RAF FEATURED SUPPORTER: PETE SMITH

Pete cut his teeth on light metal fabrication in the business his father started in northern Virginia 50 years ago. They moved it to the central Montana town of Lewistown 32 years ago, and are now a substantial employer, with over 40 employees in the town of 6,000 folks. Called “HCR” (for Horizontal Curvilinear Re-circulator), their innovations have resulted in sales of fog, frost and ice free Air Doors for customers all over the world. “If you’ve been to the Dairy or Produce section of a Costco or a Sam’s Club you’ve probably seen our product,” Pete says. On one business trip to China, he took his daughter Rosie who was studying Business in college at the time. “We were treated to a 14-course meal, including soup with the the rooster’s head floating in it, complete with [comb and wattle].” 


Pete began flying in 1975, just out of high school, in Frederick, Maryland (home of AOPA), then got his A&P through an Associate of Science program at Frederick Community College. While working, he earned his SEL and MEL certificates, and earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate. He then attended the University of Maryland for his degree in Aerospace Engineering. For three years, he worked as a civilian engineer at Pax River, home of the Naval Air Test Center, working in rotary wing flight testing for U.S. Marines. 


“Since then, I’ve always, flown, owned, and worked on airplanes,” he says, “enjoying it now as a hobby.” While in AP school, he rebuilt a 1946 7AC Champ, and still has it. Of his three children, his daughter Rebecca was the one who was most thrilled to learn to fly. “Rebecca learned to fly the Champ as soon as she could reach the rudder pedals,” Pete explains. “I’d sit in back and let her fly.” When she soloed, Pete says he was standing on the turf strip near a badger hole. “I was more worried about the badger coming up and meeting harm, than I was about Rebecca’s ability to land safely.” She moved on to their C180, and is now commercially licensed to fly UAVs for her employer, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).


Pete has taken on another aviation challenge, having bought into a North American T-28 “Trojan” with a partner. “We’d like to offer rides to Vietnam War veterans, since the T-28 played a role in Laos during the War,” Pete explains. U.S. pilots taught Laotians to fly them for attacks on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. “We hope to add a Bird Dog (tandem Cessna 170 observation aircraft) for rides as well, as a tribute to their service.” He is anticipating traveling to Texas to get his type-rating in the T-28. Some consider the T-28 the most complex trainer the military ever had. ”There are three different ways just to open the canopy,” Pete says. It could handle up to one ton of weaponry under each wing. With its 1,425 hp nine-cylinder radial, he’ll need to be ready with a lot of right rudder. 


Pete’s been involved with the RAF from the beginning. His family has always enjoyed flying into the backcountry to camp, so it was a natural fit for him to get involved. Pete serves the RAF as Liaison to the BLM, overseers of many public access airstrips in the West. As past president of Montana Pilots Association, he has organized work parties and flyouts throughout Montana’s backcountry. “I have a good location in the center of the state,” he says.


He has generously donated time and material designing and fabricating handy logo key fobs, pancake turners and bottle openers, to laser cut RAF fire rings and sturdy “bear boxes,” refrigerator-freezer-sized containers for food storage, strong enough to keep the grizzlies out. His son Matthew inherited an eye for design and is working in high-end architecture. Matthew designed the commemorative P-38 floor inlays honoring Ben Ryan that impress visitors inside the Ryan Barn.


Pete says he devotes his time because he supports the RAF commitment to keeping backcountry airstrips “open and alive, and the interesting people you meet by being involved in the RAF.”


Submitted on March 15, 2023.

    Recent Posts

CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

November 4, 2026
At this time of year we are reminded of those who have given so much, so that we and future generations may share the experiences that matter to people like us—a flat place to pitch your tent, a pilot shelter to get out of the weather, or a fire ring to share a beverage and a story with friends. We have all been the benefactor of someone else's generosity which has enriched our lives in the backcountry; that vault toilet didn't place itself, and neither did the firewood. It's a good reminder that we all have opportunities to pay it forward. Like many people, you may be considering year-end charitable contributions. From a one time or recurring gift, to IRA/401k Qualified Charitable Distributions and donations of publicly traded stock, there are several planned giving options to help your gift also benefit you financially. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers) can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for their direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize.

