New Alaska Liaison Stef Goza started flying as a teenager in Iowa’s flatlands, where she was born and raised. She earned her pilot certificate in her 20s and flew for the next few years, but like a lot of us, flying was set on the back burner. “I returned to aviation with grit and determination to knock out old goals. I’m a strong advocate for rusty and lapsed pilots,” she says.
STEF GOZA
Alaska State Liaison
She earned high performance, complex, and tailwheel endorsements, and is instrument rated. She received her Single Engine Seaplane rating in a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. Her older brother, “who was a regular at Montana’s 8U2, Schafer Meadows,” interested her in backcountry flying years ago. Prior to moving to Alaska, Stef lived out West, where she spent time learning backcountry and mountain flying basics throughout Wyoming and Montana. A self-proclaimed mountain junkie, Stef enjoys backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing.
“The RAF mission allows me to combine my love of aviation with my passion for backcountry outdoor recreation,” she says. “I’m excited to help support the RAF mission and projects in Alaska with my fellow state liaisons, ambassadors, and volunteers.”
Stef and her husband own two experimental Cub-type airplanes and a Cessna Cardinal. They live on a runway near Palmer, Alaska. She is also the Chair of the Mat-Su Valley 99s Chapter. When she’s not doing something aviation-related, Stef manages a team of oncology nurses for a pharmaceutical company.
Stef joins RAF Liaisons Al Clayton and Jeff DeFreest in Alaska.
(907) 982-7833
sgoza@theraf.org
Posted in Alaska State Liaison, State Liaison
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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 digital format with RAF Podcasts, and hope you enjoy hearing the variety of perspectives shared on the topic of recreational aviation. Each podcast is hosted by RAF President Bill McGlynn, whose easygoing interviewing style naturally brings out some wonderful stories from our interviewees. Enjoy listening on theraf.org under the News tab, or search for “The RAF and Backcountry Flying” on your favorite podcast app, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts . Submitted December 31, 2025.
For the sixth year, our friends at Hartzell Propeller have generously extended their popular $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers designed for short takeoffs, climb-out power, and short landings in rugged environments. In addition, Hartzell contributes $250 to the RAF for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer now through 2026! “We are so very proud to continue our support for the RAF and backcountry flying,” said JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propeller, a Signia Aerospace company. Hartzell Propeller is a global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing. With more than a century of experience, the company designs next-generation propellers with innovative blended airfoil technology. “We love this partnership. It’s a real benefit to current RAF supporters, and a welcome incentive to becoming an RAF supporter,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said. Details on the four propellers can be found here . “Hartzell Propeller’s ongoing commitment directly benefits pilots and helps protect the airstrips that make backcountry flying possible. This is a win for the entire aviation community,” McKenna added. Submitted December 30, 2025.
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