CHUCK JARECKI

Director Emeritus

Starting out in a Piper Super Cub, Chuck got his private rating in 1960. Seeking further flying knowledge, he gained his commercial and glider licenses in 1961; then seaplane and instrument ratings. He bought a brand-new Cessna 180 in 1976 and began exploring North America from the air. He and his wife Penny have a map of the Continent, criss-crossed with their flights.


Chuck can count the number of controlled airports he’s used, preferring more remote areas. From Nome, Alaska, to Panama; and to the northern tip of Labrador in eastern Canada he’s accumulated over 5,000 hours. His passion is for the backcountry and the recreational experience it offers. He still enjoys his 180 on wheels but added a 1975 Cessna 185 on amphibious floats several years ago.

Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge on natural resource management to the RAF. His career spanned thirty years as owner/operator of a 7,000 acre cattle ranch in northwestern Montana. He’s received awards for excellence in grazing land management and soil stewardship. He served on a National Academy of Sciences committee, writing a book on evaluating rangeland health. Chuck is the go-to guy on weed control, having served ten years on Montana’s noxious weed advisory committee.

His professional associations include Society for Range Management, Montana Stockgrowers Association, past president of the Western Montana Stockmen’s Association, and Montana Beef Council-all of which offer vast background in public lands issues and environmental concerns.

Besides being a founding director of the RAF, the  Montana Pilots Association (MPA)  tapped into Chuck’s experience, seating him on its board of directors.

Chuck’s involvement with the RAF has been extensive. In addition to sweat-equity projects like the campground, shelter, and airstrip improvements at Ryan Field near Glacier Park, Chuck compiled the RAF’s “Recreational Airstrips, Issues, and Opportunities.” He drafted language for the recently-passed US House Resolution supporting recreational aviation and airstrips; and led the cooperative effort between the RAF and MPA to preserve six airstrips within the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument.

What motivates Chuck to work tirelessly for the RAF? “I didn’t want the next generation of pilots to say, ‘Why didn’t someone do something to preserve those airstrips when they had the chance? Now it’s too late.'”

406-883-2248

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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