RAY JILEK

South Dakota Ambassador

Ray grew up on a family farm in southwestern North Dakota and moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota in the late 80s where he met Laura, the love of his life. Laura and Ray now live in Spearfish and have two daughters.


Ray learned to fly in a Cessna 150, then bought a C-172 in which he earned his instrument and commercial ratings. In 1996 Ray started an Aerial Application business based in Sturgis, SD and expanded into banner towing, flight instruction, wildlife surveys, and aerial predator control. In 2001 Ray and Laura purchased Eagle Aviation, Inc. at Spearfish and offer flight Instruction, charter, maintenance, and the full complement of FBO services. Ray currently owns and flies two Cessna 172s, a 206, and a recently rebuilt SuperCub, and flies corporate turbo props.

Ray learned to fly in a Cessna 150, then bought a C-172 in which he earned his instrument and commercial ratings. In 1996 Ray started an Aerial Application business based in Sturgis, SD and expanded into banner towing, flight instruction, wildlife surveys, and aerial predator control. In 2001 Ray and Laura purchased Eagle Aviation, Inc. at Spearfish and offer flight Instruction, charter, maintenance, and the full complement of FBO services. Ray currently owns and flies two Cessna 172s, a 206, and a recently rebuilt SuperCub, and flies corporate turbo props.

Ray’s passion for backcountry aviation began after several flights to Alaska and into the backcountry in the lower 48. Ray is a Life Member of the South Dakota Pilots Assoc. and understands the need for advocacy groups that support and foster aviation interests. Through Ray’s involvement with SuperCub.org, “that bunch made flights into the Missouri Breaks strips,” Ray said. “Pilots experienced firsthand the results of hard work and efforts by the RAF and MPA to re-gain access to this beautiful piece of paradise.”

“Through these aviation activities, many friends have been made and campfires shared,” he says. “I always have time to visit with like-minded individuals and look forward to meeting other RAF supporters as well as recruiting new interest to further the RAF mission.”

Recent Posts

CHUCK HOWARD

By lellington • February 1, 2026
Day Job: Restaurant Owner and College Student Favorite Airstrip: TIE SO FAR: Trigger Gap (17A) and John Harris Field (AR05) Next Adventure: Spring airplane camping in New Mexico

ERIC DAVIS

By lellington • February 1, 2026
Day job: Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Calix, Inc. Favorite airstrip: Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3) Next adventure: Haven't flown out west since 2023, so that'll be my next flying adventure.

STEVE LEWIS

By lellington • February 1, 2026
TN AMBASSADOR

RAF BOARD MEETS ON UPCOMING MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

By Carmine Mowbray • January 29, 2026
Your RAF Directors met January 22-24 for their annual in-person board meeting in Bozeman, MT, with Director Bill Brine coming the farthest from his home on Martha’s Vineyard. Director Emeritus Alan Metzler of Pennsylvania attended, in spite of the heavy weather forecast in the Northeast. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza attended, demonstrating the great distances these volunteers are willing to travel to be present. The RAF Board meets monthly, but this annual get-together allows time to explore opportunities in more detail, and set areas of focus. RAF Kansas Ambassador Bruce Latvala was elected as RAF Secretary, joining current RAF officers . Director Steve Taylor of the Seattle area is stepping down as an active board member, but will continue his wholehearted support of the RAF mission. This year’s meeting included special guests to discuss topics relevant to upcoming RAF initiatives. Director Emeritus Todd Simmons presented a new hub and spoke network of backcountry airfields in Tennessee, with the opportunity for RAF support. Director Matt Foster updated the group on the goals and responsibilities of the Safety, Education, and Etiquette (SEE) Committee. The board reviewed opportunities to support new airfield locations on both public and private lands; and were given a customary review of RAF financials.  - By Carmine Mowbray Submitted January 29, 2026

USFS CHIEF HEARS RAF APPEAL TO CONSIDER REOPENING AIRSTRIPS

By Carmine Mowbray • January 29, 2026
RAF Chairman John McKenna and President Bill McGlynn met recently in Washington, DC with US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who oversees the management of 193 million acres of public land across the nation. McKenna and McGlynn reviewed backcountry airstrips with Mr. Schultz, with an appeal to continue to maintain existing airstrips and possibly open some additional ones. Mr. Schultz said that some of the best recreational opportunities in the world are on Forest Service lands, and he desires to increase those opportunities. He was receptive to the RAF’s request to explore returning some of the airstrips to service. Mr. Schultz studied forestry at the University of Montana and is familiar with the western backcountry, as his career includes working for state agencies in both Montana and Idaho. In addition to the meeting with the Chief and other key team members of the USFS, McKenna & McGlynn met with Department of Interior staff to discuss opportunities on DOI & BLM lands. “These were productive and engaging meetings and will lead to continued opportunity for collaboration,” McGlynn said. “We're excited to work with the Forest Service on additional recreational airstrips on our public lands that can be enjoyed. - By Carmine Mowbray Submitted January 29, 2025