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RAFE MAY 2026 Newsletter

  • Ryszard Zadow
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read


Welcome from the Team

Dear RAFE Friends, Members, and Supporters,


June is almost here, and excitement is building as we head into what is shaping up to be a very active and meaningful summer for Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience. Across the organization, there is steady progress taking place — from aircraft maintenance and restoration efforts to volunteer growth, event planning, and preparations for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

This is an exciting time for RAFE as we continue strengthening our foundation, bringing new people into the mission, and creating more opportunities to share these remarkable aircraft with the aviation community. Every volunteer hour, membership, donation, conversation, and show of support helps move us forward.

Thank you for being part of this growing community dedicated to preserving Burt Rutan’s aircraft, keeping these innovative designs flying, and ensuring their story continues to inspire future generations of builders, pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts.

Big News: We’re Heading to Oshkosh!


RAFE is going to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026!

We will be at Wittman Regional Airport from July 20–26, 2026, which is less than two months away. Our team and aircraft will be on display in the Homebuilt Aircraft area on 'EZ Street.'

This is a major opportunity to showcase our fleet, connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts, and share the Rutan story with thousands of visitors from around the world. More details about our Oshkosh activities will be shared soon, and we hope to see many of you there.

Recent Highlights


Successful Open House Our Spring Open House at Ellington was a big success. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped make it a great day of aircraft tours, conversations, and community.

Aircraft Maintenance & Restoration Our volunteers have been hard at work, and we are proud to announce that the Lancair restoration project has officially been completed. This is a huge milestone and a great example of what dedicated volunteers can accomplish together.

Growing Volunteer Team We are seeing wonderful new energy within RAFE, with more engineers, pilots, student pilots, and aviation-minded volunteers joining our ranks. Their skills, time, and enthusiasm are making a real difference.

Donor Support We remain deeply grateful for our donors. Your generosity helps us continue preserving, maintaining, and operating these historic aircraft while building a stronger foundation for the future.

Organizational Growth Committees are actively being formed, roles are being filled, and important changes are underway as we continue strengthening RAFE’s structure, volunteer support, and long-term mission.

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Sandy Rusk

We are starting a new monthly 'Volunteer Spotlight' series highlighting members of the RAFE community who are advancing our mission. This month, we are thrilled to feature Sandy Rusk, who joined the Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience in January 2026 and has already made a significant impact.

Sandy has an extensive background in program coordination and volunteer management for non-profit organizations. She previously served as a colonel and assistant cadet coordinator for the Houston Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and an event coordinator for the Cypress Homeschool Council, where she gained valuable experience in program development, youth aviation engagement, and organizational support.

At RAFE, Sandy is concentrating on aviation development and organizational management, enhancing our internal operations, supporting volunteer coordination, and broadening the reach of our mission.

“I’m proud to share my passions with this organization. Joining RAFE allows me to combine my love of aviation, leadership experience, and non-profit background to help preserve and promote Burt Rutan’s designs and inspire the next generation.”— Sandy Rusk

We are thrilled to have Sandy as part of the RAFE team and look forward to the many contributions she will continue to make in the year ahead.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteer RAFE welcomes hands-on volunteers who want to be part of keeping these aircraft active, cared for, and in front of the public. Whether it’s helping around the hangar, assisting with aircraft preparation, supporting events, organizing supplies, cleaning, or lending an extra set of capable hands, there is always meaningful work to do.

Support Our Mission Memberships and donations help us grow, prepare for major events like Oshkosh, and keep these aircraft flying.

Serve on a Committee RAFE is actively filling committee member roles in areas such as flight ops, aircraft support, safety, maintenance, marketing, finance, membership, fundraising, grant writing, administration, and volunteer coordination. These committees are essential to keeping RAFE organized, active, and moving forward. If you have experience, skills, or simply a willingness to help, we would love to get you connected where you can make the biggest impact.

Save the Date


EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 20–26, 2026 Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Stay Connected


Facebook: Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience

We appreciate your ongoing support! With significant maintenance progress, a growing number of volunteers, and Oshkosh approaching, this year promises to be thrilling for RAFE. Stay updated on our progress by following us on Facebook and visiting our website as we gear up for an exciting summer.


Blue skies and tailwinds,

The RAFE Team -- Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience

A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

 
 
 

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