Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2022 Digital Issue
Jake Peterson Photo
“RAF 2022 – The RAF Way” was a three-day conference held May 15-17 in the Milwaukee suburb of Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
EAA CEO Jack Pelton welcomed early arrivals at Pioneer Field, and when the educational sessions began, the group included 110 attendees from as far away as south Florida and Alaska. “The rewards from our meeting are more than I can count,” Alaska Liaison Al Clayton said. “New focus and clarity on the RAF mission…detailed information and examples from others on ways to achieve our mission – a very substantive and beneficial meeting,” Clayton added.
Speakers included AOPA President Mark Baker and Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis; Greg Pecoraro, CEO of National Association of State Aviation Officials; consultant Jerry Wilke, and several RAF directors and liaisons shared experiences, setbacks and successes while advancing the RAF mission.
Washington State Liaison Dave Whitelaw said, “This year’s conference was our best yet. The presenters’ topics were spot on for helping each of us understand and further our mission.”
Many had flown their own aircraft to the conference, landing at either Waukesha or Capitol Drive Airports, departing May 18 under overcast skies.
The RAF continues to focus on the mission of preserving, improving and creating airstrips for recreational access.
