Lynn has her private pilot rating with ASEL, ASES, instrument rating, high performance, complex, and tailwheel endorsements. She enjoys flying her Super Cub “54-Pop” equipped with 31” Bushwheels around the backcountry of Montana during the summer/fall, and switches to smaller tires and hydraulic wheel skis during the winter and spring months in Montana. She currently serves as an RAF Ambassador and the leader of the RAF’s Backcountry Etiquette Team.
WORTH THE READ: LYNN MARETH GUEST EDITORIAL
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 month’s guest editorial is by Lynn Mareth, an RAF Ambassador and leader of the Backcountry Etiquette Team.
Spring is in the air here in northwest Montana. The swallows have returned to our place and are making lazy figure eights through the air as they swoop over the river in search of a tasty meal. I just finished a lovely flight in my Super Cub along the jagged snow-capped peaks that border our now lush green valley. As I descended over the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Hungry Horse, I marveled at the roiling waters of the spring runoff and how they elegantly joined a long thread of emerald green waters at its confluence with the South Fork. It’s a sure sign that spring is here and that summer is on its way.
With the summer flying season right around the corner, our RAF Backcountry Etiquette Team has been quietly working in the background on initiatives that promote responsible aviation in the backcountry. Our goal is to help educate and mentor newer pilots and remind seasoned pilots to respect and protect our special places to ensure these airstrips will remain accessible for future generations to enjoy.
When I first envisioned promoting backcountry etiquette within the RAF in the fall of 2023, I wasn’t sure where it would lead, or if it really aligned with the RAF’s mission. The McKennas suggested that we share the idea with supporters during the next regional educational conferences. The consensus was that the RAF should pursue the initiative as it does align with the RAF’s mission to preserve airstrips. Next, we assembled a diverse team of pilots who are passionate about what we are trying to accomplish. The team has been collaborating on a lot of great ideas that we have started to implement, and I am hopeful that our message is well received.
I’m always in awe of the caliber of people we have supporting the RAF. Many of these volunteers willingly provide all three T’s of philanthropy: their Time, Talent and Treasure. It is very rare to have so many volunteers like this in an organization as they continue to work tirelessly in support of the RAF’s mission throughout the year. Sometimes I feel insignificant with what I do in support of the RAF, but I know that even my small contributions are an essential cog in the wheel that keeps us moving forward like the annual cycle of the changing seasons.
Aristotle once said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” which makes me believe that it is the combined interaction of our RAF family that makes this organization so special, and one that I’m truly grateful to be a part of.
Submitted May 23, 2025
Posted in Guest Editorial
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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
