admin, Author at Recreational Aviation Foundation

LET’S BE CAREFUL OUT THERE

The number of backcountry accidents (13 in Idaho so far), a fatality, and near disaster at Smiley Creek has put all the pilot organizations on high alert this summer. The RAF has been a charter member of the AOPA – Air Safety Institute led Backcountry Safety Coalition since it began, and we are all feeling…

RAF Podcast #14: Important Steps to Save Backcountry Flying

For RAF Podcast #14, Bill McGlynn sits down for a discussion with Clay Simmons of the RAF Backcountry Etiquette Team on how to help sustain flying as an acceptable means of accessing the backcountry.

A LITTLE NUDGE IS BETTER THAN A BIG SHOVE

When I think about how the RAF functions, the methods of the life insurance salesperson surface now and then. What’s that got to do with a little nudge? In my professional life, politely providing useful information got me and my client to a desired positive outcome. How do you help someone see a new point…

RAF Podcast #13: Epic Winter Trip to the Iditarod with Jeff Russell

Jeff Russell flys his cub over a glacier on the way to the Iditarod.

Many aviators have flown to Alaska, but fewer have done it in the dead of winter. Listen to Jeff describe his trip and teach us why painter’s tape is so important!

RAF Podcast #12: Al Clayton & Childs Glacier

After an extended hiatus, the RAF Podcast is back! In Episode #12, RAF Liaison Al Clayton describes growing up in Alaska and opening a new airstrip adjacent to Childs Glacier on the Copper River.

RAF Podcast #11: Sarah Tamar and Filip Wolak

Listen to Sarah and Filip discuss all the fun and adventure of “flamping” across America as a relief from pandemic isolation. Go to Flamp Across America for the photo journal of their trip.

RAF Podcast #10: Saving Goodspeed

An airplane approaches the runway at Goodspeed Airport

Bill talks to RAF Director Bill Brine, discussing the steps involved in saving a recreational airstrip.

RAF Podcast #9: Richard McSpadden

This is a great discussion about “Spad’s” 20 year career in the Air Force, including leading the Thunderbirds, transitioning to General Aviation and civilian life and now his third career as the Director of the Air Safety Institute and the joint initiative between the ASI and the RAF to reduce accidents in the backcountry.

RAF Podcast #8: Amrat Chugani

Bill chats with Amrat Chugani about his career in aviation, learning to fly in Florida, getting his tailwheel endorsement and why he’s a part of the RAF volunteers and what’s next…

Alaine Olthafer-Lange and Andy Lange

You’ll notice a buzz of youthful activity at A&A Aviation at Platteville Municipal Airport, (KPVB) in southwest Wisconsin. The young couple Alaine Olthafer-Lange and her husband Andy Lange began with a Cherokee for instruction. They expanded into an FBO, adding another aircraft and pilot services. When the airport manager retired, they became airport managers, taking…