JOHN CYRIER

Texas native John Cyrier became enamored with aviation at age 11, when his older brother flew him in a J3 Cub to a local airshow. He received his private pilot license shortly after graduating from Texas A&M University where he was in the Air Force ROTC and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. John currently owns a ‘41 Stearman biplane and a variety of other aircraft, including a ‘78 Woody Pusher, RV4, ’76 Citabria, ’64 Baron and a ’56 T-28C. John’s love of flying prompted him to build an 1800’ grass runway on his ranch in 2006, and he has embarked on many flying adventures from there ever since.

One of John’s most memorable aviation experiences was flying a CAF World War II fighter plane, the P-39Q Airacobra, to Oshkosh AirVenture in 2022 to honor 100-year-old WWII Triple Ace Bud Anderson. A historic formation flight with Bud flying in the back of a P-51 with all three of his fighters (P-39Q, P-51B and P-51D) decorated as OLD CROW off his wing topped off the event.


John owned a commercial general contracting firm for many years and served as a Texas State Representative from 2015-2023. He currently runs a consulting company called Someday Strategies. He is on the General Staff for the Commemorative Air Force and is Chair of the San Marcos Airport Advisory Board, Founder of the Lockhart Flying Club, Past Chair of the TX Legislature GA Caucus for 6 years, and a Lifetime member of AOPA, EAA and CAF.


John became involved with the RAF in 2015 as a supporter, and that same year, co-authored a bill to add aviation language to the Texas Recreational Use Statute. The bill did not pass, but he received an Attorney General’s opinion substantiating that protection for aviation already existed within the RUS. In recent years he has helped Texas Liaison Tres Clinton with a variety of efforts, including revitalizing several airstrip gems in West Texas. John also worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife to create a MOU with the RAF to help foster future runways and camping sites. Moving forward, he is enthusiastic about serving as a Co-Liaison with Tres to advance the RAF mission.


“The RAF combines my two passions in life of flying and providing people access to the great outdoors,” John said. “I am thrilled to be a part of this fantastic organization and look forward to helping serve its supporters into the next twenty years.”


    Recent Posts

September 11, 2026
“We had a busy day at Garrison Dam Recreational Airpark, as we continue to work on the underwing camping area,” RAF North Dakota Liaison Brian Rau reported. Rau was awarded an RAF grant in spring of 2026 to convert an adjacent day-use park into an airport camping area, and had organized volunteers who began the project in May. The airport, 37N, is closed while the runway and taxiway are being upgraded by a contractor for the ND Aeronautics Commission.
By Stef Goza September 9, 2026
You know the feeling. You set the airplane down somewhere spectacular, shut off the engine, and enjoy the pristine landscape in front of you. This is why you fly. Keeping airstrips pristine is everyone's responsibility. But one item that doesn’t always make it into the airplane is a good trash bag. Not for the trash you planned to make. For the trash you didn’t. Cans left in a fire ring, fishing line along the river, or food wrappers working their way through the brush. None of it came in your airplane, but you have the ability to get it out. That’s reason enough to tuck a couple of heavy-duty contractor bags in with your tie-down gear. They earn their space in other ways, too. A contractor bag can keep wet or muddy gear out of the baggage compartment, cover equipment in a downpour, collect rainwater, or become an emergency poncho or windbreak. It weighs almost nothing and takes up very little room. Throw a few in the airplane and leave them there. You may not need one for your own trash, but there is a good chance you’ll find another use for it—or find something worth carrying out. Submitted September 9, 2026 By Stef Goza, Etiquette Chair, Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee
September 8, 2026
RAF Colorado Liaison Ken Long, Ambassador Mike Langersmith, and other RAF volunteers participated in an August work event at Marble, Colorado, a mountain airfield about 20 nm up the Crystal River drainage south of Carbondale. Airfield Manager Susan Blue put together the task list and oversaw the event that brought 21 volunteers in ten aircraft and four dogs. 
September 5, 2026
FEATURING: SMARTWOOL SOCKS Whether you’re flying into the backcountry, hitting the trail, or simply going about your day, a comfortable pair of socks can make all the difference. Smartwool Socks are designed for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, offering the comfort, support, and durability you need wherever the day takes you. Made by Smartwool and finished with the RAF logo, they’re a practical way to bring a little backcountry spirit along for the journey. Get your feet backcountry-ready and show your support for the RAF from the ground up!
September 3, 2026
The tradition continues — RAF 2026 Photo Contest! We’re excited to announce the upcoming RAF 2026 Photo Contest! It’s time to look through your photos and find your favorites. Once again, we’ll include the “RAF Mission” category, recognizing photos that best capture people enjoying recreational aviation, no matter the region. Each winning photographer will receive a package of high-quality greeting cards featuring their photo on the front and photo credit on the back — just in time for the holidays! New this year: We’re especially excited to see your photos from our Expanding The Map airstrips! Submit a photo taken at one of these airstrips, and we’ll send you a small gift from the RAF Outfitter as a thank-you for sharing it with us. Stay tuned for our next announcement, which will include everything you need to know to enter this year’s contest. Eligibility: The contest is open to all RAF supporters, amateur and professional photographers alike, including those aged 18 and under. Our judges are the RAF’s volunteer VPs of Appreciation, who also handwrite the RAF’s thank-you cards each week. They especially enjoy photos featuring airplanes, beautiful scenery, and people experiencing the fun and adventure of recreational aviation. The contest opens October 1, and winners will be announced November 15. Start looking through those camera rolls — we can’t wait to see where recreational aviation has taken you! Submitted September 3, 2026