BILL BRINE

Director

From a young age, a Cessna was a regular part of Bill’s life, his dad’s way to get from A to B. The family plane was a tool to support the family businesses. Bill was encouraged to learn to fly for practical purposes – not as a hobby or passion.


A glider ride 30 years ago changed his life. “Discovering that soaring is about the journey, not the destination, opened my eyes to an entire new world of aviation,” Bill says. That ride led to his mastery of gliders and competing in soaring contests.


“Eventually, I migrated back to power flight simply for the joy of flying,” Bill says.

Bill’s early career started in a family business, Brine Inc. In 1986 he left to start the sports equipment brand, Cascade. As Founder and CEO, he led the company from an early start-up to a dominant player in the lacrosse equipment market, exiting in 2012 after its acquisition by Bauer. Bill is the holder of over 30 patents and has a passion for finding elegant solutions to challenges. When not working with start-ups, he’s usually exploring on one of his daily drivers, a Pivot Mach 6 mountain bike, Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, and a Cessna Skywagon.

A native New Englander with two grown children, Bill and his wife, Joanne, live on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts.

“Flying is often just a way to get from A to B when you live on an island,” Bill says. Be assured Bill has a huge smile during the entire trip from A to B and back.

508-397-5254
bbrine@theraf.org

Posted in Director

Recent Posts

RAF OUTFITTER FEBRUARY FEATURED ITEM

February 5, 2026
Our RAF Beanie Collection is proudly made in Bozeman, MT by our friends at Sauce. Designed to keep you warm on cold days, these beanies are perfect for winter adventures like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and—of course—flying! Available in adult one-size-fits-all and kids’ sizes. Get your RAF Beanie today and stay warm wherever your adventures take you! We’re excited to feature Shayla Swanson, founder of Sauce, in our latest RIF RAF newsletter. Originally from Alberta, Canada, Shayla is a competitive Nordic ski racer who launched her beanie company in Bozeman after relocating to complete her education. Learn more about Shayla’s journey and the story behind Sauce here .  If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723. Your RAF Outfitter purchase is greatly appreciated and furthers the mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. You can support the RAF mission all year by shopping at the RAF Outfitter online store. Products are being added regularly, and items are thoughtfully selected for durability and suitability for pilots, by pilots. We welcome photos of supporters using RAF gear! Please send your images to ewhite@theraf.org , and let us know if we have permission to post them on social media or our website. Submitted January 5, 2026.

CHUCK HOWARD

By lellington • February 1, 2026
Day Job: Restaurant Owner and College Student Favorite Airstrip: TIE SO FAR: Trigger Gap (17A) and John Harris Field (AR05) Next Adventure: Spring airplane camping in New Mexico

ERIC DAVIS

By lellington • February 1, 2026
Day job: Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Calix, Inc. Favorite airstrip: Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3) Next adventure: Haven't flown out west since 2023, so that'll be my next flying adventure.

STEVE LEWIS

By lellington • February 1, 2026
TN AMBASSADOR

RAF BOARD MEETS ON UPCOMING MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

January 29, 2026
Your RAF Directors met January 22-24 for their annual in-person board meeting in Bozeman, MT, with Director Bill Brine coming the farthest from his home on Martha’s Vineyard. Director Emeritus Alan Metzler of Pennsylvania attended, in spite of the heavy weather forecast in the Northeast. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza attended, demonstrating the great distances these volunteers are willing to travel to be present. The RAF Board meets monthly, but this annual get-together allows time to explore opportunities in more detail, and set areas of focus. RAF Kansas Ambassador Bruce Latvala was elected as RAF Secretary, joining current RAF officers . Director Steve Taylor of the Seattle area is stepping down as an active board member, but will continue his wholehearted support of the RAF mission. This year’s meeting included special guests to discuss topics relevant to upcoming RAF initiatives. Director Emeritus Todd Simmons presented a new hub and spoke network of backcountry airfields in Tennessee, with the opportunity for RAF support. Director Matt Foster updated the group on the goals and responsibilities of the Safety, Education, and Etiquette (SEE) Committee. The board reviewed opportunities to support new airfield locations on both public and private lands; and were given a customary review of RAF financials. By Carmine Mowbray  Submitted January 29, 2026