CHRIS SULLIVAN

South Carolina State Liaison

A lifelong resident of Greenville County, South Carolina, Chris Sullivan started flying in 1991 largely inspired by his Uncle John who had been a Marine Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific theater, and later flew a Mooney for business.


Chris explains that back in the early sixties, Greenville was still a sleepy little Southern town. When his Uncle John’s business travel brought him close, he would buzz the house. “Momma would say, ‘There’s John,’ and we would all pile in the car and drive out to the airport to meet him. For most of my childhood I called all airplanes ‘John,’” Chris said.

 A lifelong resident of Greenville County, South Carolina, Chris Sullivan started flying in 1991 largely inspired by his Uncle John who had been a Marine Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific theater, and later flew a Mooney for business.

 Chris explains that back in the early sixties, Greenville was still a sleepy little Southern town. When his Uncle John’s business travel brought him close, he would buzz the house. “Momma would say, ‘There’s John,’ and we would all
pile in the car and drive out to the airport to meet him. For most of my childhood I called all airplanes ‘John,’” Chris said.

 Chris currently serves with the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, and is on the leadership team for the local Upstate Aviation Club which hosts monthly social affairs.

 While researching the Royal Air Force online, Chris discovered the Recreational Aviation Foundation. At first, it seemed to him that there isn’t a lot of “backcountry” flying in South Carolina, especially after having spent several weeks flying to Alaska and down the coast of Oregon and California. He made what he calls “a modest contribution” to the RAF because, “it was something that needs to be protected,” he said.

 “I had the opportunity to get more directly involved with the RAF project at Creighton Island, Georgia. I started to realize that perhaps the world of backcountry flying was bigger than I realized,” he says, adding, “South
Carolina is experiencing an accelerating development boom, which makes protecting what we have even more important.”

csullivan@theraf.org
864-660-9188

    Recent Posts

VOLUNTEERS WORK TO KEEP OREGON'S POPULAR RAGER AIRSTRIP SAFE

November 12, 2026
USFS Rager Guard Station Airfield 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 airfield. Braving early winter conditions, eight Central Oregon RAF volunteers gathered in early November to improve safety and amenities at the airfield. 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 airfield 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

WORK CONTINUES ON RAF FLY ROCKY TOP AIRFIELD AMMENITIES

November 11, 2026
Volunteers gathered at Rockwood Airport in eastern Tennessee the first weekend of November to continue working on two Fly Rocky Top airfield projects. The RAF project leaders are Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley and Fly Rocky Top Team Lead Jeff Smith of nearby Lenoir City. RAF Ambassadors Kevin Johnson (OR) and George Weaver (ID), along with Liaison Steve Thompson (OK), traveled to help direct the efforts, aided by dozens of local and regional volunteers, many of whom camped on site. Heavy rains had ceased, leaving morning mists and sunshine for outdoor work. The crew concentrated efforts on a large pilot pavilion at Smuggler’s Landing, the 2,400-ft turf landing area with under-wing camping at Rockwood, KRKW, which will be the basecamp for the network of up to seven backcountry airfields, as part of the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. In October, the crew poured concrete for the pavilion, and started building small post-and-beam picnic shelters at McGraw’s Backyard and Higdon Field. The crew focused work on McGraw’s and Smuggler’s Landing. Higdon Field is currently closed, with a planned opening date in 2027.

2026 RAF PHOTO CONTEST CONCLUDES

November 10, 2026
The 2026 RAF Photo Contest has concluded. Thanks to our supporters, we had a great turnout of submissions! Our VPs of Appreciation reviewed and judged them anonymously, selecting 20 winning photos. VP of Appreciation Cindy Cross, who facilitates photo contest submissions, said, “I love the RAF Photo Contest. After logging about 200 entries I feel like I went barnstorming around our country in 31 days. Thanks to everyone who shared their sense of adventure and the passion of flying into recreational airstrips. I can’t wait to go flying again!" Each winner will receive a package of high-quality greeting cards with their photo on the front and photo credit on the back. All photos – even those of the non-winners – are archived for possible future use in RAF publicity, including photo credit. Thank you to everyone who participated! It’s not too early to start thinking about photos for next year’s contest!

INTERESTED IN A SATISFYING ROLE WITH THE RAF?

November 10, 2026
The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places.

CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

November 4, 2026
At this time of year we are reminded of those who have given so much, so that we and future generations may share the experiences that matter to people like us—a flat place to pitch your tent, a pilot shelter to get out of the weather, or a fire ring to share a beverage and a story with friends. We have all been the benefactor of someone else's generosity which has enriched our lives in the backcountry; that vault toilet didn't place itself, and neither did the firewood. It's a good reminder that we all have opportunities to pay it forward. Like many people, you may be considering year-end charitable contributions. From a one time or recurring gift, to IRA/401k Qualified Charitable Distributions and donations of publicly traded stock, there are several planned giving options to help your gift also benefit you financially. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers) can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for their direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize.