Archive for July 2023
Michigan’s North Fox Island, 6Y3 is seeing a healthy increase in use, in great part because of the improvements and maintenance RAF volunteers and new friends continue to take on. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reports that volunteers began landing Friday, July 7 to continue the work. By Saturday, 14 planes had brought more than 20 volunteers…
It’s not just aviators who value local airfields. On July 15, Marcy Airfield near Keene, New York suffered extensive grounds vandalism. The malicious episode really touched the town’s nerve, as the turf grounds are used for a number of complementary events, like the Keene Farmers Market, a summer concert series, and th
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Craig Fuller, a dedicated RAF supporter and the former President of AOPA. RAF – Just Doesn’t Get Any Better: Only a few weeks had passed from the…
RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton reports that on the June 16-17 weekend, ten RAF and EAA volunteers in six aircraft based overnight at his Fireweed (0AK8) airstrip in preparation for the work party he organized at May Creek, (MYK), about 11nm southeast of Fireweed, (and McCarthy, PAMX.) “We enjoyed good food, beverages,
Eighteen volunteers in 11 aircraft wrapped up a successful work party at Montana’s Schafer Meadows on Saturday, July 15 under the direction of MPA Past President and RAF supporter Pete Smith of Lewistown. RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower had listed tasks that needed to be done. Volunteers, including MT Aeronautics Di
Click here to read RAF Supporter Rich Schlink’s article about the lessons he’s learned during his career as a Cal Fire Air Tanker Captain/Grumman S2F-3AT Instructor and how they relate to backcountry flying.
RAF supporter Joe Feiler of Casper, Wyoming loads his tools into his Cessna Cardinal and brings his skills where the RAF is making an impact. His support has included a donation of materials and his volunteer labor constructing Cabin 4 at Ryan Field. Joe created a plaque that is mounted on the front of the cabin honoring his father, a World…
“When I raised my hand at a Montana Pilots Association’s Directors retreat in Bozeman in September of 2003, I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” Jerome “Jerry” Cain says of his role in the eventual formation of the RAF. Jerry, as one of the original six Founders, tapped his Defense Department Federal…
“We could not be more impressed with the turnout we had today for the RAF work party at N41 Waterbury Airport,” RAF Connecticut Ambassador Brian Thomas said of the July 29 airfield event. RAF Connecticut Liaison Andrew Lyons, Ambassadors Greg Delp and DJ Nicholson, and members from local EAA chapters accomplished a va
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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
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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…
