Lynn Mareth

There is no idle season for RAF supporter and hard working volunteer Lynn Mareth, now of Bigfork, Montana. If her Super Cub has to wait out the “soggy turf” season at her home airfield of Ferndale, she can be found on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain or out riding one of her horses along the Flathead River, or she might be helping her husband RAF Director Mike Perkins refresh duck boxes in time for merganser and wood duck nesting season at their home along the Swan River. The couple moved to Montana from their mile-high airfield home in Berthoud, CO in 2019, but have spent most summers at a second home in Bigfork since 2013. After settling into her new location fulltime, she wanted to connect with other active women so she started a women’s adventure group on Facebook, and it now has over 300 members. It has succeeded in connecting active women who enjoy all things outdoors like hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing and horseback riding.

Lynn was born in New York and raised in Connecticut. She met Mike at Purdue University while they were earning degrees in computer technology and business. Lynn graduated in 1997, and worked for Kiwanis International as a systems analyst and designed their new in-house IT system. As soon as they could, Lynn says, “we high-tailed it out of Indiana for the mountains of Colorado.” The couple settled in Boulder and started a tech company, which they ran for 22 years before selling in 2019.

Mike’s grandfather had been instrumental in New Hampshire aviation. Mike had always wanted to fly but his duties in the Air Force did not include flying. Lynn bought flying lessons for him in 1999 and “he took to it quickly, and had his Private within two months,” and purchased their Cessna 180 soon after. But Lynn was one of those who prefers to jump out of airplanes – especially when the jump ship was intentionally flown low on gas, and skydivers were instructed to “get out now” each time the engine quit aloft, so she was pretty leery of flying very far in small airplanes.

She decided to learn to fly to be a reliable backup for Mike. Her flight instructor made her uncomfortable when he told her he’d had a troubling vision of a tragic event that involved her in the Skywagon. A few years later, Lynn and Mike were flying home from Idaho’s backcountry with their German Shepherd when a rocker arm boss broke and they experienced immediate engine failure. “Mike was on top of his game,” Lynn said, and got it into an abandoned airstrip at nearly 8,500 feet MSL, safely landing downwind, since there was no windsock. “We were ninety seconds to the ground,” she said. An FAA representative told them that that kind of failure usually kills people. “After that emergency, I figured that was the event. I was free of bad omens and was much more comfortable flying the 180,” she explains.

Lynn’s heart was set on a Super Cub, and she borrowed from her 401k, and sold her beloved BMW sports car in order to buy one. Mike flew all over the West, and eventually found one in Billings in 2006 with about 1,500 hours on the engine. Lynn trusted Blackstone Labs for an oil analysis on the older engine, and so far, has flown her Cub over 1,000 hours more.

Lynn and Mike were very involved with the Cessna 180-185 Club and with Mike becoming a new Director, they hosted the Cody, Wyoming Skywagon Convention in 2011. Mike invited John McKenna to speak to the group about the RAF and it really inspired the couple to become more involved in the organization. It seemed to be exactly what they love about flying, especially since they now owned both a Cessna 185 and a Super Cub, both capable backcountry airplanes. Visitors to Ryan Field often see Lynn arrive in her red and white Super Cub with the big tires, but she hasn’t dropped in just to relax. Lynn is always one of the first to put gloves on and work hard. “I’m very proud of the work that has been done at Ryan Field by so many volunteers and I’m so grateful that it’s located in our flying backyard,” she says.

“We envision piling in the Skywagon, doing a cross-country, visiting all the RAF airstrips someday,” she says, adding, “North Fox Island was definitely a treat, and it’s amazing how the RAF has grown. It’s really exciting to see how it all started, where we are now, and to envision where we are going in the future.”

Submitted on March 14, 2022.

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RAF 2026 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

October 1, 2026
RAF key volunteers from across the nation gathered at Seattle’s Museum of Flight for a two-day RAF Educational Conference that ended Saturday, September 26. The days were filled with discussions about ways to further the RAF mission, beginning with the US Forest Service. The RAF Board of Directors and AOPA co-president Katie Pribyl and board member Peter Burwell updated the group over breakfast, and RAF Liaisons reported on airfield projects. Other presentations included author Richard Kyte on the importance of community, the RAF Safety, Education and Etiquette (SEE) committee reported on its messaging to pilots, Garmin presented its new Axis platform, author Richard Holm presented on the history of aviation’s role in the Idaho backcountry, and RAF Georgia Ambassador Dhruv Thakkar discussed the use of Digital Control Towers. Attendees also received an update on the RAF Airfield Guide and heard from RAF staff on tips for holding work parties and connecting RAF supporters. RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig, RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller, and Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson were presented with the RAF's Wind Beneath Our Wings Award for outstanding volunteer contributions to the RAF mission. Among the attendees were National RUS Liaison John Nadeau and his wife, who drove thousands of miles from Maine to join. "It was well worth the trip to learn about important projects fellow volunteers are working on from coast to coast, and how they successfully handle difficult situations using the RAF Way." The conference concluded with a talk from former and current principals of the adjacent Raisbeck Aviation High School. Dinner was later held in the high school, at which retiring RAF Director Steve Taylor was honored. Attendees enjoyed seeing their fellow volunteers and meeting new friends. Volunteers walked away feeling inspired and energized, with new ideas to continue their efforts preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access. Submitted September 1, 2026 Photo by Jake Peterson

