Archive for March 2021
Bill chats with Amrat Chugani about his career in aviation, learning to fly in Florida, getting his tailwheel endorsement and why he’s a part of the RAF volunteers and what’s next…
RAF Virginia Liaison Alan White has been awarded an RAF grant to make improvements to Barrows Field (VA04) in Fincastle, Virginia. Barrows is home to R&B Aircraft, makers of Bearhawk aircraft. White’s plans include establishing a camping and picnic area along the river, repairing the outhouse, clearing encroaching limbs, and installing an RAF windsock. He expects…
RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton, RAF members Bill Rusk and Jeff DeFreest report that the US Forest Service cabins primarily in Southeast Alaska that are available for public use may be in jeopardy of closure. Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is the nation’s largest National Forest, and includes 142 cabins accessible by boat, trail, seaplane, and a…
Virginia and North Carolina Ambassador Day Job: General Manager at Dix Aviation at W78 airport Favorite Airstrip: Mine: 00VA Next adventure: Various airports or grass-strips in VA
Website Volunteer Lisa Ellington, a fifth-generation Texan, grew up on a farm in South Texas. Every day was an adventure with horses, cows, pigs, and chickens (most of whom were pets), as well as numerous dogs and cats. Her family took fun summer trips around the US, such as hiking the Grand Canyon, canoeing the…
Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) and Idaho’s Division of Aeronautics are seeking public comments in support of rehabilitating Hoodoo Meadows Airstrip. Hoodoo Meadows is located in Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest. For the last two years the IAA has worked with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), US Forest Service, Idaho Fish & Game, and RAF to help make…
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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…
