Six decades later Ben still loves aviation; and it is evident when you visit his home. The three airplanes that Ben built years ago sit in the hangar by his home, looking like they are ready to fly. Early in the 1970’s, Ben and his wife Agnes–affectionately known as “Butchie” from her maiden name Butchkosky–began construction of an airstrip on their property near Glacier National Park. To create their airstrip, Ben spent several summers filling a wide drainage between two level benches with only a small front-end loader on his tractor–the equivalent of filling a swimming pool with a teaspoon.
IN THE SHADOW OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK VETERAN PILOT DONATES BACKCOUNTRY STRIP
Ben Ryan’s P-38 was out of control. The Lightning following him had just taken evasive action to avoid a collision and, in doing so, the other aircraft peeled the right-vertical stabilizer from Ben’s twin fighter. Ben was helpless; rudder and elevator, gone. His aircraft tucked into a steep dive and the roiling waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Panama filled his vision. Sliding the canopy back, he dropped clear and immediately deployed his chute. Seconds later, the P-38 disappeared, with nothing but a circle of foam remaining on the surface of the ocean below. After his own splashdown, a native brought him to shore. The very next day, Ben was back in the air.
Summers were spent creating the runway, and Ben’s winters were spent buying, building and restoring airplanes. In 1974, he began construction of his first plans-built airplane, a tandem seat Wendt Traveler. Three years later, it was complete and ready for its maiden flight. Ben was back in the air and loving every minute.
Bestowing the Love of Flying
Two years ago, the childless couple began to consider their legacy. How would the Ryan name continue? At the recommendation of a friend, they called to inquire about the recently formed Recreational Aviation Foundation; a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving recreational airstrips.
RAF Director, Chuck Jarecki, met with the Ryans to begin a dialog and to determine what their level of involvement might be. The Ryans fell in love with Chuck; and, likewise, he with them, establishing a positive relationship personally and with the RAF. Their desire was to leave a gift to the pilot community that would continue in perpetuity; to bring joy to others as it has brought joy to them and to help reverse the tendency for airstrips to disappear. They began to implement a plan to incrementally transfer ownership of the entire property to the RAF for the creation of a recreational pilot’s retreat with a public-use airstrip.
Ryan’s property adjacent to the airstrip was mostly covered with timber, creating a serious forest fire hazard. Ben requested the RAF to contract for and supervise a selective timber harvest to enhance the recreational aspects of the property and reduce the fire danger. The income from the logging operation was used to establish an account for perpetual maintenance of the airstrip. Situated at 3,600 feet on the west slope of the Flathead Range, the airstrip is kept mowed all summer and the windsock is changed when it becomes faded. However, Ben states, “this is still a ‘bush’ airstrip.” Tall trees occupy both ends and squirrelly winds can test any pilot’s flying skills. A steep, stabilized approach is required to set-down in the first third of the 2,500 ft. runway.
Foundation Maximizes Benefits to Donors
Because of the magnitude of this gift, the RAF formed an Auxiliary Foundation to maximize the tax benefit to the Ryans and future donors of properties or other significant endowments. Ryan Field is a treasure that we have the opportunity to enjoy for years to come and the Ryan legacy will continue through their generous donation. Words fail to express the gratitude each of us should have toward this lovely couple. It may also serve to create awareness of the capability of others of leaving a similar legacy.
While the airstrip is a gift to the flying public and backcountry aviation, the Ryans still make their quiet home there. They cherish your visit, but ask that you first make arrangements with the RAF so that they know when you’ll arrive. You are welcome, but the RAF asks that you respect their privacy. Due to the nature of the area, large fly-ins are not appropriate. Use common courtesy, and keep aircraft numbers at a minimum.
If you have the opportunity to visit, you can expect the Ryans to give you a tour. Ask Ben about his airplanes and you’ll be invited into his hangar. You’ll be captivated by the stories both of them have about their life together after meeting on a blind date during World War II. Butchie always enjoys fresh fruit or a box of chocolates. Tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice for this country and for the flying public. One thing is certain; you won’t want to leave.
When the native brought Ben to shore after escaping his crippled airplane, the government offered a reward for saving a fallen airman–fifty dollars–a heck of an investment for putting this remarkable life back into commission. Perhaps, you too will consider a similar investment toward the future of backcountry aviation.
If you’re interested in visiting:
Please contact one of the Board Members of the RAF if you are considering visiting the Ryan Property. The Ryans still live on the property and ask that you call ahead to schedule your visit. Go to our Contact Us section. Any of the directors can make arrangements for you.
The Ryan’s were publicly thanked for their extraordinary donation and vision at the 2006 Montana Aviation Convention in Helena, Montana in March of 2006.
To see a geographic layout of Ryan Field – Click Here
Originally published in the March/April 2006 issue of Pilot Getaways Magazine
Submitted on March 1, 2006.
