KODIAK SOLVES WILDERNESS DELIVERY PROBLEM

The RAF-branded Kodiak 100 completed another mission for the US Forest Service, coordinated and assisted by the RAF and Montana Pilots Association.

RAF supporter and MPA past president Pete Smith had constructed and powder-coated a 10-gauge steel Forest Service-style bear box for Schafer Meadows and it was trucked to Ryan Field for eventual delivery. When Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division, learned that Schafer Meadows is in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and the only way to deliver the 350-pound box was by pack mule or suitable aircraft, he offered to fly the mission in the Kodiak 100.

With the help of the RAF John Deere tractor, a crew of volunteers loaded the refrigerator-sized box into the spacious cargo bay of the Kodiak, “with only one inch to spare,” said RAF Director Mike Perkins. Nicolas offered RAF Montana Ambassador and SuperCub pilot Lynn Mareth the opportunity to ride right seat in the Kodiak into Schafer. Other volunteers flew in to help unload it without any mechanical aid.

“We are very grateful to Nicolas for flying this mission and he was very excited to help everyone out,” Perkins added. Visitors to Schafer Meadows now can camp with peace of mind that their attractants can be safely stored in the sturdy grizzly-proof box.

By Carmine Mowbray
Submitted on August 28, 2023.

Posted in News

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026