CINDY CROSS

Vice President of Appreciation

“My introduction to aviation began in 1996 when my husband Terry took me on a backcountry flying and camping adventure in Idaho and Montana. After a flight to Death Valley over the dunes I was hooked,” Cindy Cross of San Carlos, CA says. Although Cindy is not herself a pilot, after 25 years in the family Cessna 206 she has earned her stripes as a proficient “right seat pilot, camp director and backcountry chef.”


Cindy is very proud to have raised her son to be a pilot who also loves the backcountry. “I delight in finding new destinations for my family to fly into, and meeting people who share the love of flying,” she adds.


In between projects assisting seniors to relocate to residential care homes, Cindy can be found somewhere in the West camping under the wing, biking, skiing, or backpacking, experiencing her love of the wilderness. Cindy’s favorite backpacking trip was the 221 mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite to the peak of 14,500-ft Mount Whitney. In addition to backcountry flying, she loves flights to Canada and Baja. Next on Cindy’s adventure list is to travel around Alaska by plane.

“I have enjoyed the RAF’s many airstrips throughout our flying years. I look forward to supporting the RAF and helping it continue to thrive,” she adds.


Recent Posts

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.
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
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.
By lellington February 1, 2026
TN AMBASSADOR
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