RICK MCCRAW

National RUS Liaison

The high, lonesome sound of a passing plane is one of Rick’s earliest memories. He became a practitioner of the aviation arts on earning his private license in 1977, followed soon after by various other tickets. Instrument flying and soaring have been highlights. He’s owned his Bonanza since 1993.


Professionally, Rick has spent “far too many hours not flying,” he says. His first career was in software and database development. The second time around, Rick was a middle-school teacher and, later, an administrator. The latter work included much data analysis and administration of federal and state grants.


“Another formative experience was backpacking,” Rick says, “as some of my best memories were formed in the roadless backcountry of the mountain West.” He hasn’t yet combined aviation with love of the high country but is moving in that direction with his recent tailwheel endorsement and planning for that next airplane, one that might be more backcountry-ready than his Bonanza.

Lately, Rick’s time has been focused on environmental concerns. He conducts wildlife surveys for the state of Vermont and the Audubon Society. He also flies photo surveys for land trusts through Lighthawk.org. This work takes Rick into the world of aerial imagery analysis and GIS systems. He currently serves as a commissioner for the regional solid waste district.


Rick believes in the RAF mission and goals. He began volunteering in 2018, and since then, he’s gotten involved with PowerPoint support and analytics for the RAF Outfitter. He’s also handled reservations for the Ryan Field cabins for the past several seasons. He looks forward to other challenges to come.


Posted in Support Team

    Recent Posts

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.
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
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
By lellington • October 18, 2026
By lellington • October 18, 2026