Day Job: Snap-On Tool Franchisee
Favorite Airstrip: Goodspeed 42B
Next adventure: Peak fall flying in Adirondacks
DAN CAPOSSELA
The RAF’s annual online meeting with AOPA took place September 17 and key volunteers were briefed on each region’s issues, and AOPA’s advocacy. Mike Ginter, former AOPA VP of Airports and Advocacy emceed. Ginter has recently taken on the position of Senior VP of the Air Safety Institute.
Ginter led the discussion by announcing that the Congressional FAA Reauthorization bill passed, resulting in “a bigger pie than before, and GA has a larger piece,” amounting to $1 billion of the $4 billion total fund that prioritizes aviation safety, consumer protections, grows the aviation safety workforce, advances technology and innovation, and modernizes the national airspace system.
RAF liaisons and ambassadors are invited to communicate with their Regional Manager, who monitors and advocates on issues critical to General Aviation. These seven professionals are registered lobbyists, and are GA’s advocates in Congress and state legislatures. Top priorities include preserving public-use airports facing closure, and preventing airspace encroachments and unreasonable ramp and user fees. AOPA is making progress ensuring 100LL supply and what Ginter calls “a smart transition” to unleaded avgas.
Each AOPA representative on the call expressed appreciation for the work the RAF does, and for the relationship between the two organizations.
The services these advocates provide are another benefit of AOPA membership. The RAF encourages all pilots to support the organization that for 80 years has worked to protect our freedom to fly. See AOPA.
Submitted September 30, 2024
By Carmine Mowbray
Posted in Ambassadors, Connecticut Ambassador
Posted in News
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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.
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
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.
TN AMBASSADOR
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
