Archive for April 2022
With the increased popularity of Trigger Gap RAF Arkansas Liaisons Dave Powell and Harper Goodwin began considering noise mitigation. “As an organization, we have truly strived to make as low an impact as possible,” Goodwin said. They examined current usage and flight paths, and coordinated with The Nature Conservancy. With help from fellow RAF members…
Mackie Ranch lies at 5,642 elevation a few miles south of Enterprise, Utah surrounded by the Dixie National Forest. Owner Justin Mackie opened the airstrip for public use. Mackie, a supporter of both the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), has cleared room for aircraft parking, a porta-potty and fire ring. Now he is creating…
You may not have heard of Edgartown, MA but you probably know of Martha’s Vineyard. The Katama Airpark, 1B2 is a recreational turf airfield on the island, and the RAF has awarded a $10,000 grant toward a facility for pilots and passengers to gather, picnic, and enjoy direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. “First opened in…
If your state includes land within a National Forest, the USFS wants to keep you informed of its Forest use public planning steps. RAF liaisons are tasked with tracking their respective Forest planning. If appropriate, RAF Public Agency Consultant Ron Normandeau prepares talking points, and state liaisons let RAF supporters know when public input is…
Word is out about beautiful Ryan Field. The RAF has worked hard to improve this backcountry airfield, and welcomes visitors with appropriate flying skills. To preserve its premier backcountry atmosphere, the RAF is clarifying vehicle use. Ryan Field welcomes under-wing tent camping, and fly-in use of the rustic cabins. Road vehicles are welcome to drive…
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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…
