CALL TO ACTION: BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE 18 OF UTAH’S SCENIC BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIPS

The RAF is fortunate to have notable scientist John Priscu as a supporter. John has helped at work parties, assisted HQ with the Airfield Guide, and contributed his wide academic/science expertise on occasional airfield projects. John grew up in the clear sunshine of Las Vegas, NV, where his uncle introduced him to flying. “My first flight was at age four, roped to my father in the open cockpit of my uncle’s PT-19. At the ripe age of 15, my uncle taught me to fly his Howard DGA-15P during our many visits to dirt strips in the Southwest, including Chicken Strip,” he says.  Like many, John got the aviation bug early on, then spent years raising a family before returning to flight. He settled in Bozeman, MT, where in 1984 he began his 40+ year career at Montana State University. He earned his SEL ticket in 2002 and bought a Maule, which he says suits his flying profile, supporting conservation flying, and flying the backcountry. When he’s not flying the Mountain West or caring for his 1979 Porsche 911SC, he might be found anyplace in the world as he fulfills his assignments as Regents Professor Emeritus at MSU. He has spent over 40 seasons conducting ice field research in Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, and the Himalaya. Or he may be nosed into a project for JPL or NASA. He returned recently from a whirlwind lecture tour for the US State Department in the far Southern Hemisphere. Engaging John in conversation, one will always learn something scientific before the talk turns to flying. While flying in the backcountry, he met McKennas. “We bonded because we like to camp, mountain bike, and fly, among other things. I became an enduring RAF supporter. My wife, Barbara, and I took McKennas’ suggestion to buy a winter place near St. George, Utah, a decision we do not regret. We bought a hangar in Hurricane, where I met other RAF supporters like Gordon Rock (RAF supporter extraordinaire and all-around great guy), and we all enjoy flying in the Southwest.” While mountain biking together, John McKenna told him about the great biking and flying in Bentonville, AR. “I was sold.” In spring of 2024, John planned a flight to Bentonville with a stop in New Mexico. “One phone call to John McKenna mentioning my intentions was all it took to get the RAF connections moving. Within days I received emails from RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller and RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell, providing background and support. I began by flying to Gallup to visit RAF supporters Perry and Sandra Null, who were superb hosts. I highly recommend their Perry Null Trading Post.” At Bentonville, he was met by a welcoming crew organized by Dave Powell. The next day they flew “The OZ” with Dave in John’s right seat, Chip Gibbons leading, followed by RAF Texas/Montana Ambassador Steve Maus. “Having Dave in the right seat was invaluable because everything was so green, I couldn’t tell a grass strip from a mowed agricultural field.” The next day Dave had a mountain bike delivered to his hangar, and he took John on a “fantastic ride” followed by dinner with his wife Julie and Steve. Grounded for three days by IFR at Bentonville, John was able to depart in an MVFR window. After dodging weather through Oklahoma, Texas, and eastern New Mexico, he overnighted in Santa Fe, then flew directly back to 1L8, ending his journey. "Returning home, I reflected on the great folks who helped me along the way, and the huge role those RAF connections played. RAF really is a huge family of individuals who drop what they’re doing in a minute to help a fellow RAF’er. I am honored to be part of the RAF, and am forever indebted to all the RAF folks who make this happen.” Submitted November 13, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

Credit this month goes to Angela Duckworth, whose new book Situated suggests that our best comes when we work to shape our external environment so that good choices become automatic. To an outsider, it might seem obvious where the RAF finds itself today, but I assure you there has been a good deal of effort put into arranging the table so that good things are on it, and good people are there to be a part of it. I believe it starts with our RAF culture. You have heard it before around the RAF campfire when someone asks a question beginning with “why.” The answer they often hear is, “Well, that’s just the way we do it around here.” That applies to how we manage our resources, take on new projects, and most importantly, treat the people we deal with, as well as one another. To build that culture, the RAF has chosen people and partners who share the ideals and values our organization represents. I am pretty sure that most all of us would concur that the RAF has the best of the best when it comes to its greatest asset, its people. Author Duckworth goes on to say that you may not be able to control the world, but you can reign supreme over your surroundings. The RAF, IMHO, has done this as well as any organization. We have clearly focused on sticking to our mission in the backcountry, and that has allowed us to be a useful voice in the larger world of aviation. When you roll the principles of Ms. Duckworth's book into a formula for success, it’s my hope that you will see how the RAF has worked darn hard to be the kind of organization that is respected, and that you all are happy to be part of it. So, the next time you are asked “why” about something the RAF does, you too can answer, “It’s just the way we do things around here.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted November 12, 2026

RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale - up to 50% off! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale! Now through December 31, enjoy up to 50% off select RAF Outfitter gear and apparel. Whether you're shopping for the backcountry pilot on your list or treating yourself to something new, it's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite RAF gear! Start shopping here ! Submitted November 12, 2026

USFS Rager Guard Station Airstrip in Central Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest is a popular destination for backcountry pilots. RAF volunteers have long collaborated with the USFS to undertake seasonal maintenance of the airstrip. Braving early winter conditions, eight Central Oregon RAF volunteers gathered in early November to improve safety and amenities at the airstrip. While fighting a nearby wildfire in 2024, the USFS brought in heavy equipment to grade and profile the 2,800-ft gravel runway. “This greatly increased safety, making it suitable for use by a wider variety of aircraft and pilot capabilities,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes said. The RAF had previously provided a grant for the installation of a new windsock and picnic table and the rental of equipment to mow the runway, turnarounds, and parking areas. This year, Mayes reported that volunteers in five aircraft flew to the airstrip while others drove two and one-half hours hauling their own equipment for mowing and grading. The team cleared overgrown brush from the runway, parking, and camping areas; mowed and leveled the gravel runway; restored a badly weathered picnic table; repainted runway markers; and installed new signage. “Paulina District Ranger Robbie Piehl expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ commitment to maintaining the airstrip,” Mayes reported. As a result of these efforts, the District Ranger has asked that RAF investigate what may be required to reopen two other long-neglected airfields. Find more information on Rager USFS Airstrip in the Airfield Guide . Submitted November 12, 2026