PASSION NEEDS PERSISTENCE TO GET ANYWHERE

“Ambition is the path to success, but persistence is the vehicle you will arrive in.” William “Bill” Bradley, the former NBA star and US Senator from New Jersey said this. Substitute “Passion” for “Ambition,” and you’ve pretty well summed up the RAF.

Everything at the RAF starts with building a relationship. That relationship can be with another person, another organization, or even a place. And that can take persistence. You don’t have to dig too deeply to find examples of these kinds of relationships that make for the foundation of RAF success. Thanks to the relationships you’ve built, the RAF is the largest aviation organization dedicated to protecting the fun and unique places to fly all across this country. 

Almost daily, I hear a story or two about some random or planned activity that helps fulfill the RAF mission. Take Trigger Gap, 17A, near Bentonville, Arkansas. This place, and the people who have been a part of it since Day One embody Bill Bradley’s quote. An idea, fueled by passion –with a willingness to be persistent – turned a grassy hilltop into one of our country’s premier backcountry locations. A place open and accessible to anyone who takes a little time to learn about it, and considers their own capabilities.

The Trigger Gap volunteer team began by building an enduring relationship with landowner The Nature Conservancy. Along the way, they leveraged funds from the RAF, and partners Fly Oz, and persistently turned that hilltop meadow into the premier place it is today that many of us have experienced. You can read more about the Trigger Gap story in this month’s edition. The Airfield Guide is a great place to find its airfield information.

Other organizations ask us, “How do you do it?” I suspect they ask because it appears easy from the outside looking in. I can tell them the RAF story, but it would only make sense to them if they really understand that the RAF attracts the finest bunch of people that aviation has to offer.

What strikes me most about all the persistent groups engaged in the RAF mission, like these Trigger Gap volunteers, is that they deserve our support. They truly are making a difference, and I hope along with me, you can find a way to help out as well. For sure go visit Trigger Gap, and explore the many other RAF places we are proud of. And, if you have yet to become a financial donor to the RAF, I would hope you will consider doing so. And if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, then all you need to do is reach out and we will tell you how you too can help grow the mission of the RAF. 

So, with summer flying season on us, get out there and see what there is to see. Be mindful of others both in the air and on the ground, and above all, enjoy and be safe.

– John McKenna, RAF Chairman

Submitted on June 10, 2025.

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