Archive for August 2025
Search results for 'August 2025' (21)
RAF Liaison Wendy Lessig continues her efforts to preserve scenic Utah airstrips on BLM land. She was just awarded an RAF grant to help fund five cultural surveys in the Monticello region through the BLM Monticello Field Office in Utah’s San Juan County. “The purpose of these cultural surveys is to help the BLM in thei
“If you give of your time and labor, you tend to get back more than you put in,” Jerry Latvala says, and that keeps him motivated to help the RAF anytime he can, whether it’s near his home in coastal Georgia, or far away. Jerry flew his Mooney over 1,800 nm to tent camp at…
The RAF depends on folks who are passionate about preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access throughout the country. If this mission appeals to you, you might be interested in the rewarding volunteer role of RAF Liaison. To capture the spirit and purpose of an RAF Liaison, we’re unveiling th
We just returned from Triple Tree Aerodrome where the RAF held its third of four 2025 regional educational conferences for our key volunteers. It was not by chance that we chose Triple Tree for our event, which brings me to the title of this month’s theme. The RAF is at a point where whatever we…
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 guest editorial is by Libby Maus, a co-pilot and RAF volunteer. From the Right Seat: Less than 10 years ago, I was afraid to fly in an aircraft with only one engine…
Originally from India, Tanmoy Ganguly acted on his dream to become a pilot at multiple flight schools there. But he discovered India’s lack of GA opportunity meant that only career pilots could receive training. He then had an opportunity to move to the US for his IT career, settled in Michigan, and pursued his flight…
The RAF has added Safety and Education to its Backcountry Etiquette Team (BET), launching the combined RAF Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee, (SEE). “Etiquette, education, and safety are deeply interconnected,” RAF Director Matt Foster said, adding, “Behaviors promoted by the Etiquette Team overlap with educat
Idaho’s Big Creek state airport, U60 in the Payette National Forest attracts a large number of recreational pilots. Some camp in the adjacent campground, and some enjoy an overnight stay and breakfast at Idaho Aviation Foundation’s welcoming Big Creek Lodge. The condition of the Big Creek tie-down area needed improveme
The Airfield Guide is a highly valuable resource for pilots, as it contains a wealth of information about airfields with recreational opportunities. It offers a variety of features and capabilities that make trip planning especially easy and effective. One highlight is the “Filter” feature on the Airfield Guide Map, wh
On August 23, RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini and Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner organized a successful work party at Clarion County Airport, KAXQ in Pennsylvania. Eight volunteers, including New York Liaison Doug Turnbull and Turner’s two sons accomplished multiple tasks. They built a firewood
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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…
