Al Clayton, The RAF, and an airstrip at CHILDS GLACIER

Al Clayton, The RAF, and an airstrip at CHILDS GLACIER

Author: JB December 17, 2025 Duration: 1:02:09
This week I talk to Al Clayton, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) State Liaison for the State of Alaska, who spearheaded the efforts to create the airstrip at Childs Glacier. This is an amazing story of how the RAF coordinates efforts from multiple state and federal agencies to create a one-of-a-kind experience for backcountry pilots. His efforts also aided those same agencies to enhance their missions in the Copper River Basin. You certainly need to start off by go...

You know that moment when a pilot leans back and starts with, "There I was..."? That's the signal you're about to hear something real, a tale from the ragged edges of the map where runways are dirt strips and decisions matter. Backcountry Aviation Radio is built on those moments. Host JB connects with pilots, builders, and adventurers who operate where the pavement ends, diving into the specific skills, candid stories, and unique mindset needed to fly into the wilderness. In this podcast, you'll hear the unvarnished details of planning for a remote airstrip, the sound of gravel pinging against the fuselage on landing, and the quiet reflections from a campfire after a day spent deep in the backcountry. It’s less about polished procedure and more about the lived experience-the problem-solving, the camaraderie, and the sheer freedom of off-airport flying. Each conversation feels like hanging around the hangar after a long flight, swapping truths and lessons learned the hard way. If your idea of aviation involves more mountains than control towers, this is the conversation you've been waiting to join.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 30

Backcountry Aviation Radio
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