RAF Podcasts

When RAF friends gather around the fire hub at an airfield, there's always a good story to be told. We have brought that love of storytelling into a digital format, and hope you will enjoy the following installments of our new RAF Podcast.

Each podcast is hosted by RAF President Bill McGlynn, whose good-natured and easygoing interviewing style naturally brings out some wonderful stories from our interviewees. Sit back, relax (perhaps with a cup of Cowboy Coffee!) and enjoy.

RAF Podcast #15: Philipp Kureck

By Lisa Ellington | July 26, 2024

Philipp came to the US from Germany to build ticket time. He used the RAF Airfield Guide to fly around the Western US and learned what backcountry flying was all about. You can view Philipp’s photos of his adventures at instagram.com/philipp.kur

RAF Podcast #14: Important Steps to Save Backcountry Flying

By admin | June 24, 2024

For RAF Podcast #14, Bill McGlynn sits down for a discussion with Clay Simmons of the RAF Backcountry Etiquette Team on how to help sustain flying as an acceptable means of accessing the backcountry.

Jeff Russell flys his cub over a glacier on the way to the Iditarod.

RAF Podcast #13: Epic Winter Trip to the Iditarod with Jeff Russell

By admin | December 29, 2023

Many aviators have flown to Alaska, but fewer have done it in the dead of winter. Listen to Jeff describe his trip and teach us why painter’s tape is so important!

RAF Podcast #12: Al Clayton & Childs Glacier

By admin | June 19, 2023

After an extended hiatus, the RAF Podcast is back! In Episode #12, RAF Liaison Al Clayton describes growing up in Alaska and opening a new airstrip adjacent to Childs Glacier on the Copper River.

RAF Podcast #11: Sarah Tamar and Filip Wolak

By admin | November 17, 2021

Listen to Sarah and Filip discuss all the fun and adventure of “flamping” across America as a relief from pandemic isolation. Go to Flamp Across America for the photo journal of their trip.

An airplane approaches the runway at Goodspeed Airport

RAF Podcast #10: Saving Goodspeed

By admin | November 8, 2021

Bill talks to RAF Director Bill Brine, discussing the steps involved in saving a recreational airstrip.

Richard Mcfadden in a cockpit

RAF Podcast #9: Richard McSpadden

By admin | April 2, 2021

This is a great discussion about “Spad’s” 20 year career in the Air Force, including leading the Thunderbirds, transitioning to General Aviation and civilian life and now his third career as the Director of the Air Safety Institute and the joint initiative between the ASI and the RAF to reduce accidents in the backcountry.

Amrat in a cockpit

RAF Podcast #8: Amrat Chugani

By admin | March 26, 2021

Bill chats with Amrat Chugani about his career in aviation, learning to fly in Florida, getting his tailwheel endorsement and why he’s a part of the RAF volunteers and what’s next…

RAF Podcast #7: The Ryan Field Story

By admin | May 17, 2020

John McKenna talks about Ben and Butch Ryan and the donation of their airfield to the RAF to preserve their love of aviation and the land.

RAF Podcast #6: John Nadeau

By admin | May 10, 2020

Bill chats with John Nadeau about growing up next to an airfield in Massachusetts, finally becoming a pilot and an airfield owner which lead him to become the RAF’s knowledge leader in the Recreational Use Statutes initiative. This is a very informative podcast for anyone who owns (or knows someone who owns) an airfield and…