DIRECTOR EMERITUS STEVE TAYLOR RECOGNIZED

October 1, 2026
The RAF extends its appreciation to Steve Taylor of the Seattle area for his dedicated service on the RAF Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025. Throughout his time on the Board, Steve generously shared his aviation experience, perspective, and relationships in support of the RAF mission. He contributed to numerous RAF efforts, including the RAF Kodiak missions in support of airstrip work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, and has been a valued advocate for the organization and recreational aviation. Steve also played an important role in helping bring the RAF’s 2026 National Educational Conference to Seattle. The gathering gave RAF volunteers, supporters, and partners an opportunity to learn, connect, and spend time together at the Museum of Flight and Raisbeck Aviation High School—two places that reflect Steve’s long-standing commitment to aviation and aviation education. In recognition of Steve’s service to the RAF and his support of the next generation of aviation leaders, the RAF made a donation to Raisbeck Aviation High School in his name during the conference. Steve’s contributions to the RAF extend well beyond any single project or event. We are grateful for the time, experience, relationships, and enthusiasm he has shared with the organization over the years, and we are proud to recognize him as a Director Emeritus. “We can't thank Steve enough for his devotion to the ongoing success of the RAF. He has ‘changed the game' for us in many ways and raised our stature as a volunteer organization,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Submitted September 1, 2026

NEXT STEPS TO REOPENING AGUA CALIENTE AIRPORT

October 1, 2026
RAF California Ambassadors Mike Finkle, Howie Bohl, and California Liaison Douglas Lumgair have been working on reopening Agua Caliente Airport in east San Diego County. Until its closure in 2025, this airport in Agua Caliente County Park was a popular recreational destination for pilots. It’s within walking distance of a natural hot spring in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. RAF's CA team has been communicating with authorities, including San Diego County’s board of supervisors, to learn the factors leading to its closure and the possibility of future public access. Finkle and Bohl have put a tremendous amount of hours into Agua Caliente efforts, and prior to an essential board meeting on September 16 about the future of the airport, Lumgair organized a Call to Action. People from the pilot community attended in person to speak – others by phone – and many more submitted comments supporting its continued public use. The board of supervisors voted to move forward with fact-finding on reopening Agua Caliente. “Now, our primary focus will be meeting with county staff to learn as much as we can about how their process is going to proceed, and how we can be part of it,” Lumgair said. The RAF appreciates everyone who responded to this Call to Action, which was shared on RAF social media and with CA supporters. Lumgair said, “Your support has gotten us over a very important first hurdle, but it appears we have a difficult road ahead of us, and we will keep you informed as things develop,” Lumgair said. Learn more about this effort on our dedicated Agua Caliente web page. Submitted September 1, 2026 Photo by Howie Bohl

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: FRONT ROYAL-WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT, VA

By Carmine Mowbray • October 1, 2026
Virginia’s Front Royal-Warren County Airport lies just beyond the busy Washington ADIZ, less than 60 nm west of the congestion of Ronald Reagan International. You’ll land with the scenic backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley as the Shenandoah River winds past the iconic Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. This is your ideal opportunity to land, camp, and enjoy hiking or biking the beautiful trails in George Washington National Park, just two miles away. RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky serves as chair of the Front Royal–Warren County Airport Commission, and knows why folks love to land there. “It’s a great little airport with a lot to offer," he says. "KFRR is the gateway to Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, with lots of camping, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. It’s the best way to access all those great amenities.” Many pilots fly into KFRR and spend a night at the campsite either prior to or after hiking. Front Royal is an “AT Community,” welcoming Appalachian Trail hikers who are likely to experience what’s called “trail magic,” assistance from local strangers like a ride into town for supplies, encouragement, and other kind actions. In May 2026, Kosubinsky organized a work party with volunteers from his airport commission and the RAF. “The campsite has been transformed into a welcoming destination that pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” he says. They installed a new RAF-branded fire ring and stacked plenty of firewood. Fly-in campers will enjoy water, electricity, and restrooms. There is a fishing pond on the southwest corner of the property (license required). This public use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway. (It’s hoped that a parallel turf operating area may be a future option.) Visitors have full-time access to the small terminal building. “We have a courtesy car and the cheapest fuel in the area,” Kosubinsky adds. The airport hosts active skydiving and soaring clubs, annual Wings and Wheels gatherings, and aircraft service and flight training is available. Find more on the Front Royal-Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted September 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

RAF PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH

September 29, 2026
October 1 is the first day of the 2026 Photo Contest! It’s time to gather your favorites from the last year of flying.