCars.com, sent in this photo with a note: “A 1944 Howard owned by Steve Fulton, parked in front of the pilot shelter at Ryan Field (2MT1) in Montana.”
Picture of the Day: Happy engine, happy life
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “On final to Ryan Field (2MT1) in Montana, you want your engine to be happy. There really aren’t any viable options if you can’t land on the airport’s grass runway.”
Picture of the Day: New-found friends
Glenn Brasch, the man behind AirportCourtesyCars.com, sent in this photo with a note: “Les Tugaw departs Ryan Field (2MT1) in Montana in his Cessna 180 back to Washington state after a few days with new-found friends at the backcountry airstrip owned by the Recreational Aviation Foundation
Picture of the Day: A magical place
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “My Maule MX7-180 at Sullivan Lake (09S) in northeast Washington State. I flew over from the Seattle area for a fantastic night of camping at this magical place. This is one of the best backcountry strips out there!”