Dan found time to learn to play the fiddle, and enjoys bluegrass music. At the time of this writing, he and his son Ted are preparing to fly the RV-7 that they completed in his shop at home in Sand Coulee. Their youngest son’s family lives close by, and their daughter is fulfilling a Navy career, currently based in San Diego.
Dan Prill
Dan Prill of Sand Coulee, Montana, has interests as varied as the snacks aisle at your supermarket. From flying his Cessna 185 off his own airfield, to the slower pace of trolling for fish in his kayak.
For many summers, Dan and his wife Margie flew their SuperCub on floats to his family’s rustic fly-in fishing lodge on Prill Lake in Saskatchewan. The couple treated fly-in guests to comfortable rooms, mornings fishing in the lake, abundant meals of fresh-caught walleye, Margie’s homemade blueberry pies, and a cooler full of adult beverages, all flown in.
Engineering runs in Dan’s family, and Ted and his twin brother Tom surprised Dan with a custom fabricated kayak trailer that he uses in Montana and Arizona to enjoy river and lake fishing. Dan and Margie also find great sport plying the Arizona, California, and Nevada deserts on their side-by-side, basing out of Quartzsite, Arizona in the winter.
A founding director of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, Dan served on its board for ten years; eight years as Vice President. “The RAF is especially proud of Dan’s work throughout the approval and construction of Russian Flat airstrip in Montana’s Lewis and Clark National Forest,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said.
“The RAF has always taken the ‘high road’ when dealing with policy makers. Our data is science based, and we approach issues in a kind and courteous manner,” Dan says. That approach had results, and in cooperation with the Montana Pilots Association, and the USFS District Ranger, the first new airstrip on U.S. Forest Service land in over forty years was opened for public use. Dan stayed on the task throughout seven years of meetings and two more years of construction, with all RAF and MPA volunteer labor. His efforts earned him an RAF Golden Pulaski Award, which honors exceptional volunteers for their hard work on behalf of the RAF.
“While working in Montana, we formed our mission and learned the right way to do things,” Dan says. The RAF then used those principles to advance its mission throughout the country. Early on, Dan was asked to accompany McKenna and other RAF volunteers to meet officially with federal lands managers in Washington, D.C. He met a half dozen times face-to-face with decision makers, always wearing the signature orange RAF shirt. On one of the trips, he and McKenna were invited to a formal Senate reception. McKenna looked at Dan in his orange shirt and jeans.
“You packed a white shirt, tie, and jacket?” McKenna asked.
Dan took a cab to the closest menswear store, took out his credit card and bought new black shoes, slacks, white shirt and sport jacket to be appropriately dressed. “I did buy an orange tie,” he quipped. His time and expense paid off. As a result of those meetings, the USFS Planning Rule now acknowledges the importance of recreational aviation.
Margie is just as devoted to the RAF mission, and has helped staff many trade shows and events. She cooks, serves, and turns out sweet baked goods at fly-ins, cheerfully including KP duty, and keeps the kids entertained with games and activities. Margie also serves as an RAF VP of Appreciation and has hand-written over a thousand thank you cards – and counting.
Prills have always included their family in their pursuit of recreational aviation, and both Ted and Tom are pilots. Tom and Dan helped roof the pilot shelter at Ryan Field. Dan and Margie have included their grandkids in aviation activities since they were tots, and the photogenic kids have appeared in many Ryan Field images. “We know how important it is to preserve this opportunity for future generations,” Margie says.
“Margie and I treasure the friendships we’ve made during our association with the RAF,” Dan says. As Director Emeritus, Dan still advocates for the RAF. He urges others to “support the organization by volunteering or donating, and enjoy the resources of recreational and backcountry airstrips. It’s why we do this. It’s why we learned to fly, so go enjoy them,” he adds.
Submitted July 14, 2023.
Posted in Featured Supporters
Recent Posts
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
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.
