IT’S UP TO US TO PROTECT THIS ECOSYSTEM
A couple of weeks ago, fellow RAF director Joe Brown and I were discussing the idea of tipping the line person for fueling our aircraft, or the person who offers some other form of assistance. I felt good to be able to tell Joe that, yes, I do hand a few bucks to the person on the other end of the fuel hose, or the person who helps me tie my plane down, even when I’ve said, “No, I don’t need any fuel right now.”
So what does this have to do with backcountry access the RAF is working to protect? Well, pretty much everything. It’s pretty obvious that when compared to all other activities, aviation is a small player in the grand scheme of things. When you focus on those of us who like to leave the pavement and head for the grass, our numbers become a not-so-large statistic. For that reason it seems we should all work hard to do our part to not only protect the backcountry, but to also bring a positive attitude to those we come in contact with – be it out on the line, in the shop, maybe the nice gal at the FBO counter – or whoever we interact with. Put a smile on your face and express your appreciation for them being there.
While you’re at it, share the RAF story, and it won’t take long before our positive vibe will have an outsized voice across all of aviation. We are not many, so simply be polite, be professional – the same request we make of our RAF volunteers. Sure, our little airplanes don’t carry the financial weight of one business jet, but remember, if that jet weren’t there, that FBO might be struggling to keep the bills paid on what we bring to the table. We need all of us, big and small alike, to keep this ecosystem healthy. So, when I see an opportunity to engage positively, I do my best to do so.
Just the other day, at Joe Brown’s suggestion, I bought pizza for the crew at the local facility where I buy my avgas. It took six pizzas, and I was very graciously thanked, but it was me who got the most out of it. If we can all do our part to protect this ecosystem that we all depend on, that can be nothing but a good thing.
Be that person who others look forward to helping when you taxi in, maybe offering a helping hand where it is not required. We will all be better for your actions.
– John McKenna, RAF Chairman
Submitted August 14, 2025