Archive for May 2020
RAF Minnesota Liaison Kurt Pennuto received word from Dave Retka, president of the Isle Airport Association, (IAA) that the city council voted to keep the Isle airport, (MY72) open. “I want to thank everyone for their hard work, letters of support and commitment to keeping Isle Airport open for future generations of pilots,” Kurt said. …
Ohio’s Noble County Airport, (I10) lies within Wolf Run State Park, 64 nm ESE of Columbus. The fly-in only campground, situated on a beautiful lake, “is the only such destination in Ohio,” RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine said. She was impressed with its recreational opportunities, and in April was granted funds for two equipment carts and an RAF…
Ryan Field (2MT1) near West Glacier is open for use this Spring. Pilots approaching Ryan Field will no longer see a cluster of buildings to use for a landmark. Instead, they will see a backcountry airstrip with the green-roofed rustic pilot shelter on its west side. Prior to use, pilots must receive the current pilot…
RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes was granted funds toward maintenance at McKenzie Bridge Airport, (00S) in the Willamette National Forest. “McKenzie Bridge Airport is popular with recreational aviators,” Mayes said. “It provides access to the McKenzie River, McKenzie River Mountain Bike Trail, and remote camping.” The RAF observes pandemic recommendations, and this project differs from…
Tres Clinton is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma, earning his B.S. in Aviation Management. He began flying in 2004, with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. “Landing a Super Cub for the first time, my path was altered,” he says. Owner of C3 Air flight school in Burnet, TX, Tres instructs for tailwheel and seaplane endorsements in…
The RAF and the US Forest Service (USFS) have collaborated to make improvements to the primitive airstrip adjacent to the Rager Ranger Station. Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, the Rager Ranger Station served as the administrative site for the Paulina Ranger District for over 105 years. Administration of the ranger station was…
Maine Ambassador Day job: Maine Forest Ranger Favorite airstrip: Lindbergh Field (08ME) Next adventure: Flying my Taylorcraft back to its birthplace in Alliance, Ohio
John McKenna talks about Ben and Butch Ryan and the donation of their airfield to the RAF to preserve their love of aviation and the land.
RAF Idaho Liaison Tim Riley reports that the improvements to the airport camping facility at Driggs Airport, (KDIJ) are ready for use. The project was a collaborative effort between the RAF, the Idaho Aviation Association, (IAA), the City of Driggs, and its Airport Board. Thanks to financial support from each, a 12′ x 16′ cedar pilot shelter,…
Georgia Ambassador Day job: Captain of a major airline. Favorite airstrip: I have two “favorite” airstrips. The first being the place I’m landing on right now as it’s likely a place of my choice. Next is Ryan Field. Enough said about that place as it speaks for itself. Next adventure: My next adventure is jumping in my 185 and…
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John was blessed to have two neighbors with 1000s of hours in Cessna 185s, and obtained his private pilot license with their encouragement in 2013. They introduced him to the magic of backcountry Idaho and the amazing capabilities of a 185. He purchased his own at the Big Creek Lodge in 2014. John was introduced to the RAF in 2018, at a fly-out to Seeley Lake around AOPA’s Missoula fly-in, and a few weeks later at RAF’s fly-in at Ryan Field. He is a firm believer in the RAF’s mission. Without RAF’s advocacy, he fears the steady loss of precious resources. John retired from the Coca-Cola system in 2017 after 25 years of service. His career prior to Coke included five years in operations consulting with Booz Allen & Hamilton, and three years with Hewlett Packard in Boise, Idaho – where his love of the west was born. When not flying, John enjoys tennis, photography and woodworking – a skill he is actively applying to a new house he and his wife Blythe are building in Longboat Key, FL. His border collie, Tot (pictured here perched on her RTIC cooler throne), isn’t a fan of how loud a 185 is, but thinks Johnson Creek’s airstrip is the most amazing place to chase a frisbee on the planet. jhodgson@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Liz grew up in Louisiana, but she has lived in Georgia with her husband, Mike, for the past 35 years. They have two grown sons, John and Will. Liz’s interests include reading, DIY projects, walking/hiking, hanging out with friends, and accompanying Mike on camping trips, fishing excursions, or flights in his Carbon Cub. She enjoys spending time at their lake house and especially at their home in Driggs, Idaho. Her favorite vacations usually involve a national park. ltouchstone@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Ed wanted to fly as long as he could remember. Growing up as an “Air Force Brat,” his early life involved living on air bases, watching airplanes and living among Air Force pilots. His father flew P-47, P-38 and P-51 fighters in the South Pacific during the Second World War. Ed has enjoyed GA flying since getting his license to fly in 1977. He was exposed to and fell in love with backcountry flying only a few years ago. Among other airplanes, Ed has flown several types of backcountry planes. He currently flies a C182 King Katmai. Ed believes in the RAF and wants to do all he can to support the RAF Mission. ecooper@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Posted in Idaho Ambassador
Paul Kosubinsky’s logbook tells the story of his true love affair with flight – from the J-3 Cub to the Boeing 747. Though he’s flown many different airplanes, “My heart has always remained in the Cub,” he says. Paul has stepped up to take on the role of RAF Virginia Liaison and will team up…
