AIDAN OLSON

Admin Volunteer

Aidan grew up camping and hiking all around the country, allowing him to grow fond of nature and all that it has to offer for all types of recreation. He turned that passion into a degree from the University of Wisconsin in Forest Sciences. This progressed to a year of backcountry skiing and living in the mountains with his dog as he was working in forest preservation and restoration, further expanding his love for the outdoors.

After a few glider flights and a ride in a 150, Aidan knew he wanted to be a pilot, and after his year in the mountains he went to flight school in Arizona. The desert offered him many new adventures and introduced him to the world of aviation. His goal is to combine his love of the outdoors and his love of aviation into a long and enjoyable career.

Currently a cargo pilot flying as a First Officer on the Embraer 120 for Freight Runners Express, Aidan lives in Milwaukee and when he isn't flying, he still enjoys going on hikes with his dog and canoe camping in the Boundary Waters as well as the rivers and lakes of Wisconsin. He hopes that one day he can paddle and portage the entire Wisconsin river...then fly the length of it in a float plane!

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

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 Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026