CODY KOCH

November 3, 2026
Cody Koch grew up in Truckee, California, where he developed a love for aviation and the outdoors at a young age. Growing up around airplanes and flying with his dad sparked his interest in becoming a pilot. He went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school and is now studying aviation at Gallatin College through Montana State University, working toward additional ratings with hopes of pursuing a career in aviation. Outside of flying, Cody enjoys camping, off-roading, and just about anything that gets him outdoors. Music is also a big part of his life, whether he’s playing it himself or catching a live show. He has always enjoyed working with his hands and has a particular passion for working on the cars passed down to him by his grandfather. One of Cody’s longtime dreams is to own a Super Cub and explore the backcountry by air. He hopes to one day visit some of the remote airstrips that the RAF works to protect and is glad to be part of an organization that helps keep these places accessible to pilots. Submitted on November 3, 2026

HELP THE RAF EARN DELTA REWARDS—AT NO COST TO YOU!

November 2, 2026
Did you know the RAF can earn Delta rewards when you fly, without affecting your personal SkyMiles or other rewards? Simply add the RAF to your Delta SkyMiles account as your business loyalty program. The RAF will earn points on eligible flights, which we can use for travel to RAF events and other benefits. You keep all your personal SkyMiles! Step 1: Add the RAF to Your SkyMiles Account You only need to do this once. We recommend using Delta.com in your web browser, rather than the Fly Delta app. Log in to your SkyMiles account at Delta.com . Under your Name in the top right corner, select Profile . Under My Profile , select Other Loyalty Programs . Find Business Loyalty Programs , click +Add under Business Travel Program , and select Delta SkyMiles for Business . Enter the RAF's loyalty number, US0056924 , and click Save . Step 2: Select "Business" Before Booking Each time you log in to Delta.com, select "Business" when prompted. This allows the RAF's loyalty number to automatically populate on the Passenger Info page when booking your flight.

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HIGH ROCK, MD

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
The RAF is proud to have become stewards of a very special fly-in destination in western Maryland, along the North Branch of the Potomac River. The RAF has just registered it with the FAA, and you’ll now find High Rock Airfield, 68MD, on your chart. When you think of Maryland, maybe the Star-Spangled Banner comes to mind, or midshipmen on the Annapolis parade grounds. But anyone who’s flown around the state will know why it’s called “America in Miniature.” Within an hour and a half C182 flight from High Rock, one could see diverse geographic contrast between rustic hamlets in the forested ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Mountains, the spreading grid of urban Baltimore, and Maryland’s 4,000 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. You’d also experience Maryland’s varied climates, from cooler mountain conditions in the west to warmer, more humid conditions near the coast. High Rock’s 1,700-ft turf airfield offers a backcountry setting less than 100 nm from a region with over 10 million residents. As impressive as the solitude, the setting offers visitors its aviation heritage, thanks to the late Robert Armstrong. Pilots “Bob” and his father Harold collected and restored vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship, including a “Lindy Award” at EAA’s AirVenture for their Aeronca Champ restoration. It was Bob’s wish to preserve the airfield for future generations of aviators to enjoy camaraderie in this sylvan setting. High Rock airfield is named after a nearby overlook that rises 1,000 ft above the forest-lined airfield and offers afternoon shade. Visitors can camp near the river, and in season can angle for trout. Enjoy floating the river in your inflatable or SUP. Find more about High Rock Airfield and the required Safety Briefing in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 30, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

GEM OF THE EAST: HIGH ROCK AIRFIELD IN MARYLAND EXPANDS THE MAP

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
An extraordinary private airfield in Maryland has been generously gifted to the RAF by the late Bob Armstrong, honoring his family’s lifelong passion for aviation. High Rock Airfield lies within a sweeping bend of the North Branch of the Potomac River and brings another eastern US destination into the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. A true gem of the East, it offers a real backcountry experience just 85 nm northwest from where the Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses the Potomac in bustling Washington, DC. “We are humbled to have become the stewards of this special place, and will honor the Armstrong family’s legacy by creating a welcoming place to enjoy the fellowship of backcountry aviation,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Bob and his father, Lt. Col. Harold Armstrong, were indeed passionate about aviation and based their multiple rare aircraft here. Bob was a lifetime member of the EAA, the Aeronca Club, AOPA, the QB Club, the OX-5 Organization, the Cumberland Soaring Group, the Soaring Society of America, and the Vintage Sailplane Association. He and Harold collected vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship. One Aeronca Champ restoration won the highest “Lindy Award” honors at EAA’s AirVenture competition in Oshkosh.