WORTH THE READ: TANMOY GANGULY 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 guest editorial is by Tanmoy Ganguly, a pilot and an RAF Michigan Liaison.

Come for the people, stay for the planes!

I know, that’s not how it was supposed to be written! But think again if this has happened to you - the week before a fly-out, you call up your pilot group and check if others are joining. If they say no, you start doubting as well. But when more friends start joining the trip, it’s an excitement and joy that’s hard to explain. Amidst all the work parties, fly-ins, conferences, council meetings, support rallies and the many other things we all do at the RAF, there’s a common start that almost always goes like this: you go to your first backcountry fly-out or camping trip, you meet a bunch of other pilots and become very good friends, and then around the campfire you say, “wouldn’t it be great if we had a group of backcountry pilots, doing backcountry things”. And then someone tells you, “Hey, it’s already there – just join the RAF”. That's it, you join the RAF and now have 14,000 new friends.


Our focus and efforts at the RAF have always been about protecting airfields and access to the backcountry, but in the process, all of us have made these little connections and friendships that feel like the currency of this organization. As a part of the RAF family, we thrive in the exchange of this currency, making more friends along the way and sharing the joy of volunteering, vetting ideas, seeking support for a mission, celebrating the success stories, and cheering each other through the struggles.


Isn’t it such a wonderful thing that wherever we fly in this country, we know that there’s probably someone from the RAF who will be eager to help us with all the local knowledge and tips & tricks. You may even end up flying with your new friend and going camping at a gorgeous new backcountry strip. Thanks to my little yellow Vans RV6, I fly to a lot of RAF events. I have met a lot of RAF supporters all around the US, and the interactions are always wholesome. I am convinced that the RAF hat is probably the world’s best icebreaker. It’s impossible that you meet a pilot in the wild wearing the RAF hat and you don’t talk to them.


As part of the Michigan RAF crew, we share the same camaraderie. When General, Scott, Ehsan, Hava, and I get to hangout it’s always a great banter and good vibes. We can discuss the next airstrip we need to scout, or the next best ramen place to visit, or why Tan is late again! These friendships bring us together and give us the belief that we can do projects as our own. Many of these projects are otherwise dependent on money and resources, but when we gather as friends, these are just (work) parties. See, I told you we have access to a valuable currency. Cheers to all of you I have met so far and become friends with, and everyone else I will meet soon!


All my years of growing up, my friends and family have known me as an introvert. Tell that to my pilot friends, and they will be rolling on the floor laughing. “Tan, if you’re an introvert, we may need to rewrite the dictionary.” But that is the beauty of finding your tribe.


Tanmoy Ganguly pursued flight training after moving to the US from India for his IT career. He volunteers as an RAF Liaison in Michigan, advocating for recreational airstrip access and helping out at work parties. Tanmoy enjoys flying to the crown jewels of Michigan, including Hanley Field, North Fox Island, and Chesaning. 

Submitted January 16, 2025

Posted in Guest Editorial, News

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