Nicolas Chabbert is an accomplished aviation professional with 31 years of experience in the general aviation sector, as well as hands-on expertise as an aircraft and balloon pilot. In addition to his management responsibilities, he is actively involved in several aerospace associations, and served as Chairman of the European General Aviation Manufacturers Association (ASD-EGAMA) for five years. In 2021, Chabbert was the first European Chairman for GAMA, the powerful General Aviation Manufacturers Association in DC, after 3 years serving as Aviation & Safety Committee chair for the association. Click here to read his full bio.
WORTH THE READ: NICOLAS CHABBERT 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 Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division and CEO of DAHER Aircraft, Inc and Kodiak Aircraft, Inc.
As the world’s oldest airplane manufacturer in continuous production today – and a family-owned company – it’s no surprise that Daher is proud to be a supporter of the Recreational Aviation Foundation. We share a common vision of conserving and maintaining backcountry airstrips, which is best summarized by the motto: “Daher cares for those who care for aviation.”
Building on this strong “aviator DNA,” we have actively backed the RAF for many years, being even more uniquely positioned as a Foundation supporter since our company’s 2019 acquisition of the Kodiak aircraft product line.
The Kodiak is truly at home in the backcountry, based on its roots as a rugged STOL airplane that was developed for humanitarian missions into some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations. The cornerstone Kodiak 100 version is a common sight at backcountry strips, and we launched the larger, faster Kodiak 900 version in 2022 as the next step in Daher’s approach to the continual improvement of our turboprop-powered airplane families.
With the Kodiak now fully integrated into Daher’s aircraft portfolio, we’ve stepped up our contributions to the RAF’s goals. Earlier this year, we provided a Kodiak 900 to assist U.S. Forest Service personnel in accessing two isolated grass strips in the mountains of southeastern Idaho. Pilots and employees from our Kodiak Aircraft Company joined with the USFS for the airlift of building materials and support equipment to Moose Creek (1U1) and Shearer (2U5), utilizing the Kodiak 900 prototype.
These two isolated and unimproved strips are very difficult to reach, with high mountains and the nearest roads being more than 19 miles away – normally requiring pack animals for resupply of any kind. In the past, USFS rangers were based at the locations, but years of budget constraints creates challenges for the government agency in maintaining and supporting its sites. Using the Kodiak 900’s superior cabin size and excellent cargo-carrying capability, the USFS was able to accomplish maintenance for these airstrips and their structures, along with other support duties.
For me, the flights into Moose Creek and Shearer are perfect examples of what the RAF and its network of supporters can do to meet the Foundation’s goal of preserving backcountry airstrips and highlighting their true value as a national resource. This also is why we chose to highlight the RAF on Daher’s exhibit stand during EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin – positioning a Kodiak 100 with the Foundation’s logos next to a high-vis RAF tent, becoming a center of attraction for some of the 677,000 attendees at the 2023 annual fly-in.
Another important action that Daher supported this year was the delivery of critical care defibrillators to backcountry strips across the state of Idaho. In coordination with the Backcountry Aviation Defibrillator Project, we provided two Kodiak 100s – along with pilots, fuel and logistics assistance – to deploy the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at four airstrips, with one of the AED units sponsored by Daher.
The Kodiak’s exceptional STOL characteristics were demonstrated once again during these flights, performed to Cavanaugh Bay (66S) in northern Idaho – which is not far from Daher’s Kodiak production facility and final assembly line at Sandpoint; to Big Creek (U60) and Johnson Creek (3U2) in the state’s central portion; and to Smiley Creek (U87) in south-central Idaho.
These missions help fulfill the Backcountry Aviation Defibrillator Project’s goal of positioning AEDs at high-traffic remote airstrips by deploying ZOLL 3 units that communicate via Wi-Fi to display their operational status. It enables the transmission of vital data in critical situations when seconds can literally make a life-saving difference. In the future, the defibrillators are expected to broadcast their availability and status using flight planning applications. The AEDs are acquired through donations to The Gem State Aviation Fund, a 501(c) (3) corporation that promotes aviation-related charitable and educational activities, primarily within the state of Idaho.
Daher truly values its relationships with organizations such as the RAF and the Backcountry Aviation Defibrillator Project, living up to our commitment in “caring for those who care for aviation.”
Submitted on November 30, 2023.
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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
