Brian Thomas is a self-proclaimed aviation nerd, having attended his first airshow with his father at eight years old. “From that point, I’ve been fascinated with aviation, and built large scale RC aircraft through my youth,” he says. He was also involved with the Civil Air Patrol cadet program at a young age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a 67N UH-1 Helicopter Mechanic. Brian has been employed in the aviation industry throughout his life, starting in line service, moving into FBO management, and then venturing into Corporate Aircraft Interior Refurbishments where he has spent the last 15 years. He presently manages the Upholstery Shop at Sikorsky where he is tasked with production of the VH-92A Presidential Heli Interiors.
BRIAN THOMAS
“Outside of work, I’m heavily involved with nearly anything to do with aviation,” Brian says. He is a member of several EAA chapters, Warbirds of America, and the Vintage Aircraft Association, and enjoys historical aircraft research. He is an avid hiker and enjoys photography. He is restoring a 1942 Aeronca L3B. “I hope to complete it as a memorial and a fun way to educate youth of the sacrifices made by our greatest generation,” he says.
Throughout his travels for work, Brian has noticed a common theme ring true. He says, “You’d better enjoy this slice of heaven and work to preserve these destinations, so they don’t become something other than an airport. To that end, as Connecticut Liaison, I am eager to do what I can to help preserve grassroots airports and promote the RAF mission.”
Brian can be reached at bthomas@theraf.org.
Ph: 302-660-9626
Posted in Connecticut State Liaison, State Liaison
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FLORIDA AMBASADOR
CALIFORNIA AMBASSADOR
Oregon RAF Liaison Bill Ables has been awarded a $5,000 RAF grant to retain RAF membership in and support the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative (HCRC) for the next five years. The HCRC was organized in 2016 at the request of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation as a framework for the various recreational user groups to collaborate with the US Forest Service within the 652,488-acre Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Ables, a past Director and current member of the group, explained that HCRC membership is a cross-section of user groups from both the private and commercial sectors, including river rafters and jet boaters, backpackers, horse packers, aviators, and governmental management agencies. Providing ongoing support ensures continued aviation representation. The rugged Snake River canyon region hugs the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, and includes nine backcountry airstrips within the Recreational Area. All are maintained by volunteer aviation groups in collaboration with the USFS: Cache Creek, Salmon Bar, Dug Bar, Temperance Creek, Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Lord Flat, Memaloose, and Big Bar. “Our support of HCRC, combined with the other involved aviation groups, ensures ongoing maintenance and improvements at each of these nine airstrips. It benefits general aviation by preserving access to enjoy the beauty of the Hells Canyon area, which directly speaks to the Mission of the RAF,” Ables said. For more information on Dug Bar, Cache Creek, Big Bar, and Memaloose, see the Airfield Guide . Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Temperance Creek, and Salmon Bar are not listed in the Airfield Guide at this time. Submitted February 24, 2026
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TEXAS LIAISON
