Archive for January 2024
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 John Sowles, a longtime pilot and RAF Supporter from Maine. Bridging the Conservation Divide: I’m neither the owner or CEO of a major aviation manufacturer nor a…
Our friends at Hartzell Propeller are continuing to offer a $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers. In addition, Hartzell is contributing $250 to the RAF mission for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer through 2024! “We love this partnership. It’s a real benefit to current RAF supporters, and a welcome incentive to becoming an RAF supporter,”…
Connecticut Ambassador Day job: VH92A Upholstery Shop Manager at Sikorsky Favorite airstrip: N41 Waterbury-PlymouthNext adventure: The first flight after restoration of my Aeronca L3B along with hiking, and airplane camping adventures with it in the White Mountains Submitted on January 5, 2023.
A contribution of appreciated stock or mutual funds can result in significant tax savings for the Donor, allowing them to make a more significant gift than they thought possible. The Donor receives two immediate tax benefits, one is a charitable deduction of the fair market value of the security, the second a tax exem
RAF Idaho Liaison Bruce “Sparky” Parker reports major improvements at Cavanaugh Bay airstrip, (66S), near Priest Lake, Idaho. The RAF continues to provide grant funds toward projects, with a second grant of approximately $10,000. Parker points out that Idaho Aeronautics has completed major investments in the airport c
RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine used an RAF grant in 2020 to initiate improvements at this airport near Caldwell, Ohio. It is a desirable recreational destination that provides walking access to Noble County’s Wolf Run State Park campground. Pilots can tie down and follow a wooded trail to the lake. The outhouse was
RAF Wisconsin Director Jeff Russell tells of his epic winter flight to Alaska to watch the legendary Iditarod sled dog race in this new RAF podcast #12. Hosted by RAF President Bill McGlynn, it may just inspire you to plan a similar journey – or then again, you may prefer to enjoy this amazing story…
The official word from the FAA is that Red Pine airport located within The Nature Conservancy’s Saint John River Forest in northern Maine now has an FAA identifier. RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe and the Nature Conservancy were notified on January 31 by the FAA that, “Your airport has been created and assigned airport ID:
RAF Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Kari – who serves as an RAF VP of Appreciation – have the privilege of accessing many of Southeast Alaska’s US Forest Service lakefront cabins available for rent. They are enthusiastic about promoting and preserving the experience for others who wish to visit the Alaskan wi
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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…
