EXCELLENCE IS NOT AN ACCIDENT

We just returned from Triple Tree Aerodrome where the RAF held its third of four 2025 regional educational conferences for our key volunteers. It was not by chance that we chose Triple Tree for our event, which brings me to the title of this month’s theme. The RAF is at a point where whatever we do, we do with purpose and intention to further the RAF mission. We don’t get it right 100% of the time but we surely do try.

This past weekend was one of those where a long term relationship, a whole bunch of planning, and a good turnout of new and longstanding RAF volunteers made for a perfect event. We were welcomed to South Carolina by our longtime friend and patriarch of Triple Tree Aerodrome, Pat Hartness. Pat is clearly the most enthusiastic 84 year-old aviator I know. He has more enthusiasm than a carload of teenagers on a Friday night. When it comes to aviation and the promotion of it, you won’t encounter anyone better at it or more energetic. He is fond of saying, “Excellence is not an accident,” and Triple Tree is clearly a result of his motto.

Pat’s spirit is contagious, and for that reason we wanted our volunteers to experience him, the place, and the people who make Triple Tree go. When we find people and places like this, we do our best to expose our RAF volunteers to their world. It can only rub off when you are around folks who care so deeply. Pat has assembled a team of dedicated folks who I like to dub as “givers.”

So, maybe you are wondering how all this fits together. Well, the excellence in an organization is not accidental; though it may come incrementally. Your RAF volunteers, along with its leadership have worked very hard for a very long time to do all we can, and give what we can to be the best we can be. I know I speak for all when I say, “We do it because we love it,” and we want to make it better for the backcountry flying community, better for you. We hope it’s noticed and you too will continue to help out where possible.

In a world of givers and takers, Pat Hartness and his Triple Tree squarely fits into the category of givers. And the result is certainly not accidental – it’s excellence. 

So just shrug off the takers and keep working to create more givers.

-John McKenna, RAF Chairman

Submitted September 10, 2025