Six decades later Ben still loves aviation; and it is evident when you visit his home. The three airplanes that Ben built years ago sit in the hangar by his home, looking like they are ready to fly. Early in the 1970’s, Ben and his wife Agnes–affectionately known as “Butchie” from her maiden name Butchkosky–began construction of an airstrip on their property near Glacier National Park. To create their airstrip, Ben spent several summers filling a wide drainage between two level benches with only a small front-end loader on his tractor–the equivalent of filling a swimming pool with a teaspoon.
IN THE SHADOW OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK VETERAN PILOT DONATES BACKCOUNTRY STRIP
Ben Ryan’s P-38 was out of control. The Lightning following him had just taken evasive action to avoid a collision and, in doing so, the other aircraft peeled the right-vertical stabilizer from Ben’s twin fighter. Ben was helpless; rudder and elevator, gone. His aircraft tucked into a steep dive and the roiling waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Panama filled his vision. Sliding the canopy back, he dropped clear and immediately deployed his chute. Seconds later, the P-38 disappeared, with nothing but a circle of foam remaining on the surface of the ocean below. After his own splashdown, a native brought him to shore. The very next day, Ben was back in the air.
Summers were spent creating the runway, and Ben’s winters were spent buying, building and restoring airplanes. In 1974, he began construction of his first plans-built airplane, a tandem seat Wendt Traveler. Three years later, it was complete and ready for its maiden flight. Ben was back in the air and loving every minute.
Bestowing the Love of Flying
Two years ago, the childless couple began to consider their legacy. How would the Ryan name continue? At the recommendation of a friend, they called to inquire about the recently formed Recreational Aviation Foundation; a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving recreational airstrips.
RAF Director, Chuck Jarecki, met with the Ryans to begin a dialog and to determine what their level of involvement might be. The Ryans fell in love with Chuck; and, likewise, he with them, establishing a positive relationship personally and with the RAF. Their desire was to leave a gift to the pilot community that would continue in perpetuity; to bring joy to others as it has brought joy to them and to help reverse the tendency for airstrips to disappear. They began to implement a plan to incrementally transfer ownership of the entire property to the RAF for the creation of a recreational pilot’s retreat with a public-use airstrip.
Ryan’s property adjacent to the airstrip was mostly covered with timber, creating a serious forest fire hazard. Ben requested the RAF to contract for and supervise a selective timber harvest to enhance the recreational aspects of the property and reduce the fire danger. The income from the logging operation was used to establish an account for perpetual maintenance of the airstrip. Situated at 3,600 feet on the west slope of the Flathead Range, the airstrip is kept mowed all summer and the windsock is changed when it becomes faded. However, Ben states, “this is still a ‘bush’ airstrip.” Tall trees occupy both ends and squirrelly winds can test any pilot’s flying skills. A steep, stabilized approach is required to set-down in the first third of the 2,500 ft. runway.
Foundation Maximizes Benefits to Donors
Because of the magnitude of this gift, the RAF formed an Auxiliary Foundation to maximize the tax benefit to the Ryans and future donors of properties or other significant endowments. Ryan Field is a treasure that we have the opportunity to enjoy for years to come and the Ryan legacy will continue through their generous donation. Words fail to express the gratitude each of us should have toward this lovely couple. It may also serve to create awareness of the capability of others of leaving a similar legacy.
While the airstrip is a gift to the flying public and backcountry aviation, the Ryans still make their quiet home there. They cherish your visit, but ask that you first make arrangements with the RAF so that they know when you’ll arrive. You are welcome, but the RAF asks that you respect their privacy. Due to the nature of the area, large fly-ins are not appropriate. Use common courtesy, and keep aircraft numbers at a minimum.
If you have the opportunity to visit, you can expect the Ryans to give you a tour. Ask Ben about his airplanes and you’ll be invited into his hangar. You’ll be captivated by the stories both of them have about their life together after meeting on a blind date during World War II. Butchie always enjoys fresh fruit or a box of chocolates. Tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice for this country and for the flying public. One thing is certain; you won’t want to leave.
When the native brought Ben to shore after escaping his crippled airplane, the government offered a reward for saving a fallen airman–fifty dollars–a heck of an investment for putting this remarkable life back into commission. Perhaps, you too will consider a similar investment toward the future of backcountry aviation.
If you’re interested in visiting:
Please contact one of the Board Members of the RAF if you are considering visiting the Ryan Property. The Ryans still live on the property and ask that you call ahead to schedule your visit. Go to our Contact Us section. Any of the directors can make arrangements for you.
The Ryan’s were publicly thanked for their extraordinary donation and vision at the 2006 Montana Aviation Convention in Helena, Montana in March of 2006.
To see a geographic layout of Ryan Field – Click Here
Originally published in the March/April 2006 issue of Pilot Getaways Magazine
Submitted on March 1, 2006.
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Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Steve Johnson, former RAF Director, Supercub.org founder, and Gold Seal CFI/MEI.
