Paul and Angela Welke own Island Airways at Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, 27 nm from Charlevoix (KCVX), where the business also has a base. RAF Michigan Liaison General Grant says, “Paul is always offering his services and has been incredible about answering calls for help from North Fox Island, 18 nm from Welke’s airport.”
FEATURED RAF SUPPORTER: PAUL WELKE
The RAF helped to reopen North Fox Island in 2015, reclaiming the airfield and adding camping amenities when Brad Frederick was RAF Michigan Liaison. Since then, it has become a very popular recreational location. Brad says, “Paul has helped us out often on North Fox, flying the first mower and other equipment over to the island. He’s also done some flyovers to check on people, if their loved one was worried. He’d check and confirm that yes, there was a tent there.”
Beaver Islanders who live year round – as well as the thousands of tourists who visit this 56 square mile place – also appreciate Welke’s Part 135 operation. Their comfortable, capable Britten Norman Islanders fly 28,000 to 30,000 passengers per year. The 15-minute flight saves waiting to board one of two ferries, then plying the moody waters of Lake Michigan over two hours each way from Charlevoix. Paul says winds can gust 35 or more knots in the region. Lake Michigan is infamous for swallowing ships. In fact, within swimming distance of one of Beaver island’s beaches, there is a 1689 shipwreck considered the “holy grail” of shipwreck hunters.
The ferries cease operating from mid-December to mid-April due to ice, but that doesn’t stop Islanders from needing transportation. “A huge part of our business is freight, US mail, Fed Ex, and UPS,” Paul said. In a medical emergency, Island Air serves as an air ambulance, and within 15 minutes can prepare an Islander aircraft for a stretcher with a patient plus a paramedic and EMT. “We typically do 30-35 medical evacuations a year, getting people off the island. Some evacuations are so urgent we get folks to the hospital within the golden hour,” Paul said.
Submitted July 14, 2025
Posted in Guest Editorial, 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
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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
