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

RAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR FIRE RING AT BEECHCRAFT MUSEUM

June 4, 2026
RAF Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis has been awarded an RAF grant for the installation of a new RAF fire ring on the grounds of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport (KTHA). “The RAF fire ring will provide a centralized location for visiting pilots to gather and share aviation experiences while visiting the facility, and will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. The fire ring will have a three-bladed propeller set in a twenty-foot-diameter permanent concrete base; the concrete is being provided by a private donor. Each ten-foot-long propeller blade extends from the three-foot diameter hub. The metal structure is being fabricated by RAF Supporter Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana. The Museum offers visitors space for airplane and RV camping while visiting the Museum or attending various fly-ins. On-site, there are opportunities for picnicking, and there is an overnight camping bunkhouse that will be up and running this summer. “The Parish family and the Beechcraft Heritage Museum are enthusiastic supporters of the RAF,” Lewis added. The installation is scheduled to be completed in time for the October 6-10, 2026, Beech Party event at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. Museum President Charles Parish said, "We are privileged to partner with the RAF in advancing backcountry aviation preservation, a mission that reflects the Museum’s dedication to preserving aviation history and education." For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted June 4, 2026

RAF OUTFITTER JUNE FEATURED COLLECTION

June 3, 2026
FEATURING: THE RAF ORANGE COLLECTION The RAF’s signature orange is more than just a color—it’s a symbol of preparedness, visibility, and community. Chosen in part for its high visibility in the backcountry, RAF orange serves as a reminder that being prepared starts with the gear you carry and the clothing you wear. As we head into the busy summer flying season, that visibility can make all the difference. Over the years, RAF orange has come to represent something even greater: a community of pilots and backcountry enthusiasts who share a passion for aviation, adventure, and preserving access to the places we love. When you spot someone wearing RAF orange, chances are you've found a friend—or are about to make one. Join the community and show your support for backcountry aviation. Get your piece of the RAF Orange Collection.

RAF VOLUNTEERS HELP AT CHEAT RIVER ISLAND AIRFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA

June 1, 2026
West Virginia’s Cheat River Island (56WV) was the site of a May 2026 work party coordinated by RAF West Virginia Liaison Robert Miller. RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky and WV Ambassador Kevin Rudisill assisted, along with a dozen other volunteers. The airfield is just outside Rowlesburg, West Virginia, about 68nm SSE of Pittsburgh, and is owned by Dave and Pam Graybill. With the help of Dave's excavator and the volunteer crew helping by hand, about 1,500 feet of brush and trees were cleared along the runway.

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: WALKER RIDGE, CA

By Carmine Mowbray • June 1, 2026
Thanks to the efforts of RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair and dedicated volunteers, an abandoned, overgrown airstrip on BLM land has been reclaimed from encroaching vegetation. Now known as Walker Ridge, this northern California airstrip offers a remote, secluded experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento/Central Valley and San Francisco Bay regions. Camping at the south end of the 1,800-ft strip offers a gorgeous view of the valley — and after dark, with no artificial lighting for miles, the night sky turns breathtaking. The recreational opportunities at this airstrip are plenty. Hunting is allowed in the area, which includes deer, wild boar, turkey, and quail. Along with this, biking and hiking trails surround the area, with a main trail that is located right next to the airstrip. Not far from Walker Ridge is Wilbur Hot Springs, a natural hot mineral spring centered within a nature preserve, and open to the public on a reservation basis. Lumgair’s organized work parties have been described as “magical” — as the stunning setting makes a deep impression on everyone. Pitch your tent and enjoy the valley overlook— beautiful at any time of day, especially because no structures are visible. Lumgair prepared a detailed work proposal for the BLM, and monitored the request throughout the agency's approval process. By October 2025, the RAF obtained approval to reclaim and rehabilitate the airstrip for increased safety and recreational access. The initial work on the overgrown strip proved challenging, beginning with the rough drive to the site and throughout the arduous removal of protruding boulders right in the runway. Now, the strip is usable by most backcountry-suitable aircraft, and pilots comfortable with a narrow runway. Please see the Airfield Guide for more information on Walker Ridge and videos. Note that there are no water or bathroom facilities available on site. Read more about Walker Ridge and how the RAF is Expanding The Map here . Submitted June 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

THE RAF IS EXPANDING THE MAP!

June 1, 2026
This year, the RAF is Expanding The Map - and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in our history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country! We are expanding backcountry access like never before, and we are excited for aviators to explore the growing number of destinations where you can share the joys of recreational aviation with family and friends. This nationwide initiative is focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips across the United States, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. The Expanding the Map initiative begins with the reopening of Walker Ridge Airstrip . RAF volunteers, led by RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair, have reclaimed northern California's Walker Ridge, a once-abandoned BLM airstrip featuring underwing camping and magical views. Walker Ridge airstrip offers a remote, secluded backcountry airstrip experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento / Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area regions. There are very few opportunities like this for pilots in these large metropolitan areas to fly out to a genuinely remote location and camp with their airplane just a few hours from home. The combination of dark skies, sweeping valley views, dispersed camping right at the airstrip, and true seclusion makes Walker Ridge a rare and special destination. Nestled within the protected landscape of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Walker Ridge offers an experience that is both uniquely accessible and remarkably wild. This is the first Expanding the Map airstrip announcement of many, so stay tuned for the next one coming soon ! We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF's Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Walker Ridge and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here . Walker Ridge now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide , an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings. Submitted April 1, 2026