Archive for April 2025
The RAF has added its name to the over 50 aviation-related organizations, manufacturers and stakeholders that support Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan. The US system handles more than 45,000 daily flights, and the FAA relies on aging radio equipment that air traffic controlle
Have you explored the updated Airfield Guide yet? If discovering new places and adventures excites you, the Airfield Guide is the place to begin planning your next recreational flight! Maybe you’re new to the RAF or just haven’t used the Airfield Guide. It’s fast and easy to sign up, and is free, without ads. You will appreciate…
RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant reported that volunteers have met at North Fox Island on several occasions to take on clean up after a record early spring ice storm downed several hundred trees, many along the turf runway. “We’ve cleared the fire pit area and some tie down locations,” Grant said. Please note the taxiways remain closed due to downed trees. “This…
Day job: Retired Physician. Now, time to travel, see family and fly. Favorite airstrip: X61, Zellwood FL Next Adventure: Backpacking Evolution Loop in the Sierras followed by a rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho.
From turf airstrips in mountain settings, to small suburban airports, the RAF understands that flying someplace for recreation means many things. It’s visiting special places where the laptop and briefcase aren’t coming along. The RAF supports recreational destinations with a grassroots feel, where there are no instrument procedures, and your radio only need be tuned to…
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 Ron Keller, the RAF’s New Mexico Liaison. My interest in aviation started as a child on our small farm in Ohio. When I saw an airplane fly…
You could say Steve Jones has aviation in his blood. He is the IT manager for the company that operates the largest, most diverse private aircraft fleet in the world, hangs out weekends at his active local GA airport, AND is willing and able to volunteer his skills for the RAF. Steve helps manage the…
We have reached our airplane capacity for the 2025 Ryan Fly In. If you are currently registered and need to cancel, please let us know so there is room for others.To get on the waitlist to fly in, please fill out registration; we will notify you if there are any cancellations.There is still room to…
People often think of donations as one-time events: a check sent in, a quick online transaction, or a few dollars given at a fly in. While these gifts are vital, there’s another way to give that can have an even greater impact: recurring donations. Did you know you can set your RAF donation to recur…
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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…
