The cooler weather finally arrived, just in time for the October Grapevine Camping weekend. We had a great turnout with eight planes and twenty folks staying over for dinner and camping. Thanks to Mike Andresen for hosting our first event of the season. We still have camping weekend host slots open. If you are interested, take a look at the APA Volunteer Opportunities page in the newsletter and reach out to Leanne Tawoda – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Although the strip is in great shape, we’re planning to hold a volunteer work party in the next month or so to do some maintenance on the aprons, brush clearing and repainting the runway markings. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details and dates if you are interested in volunteering.
I’m also pleased to report that the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has signed a new five-year Cost Share Agreement with the US Forest Service (USFS) that covers the Southwest Region and provides funding for maintenance and improvements to Double Circle Ranch (AZ66) and other backcountry airstrips located in Arizona and New Mexico. Special thanks to the RAF and APA Vice President and RAF Arizona Liaison, Mark Spencer, for working with the USFS to make this happen.
As I’ve reported previously, these USFS funding agreements are structured as cost share arrangements which require the receiving organizations, the RAF, APA, and the New Mexico Pilots Association, to contribute volunteer hours to make up their portion of the cost. So, it’s important for APA to ensure that we turn out the volunteer hours necessary to meet our portion of the cost share commitment. If you are interested in volunteering at Double Circle or any of our backcountry airstrips, reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Finally, as many of you know, we closed the 2024 APA scholarship application cycle on 31 October. I’m pleased to report that we received sixty applications, which is a new record! Although most of the applicants want to pursue careers as professional pilots, we saw an increase in the number that want to pursue careers in aviation maintenance and air traffic control. The Scholarship Committee is already reviewing the applications, and we'll provide an update in next month's newsletter on the selection of recipients. However, it’s important to remember that the Scholarship Program is solely dependent on member donations. As we get ready to close 2024, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help APA fulfill this important part of our mission - https://azpilots.org/more-resources/charitable-donations.
As always, thank you for supporting APA’s mission through your membership. Please feel free to reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any comments, concerns or questions.
Fly Safe,
Chris