Archive for July 2022
Alaska State Liaison New Alaska Liaison Stef Goza started flying as a teenager in Iowa’s flatlands, where she was born and raised. She earned her pilot certificate in her 20s and flew for the next few years, but like a lot of us, flying was set on the back burner. “I returned to aviation with grit and determination…
RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reports that volunteers from New Mexico Pilots Association, the RAF, and three US Forest Service Reserve District employees completed work at Negrito airstrip, 0NM7 in the Gila National Forest in mid July. “Rainy weather chased us out a day early, but the work was mostly finished,” Keller said. The…
Two popular backcountry airfields, Minam Lodge (7OR0); and adjacent Red’s Horse Ranch (68D) are located within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, that totals over 360,000 acres in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Ancestors of the Nez Perce Tribe first occupied the region in 1,400 A.D. followed by Cayuse, Shoshone and Bannock peoples. The Wilderness Act of…
RAF Michigan Liaisons Brad Frederick and General Grant announce that Two Hearted airfield, 6Y5 on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was recently inspected by the state and reopened. “Cones are back out and it is mowed. We want to be sure people understand that the grass is delicate for the time being and that small tires are…
RAF Washington State Ambassador Ray Ballantyne reports that Washington State Department of Aviation and the RAF joined together to perform the annual cleanup of Stehekin State Airport, 6S9, in the North Cascades National Park in June. Paul Wolf, State Airport Manager and his wife Deanna arrived by helicopter because there is no road access to this settlement above the…
RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes reported that continued collaboration in Oregon between the RAF and the US Forest Service has resulted in the preservation of Silver Lake airfield, 45S. “The Silver Lake Ranger District team recently mowed and re-established its edge markings and the 3,000 foot long runway is currently in excellent condition and ready…
RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reported that 13 planes and 20 volunteers landed at North Fox Island, 6Y3 July 8-10 to complete seasonal maintenance. The group accomplished mowing, trimming, and general maintenance of the airstrip and adjacent tie-down and camping area. They relocated the outhouse and filled the previous pit; they split and restocked firewood for camper use, and “Miles of trails were trimmed back and mowed,” he added. Prior to departure, they replenished…
“Enough work has been completed in past years that this year was pretty light,” RAF Washington State Liaison Dave Whitelaw said of the tasks scheduled at Sullivan Lake state airport, 09S. A group of about a dozen volunteers arrived early on the July 15-17 weekend and joined Washington State DOT Airport Manager Paul Wolf on…
RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower reported that 18 planes showed up and about 25 people helped during the annual MPA/RAF/USFS cooperative volunteer work party at Shafer Meadows, 8U2. “Thanks to Montana Aeronautics and Karen Speeg for supporting this year’s work party again,” Newpower said. The group completed several projects including replacing the sign board near…
Recent Posts
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…