Lock Haven Airport, or William T. Piper Memorial Airport (KLHV), has a legendary past. From 1937 to 1984, it was the home of Piper Aircraft, where the Cub was born. The vintage aircraft community celebrates to this day with its annual “Sentimental Journey” pilgrimage fly-in, and fills the parking areas along both its paved and turf runways. For recreational pilots, it’s a great base location for fly-outs, including scenic flying opportunities over the mixed hardwood forest along the Susquehanna River. The year-round camping area has working restrooms, a pavilion to escape the elements, and a bath house that had deteriorated. RAF Pennsylvania/West Virginia Liaison Chip Vignolini and RAF Pennsylvania Liaison Andy Turner assessed the deteriorating bath house and decided to do something about it. They have been awarded an RAF grant for upgrades and refurbishment. “Our goal is to bring the bath house back to full operational capacity and improve the site’s utility,” Vignolini said. “By replacing damaged siding and applying fresh paint, the project halts deterioration. The other planned bath house and campground improvements ensure that the environment matches the prestige of the aircraft that visit.” The Sentimental Journey Board organized an initial work party in April. Volunteers have provided the specialized machinery and tools to complete the structural work and site preparation. Vignolini and Turner are now ready to line up volunteers to replace an insufficient water heater, install privacy dividers, and integrate an RAF fire ring and RAF information box. CAP volunteers will help with the project. Volunteers will be the primary workforce, bringing their own tools and expertise to the field, from licensed plumbers to seasoned handymen. “Lock Haven has always been built by the hands of those who fly there,” Vignolini said. Work will continue in May, with the goal of being completed for the 2026 season. “The campground and fire ring serve as the ‘social hangar’ where elder pilots pass down knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills to the next generation of aviators.” Vignolini added. Lock Haven Airport can be found in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 14, 2026
“Wow, did they ever get lucky!” When something good happens to a person or an organization, how many times have you heard that phrase? Or maybe even said it yourself? When, in reality, there’s been long term effort building skills, cultivating a growth mindset, expanding networks, and building relationships. When all is added together, this preparation creates a situation where opportunities are likely to arise. Or said another way, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” It may appear to the casual observer that the RAF is about to get real lucky real soon. We think we are about to have the year we have been waiting for – well, maybe not waiting for – but rather preparing for. Over the course of the next 12-18 months, we will be announcing more airstrip possibilities and projects than we have ever experienced in a similar period. Leadership has been thinking about this for a good long time, and we have worked hard to be ready. What does that mean? It has meant building what I believe is one of the finest groups of people in aviation. People who are ready to step up and who bring and invest the skills needed to make things happen. It means having saved some money, which gives us the ability to say “Yes” and accept opportunities and the responsibilities they bring. It means having the relationship capital with our partners, be they private or public, that is required to make progress. We want you to know that we will be calling on all of us to give our best effort so we don’t miss our chance to get “lucky.” We will need people to take charge of projects just like you have in the past. We will need people to give some time – or maybe a lot of time – if they can spare it. We will need financial resources to meet the demands that we will be called upon to provide. I think we are ready, and I further think this is going to be one of the most exciting periods we’ve seen in the RAF timeline. I hope you are all in. Since the RAF was founded out here in rodeo country, it only seems appropriate that just before the chute is opened, a simple nod of the head throws it open and signals that big action is about to happen. Here’s to a little “nod of the head.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted May 13, 2026
RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky organized volunteers the weekend of May 8-9 to clean up the campsite and install new amenities at Front Royal Warren County Airport, Virginia, KFRR. Assisting were the Warren County Airport Commission and Friends of Front Royal. “Together, we accomplished an amazing amount in a short time. From removing loads of trash to installing the beautiful new RAF-branded fire ring, entrance sign, and flag pole, the campsite has already been transformed into a welcoming destination pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” Kosubinsky reported. The team also cut and stacked enough firewood to last several seasons to benefit future visitors. The volunteers also set up an RAF table and greeted visitors during the airport Wings and Wheels event. This public-use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway and offers camping with access to a porta-potty, indoor restrooms, and a courtesy car. It’s known as a gateway airport to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. “Thank you again for helping make the KFRR Stokes Airfield Campsite something we can all be proud of. I look forward to many future gatherings around that new fire ring,” Kosubinsky added. Find more on Front Royal Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 13, 2026
RAF New York Liaison Doug Turnbull organized a work party at Great Valley airfield, N56 near Salamanca, in southwestern New York on Saturday, May 2. The group of volunteers cleaned up the riverbank, performed seasonal maintenance, and added a new RAF windsock. They removed encroaching brush along the 3,200-ft turf runway to make the approach more visible. The airfield is privately owned but open for public use. “Owner Anna Northrup was very appreciative of the fellowship and that she didn’t need to worry about these things. She generously provided morning donuts and coffee and lunch from the adjacent Katy's Fly-In restaurant,” Turnbull said. “The many hands made quick work, and it was good to spend time with other RAF volunteers out in the field working on this strip,” Turnbull added. Find more on Great Valley in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 11, 2026