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You’d have a hard time finding a more beautiful place to fly than Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ). The Grand Teton, Big Hole, and Snake River mountain ranges surround this eastern Idaho valley. Driggs has become a world-class destination for the pilot community. National Geographic magazine listed Driggs as “one of the ten best outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S.” Just a 45-minute drive over Teton Pass is Jackson, Wyoming, a famous Western destination. The airport, at an elevation of 6,257, accommodates aircraft on both its 7,300-ft paved runway and 3,000-ft turf landing area, marked with cones. Note: The SW 3,451 feet of the paved runway is closed until August for reconstruction. Check NOTAMS before landing. Fly-in visitors are welcome to camp underwing at its grassy tie-down area. It’s an ideal gateway to the Idaho backcountry. Enjoy views of the nearby Teton Range from the 12' x 16' cedar pilot shelter. There is potable water, a toilet, power, a gas barbecue, and a charging station nearby. Within walking distance of the campground is the Forage restaurant. A bike shed and loaner bikes, provided by the Idaho Aviation Association Borrow-A-Bike program, are available to ride into town. If you desire a more urban experience or wish to explore further, the airport has rental cars. “It’s a great destination for the pilot community, with access to hiking, biking, fishing, floating, golf and a small town with numerous shops and restaurants,” RAF Director and Driggs resident Tim Riley says. He and a local RAF supporter recently completed a spring cleanup to ready it for the season. The amenities were provided cooperatively through the RAF, the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA), the City of Driggs, and its Airport Board, with financial contributions from each. For more information on Driggs, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted July 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
It’s bear grass season around West Glacier, Montana, and nearly a score of volunteers from three different states drove in to Ryan Field June 12-13 to complete seasonal maintenance, and enjoyed spotting the showy blooms throughout the woods. Bear scat was also seen in several places – a reminder that a clean camp protects both campers and wildlife. The airfield remains closed until the new runway grass has stabilized for landing, so watch the Airfield Guide for an announcement that the field has re-opened. As a result, there was no annual Ryan Fly-in this year. Volunteers removed downed trees, cleared and marked hiking trails, mowed around the buildings and part of the runway, cleaned bear boxes, the pilot shelter, cabins, and barn. “We welcomed new volunteers and continue to work hard maintaining the field. We are as eager as everyone for the grass to take good hold so the runway can open again,” Administrative Director Tricia McKenna said. Submitted June 30, 2026
RAF President Bill McGlynn met in mid-June with the US Forest Service, Idaho Dept of Aeronautics, and Idaho Aviation Association to evaluate steps to improve Magee (S77) airstrip, 23 nm east of Coeur d’Alene. On the way, Bill picked up Joe Sober, one of two airport engineers from Oklahoma City who have volunteered their professional services and have been instrumental in creating maintenance and remediation plans on Idaho backcountry airstrips. “The Forest Service engineering teams have too much on their plate just addressing roads, so having this resource to make airstrip engineering assessments and plans is instrumental to resolving challenges on USFS airstrips like Magee,” McGlynn said. The improvement project at Magee has been organized through a Cost Share Agreement that the RAF has with the USFS. McGlynn, Sober, Willy Acton of the Idaho Airstrip Network, along with USFS District Ranger Holly Hampton, Don Macintosh of IAA, Dan Conner of Idaho Aeronautics, and RAF Idaho Ambassador George Weaver investigated the sources of flooding that plague Magee airstrip every spring and analyzed means of redirecting the problematic water. Magee airstrip was created in the 1940s by the Corps of Engineers as a hidden fighter base in case of a Japanese attack on the western US coast. A dike that was built to channel water away from the runway has eroded over the past eighty years. Sober took numerous measurements and will develop a plan to submit to the USFS for approval. Work could begin over the next year or two to recover about 700 feet of runway. “We truly could not do this work without our volunteer engineers and are very fortunate to have their expertise,” McGlynn said. Weaver said, “The airstrip is a real gem, and the restoration work will make it a great backcountry destination.” Submitted June 28, 2026
“It was really nice to spend some time with Wyoming folks cleaning up a little piece of history,” RAF WY/UT Ambassador Karen Larson said of the May 30 work party at Medicine Bow airport, on the historic US airmail route. RAF Wyoming Liaison Joe Feiler organized the work and reports that about 15 people with a wide range of backgrounds arrived at 9 am to help. Attendees included RAF supporters, EAA Chapter 420 members, local residents, as well as Lee Cook, Medicine Bow airport board member and town council member.
Steve Jones was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio just an hour from the birthplace of aviation. He fell in love with airplanes at an early age and has been flying ever since. That passion grew exponentially when he landed off-airport in a tailwheel airplane for the first time and discovered the world of backcountry aviation. He first encountered the RAF while attending a “Peaks to Pavement” seminar in 2019, where he met Ohio State Liaison Christine Mortine. Since that time he has enjoyed supporting the RAF including getting his hands dirty helping with campsite improvements at Noble County Airport. He has also supported technology projects for the HQ team and RAF volunteers. As a State Liaison for Ohio he will be focused on initiating new grant projects, adding more recreational airports in Ohio to the RAF Airfield Guide, and increasing RAF engagement and collaboration. Steve is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Aviation Management and is a loyal Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. He works in Flight Operations for a large private aviation company where he has worked for the past twenty years. He resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his wife Kasey who is also an aviation enthusiast. Steve can be reached at sjones@theraf.org (614) 353-8895
