Andrew is a Multi Instrument Commercial Pilot with close to 3000 hours who started flying the Idaho Backcountry after learning to fly in the year 2000. It has been one of his greatest thrills to give back to Idaho after all that it has shared with him. Andrew makes his living off the growth in Idaho as a General Contractor building custom dreams and commercial buildings. He is keenly aware of the importance of managing growth proactively for us all to enjoy the aviation access we love today.
WORTH THE READ: ANDREW GEORGE GUEST EDITORIAL
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 month’s guest editorial is by Andrew George, the President of the Idaho Aviation Association.
When I spoke at the 2024 RAF Volunteer Education Conference in Montana, I emphasized to those in attendance that we face one overarching challenge and one true adversary that poses the greatest threat to our industry: public opinion. I have not wavered in this belief.
As aviators, we are a minority voice navigating within a majority of opinions that often shape policies. These policies, in turn, have the potential to restrict our rights to explore the skies. While we can discuss wilderness access issues, the complexities of the air traffic control system, or even the nuances of proper etiquette and behavior, none of these concerns carries the weight of what a negative public perception can do.
Aviation has long battled the stigma of being unsafe or corrupt and careless at times—an image that does not reflect reality. Every industry has its bad actors, but aviation suffers disproportionately because its rare missteps are often catastrophic and widely publicized. Tragedies overshadow human-interest stories, creating lasting impressions that are hard to reverse.
Consider the devastating events at Reno, when the Galloping Ghost experienced a minor mechanical failure that led to significant loss of life and indelible memories for millions. That singular event reshaped how the Reno Air Races operated and began to erode public support, contributing to the eventual decline of the races at Stead Field.
This delicate balance between public perception and our freedoms is not unique to Reno—it applies across the country. One incident is all it takes to shift public sentiment in a way that permanently alters our ability to enjoy the skies.
I see the RAF as a vital force in combating these perceptions. The organization is uniquely positioned to share positive, corrective information about aviation’s benefits. Unlike larger national organizations like AOPA or EAA, which focus on broad industry-wide concerns or specific passions like building and flying experimental aircraft, the RAF’s grassroots approach is tailored to the needs and culture exemplified within individual states.
Aviation adapts to the physical and cultural geography of each region. The RAF excels by fostering a flow of information from local communities to a central hub and then redistributing it widely. The RIF RAF newsletters are great communicators of regional activities and contributions. This creates a system where local knowledge and stories can shape public opinion far beyond where they originated. The RIF RAF has shown where the Congressional information is shared as well. A benefit to its commitment to work with the Federal agencies throughout.
Because the RAF operates at the airfield level —where its contacts understand the specific needs of local pilots—it is uniquely effective in shaping country wide public perception. By focusing on grassroots engagement, the RAF has already made significant strides in influencing public opinion in many areas, with even greater potential in the future.
To maintain and grow this influence, we must all participate. It takes consistent communication—sharing information, correcting misconceptions, and engaging those who may view aviation as reckless or uncaring. Changing minds requires effort from all of us, not just within our local communities but also in collaboration with those far removed from our own neighborhoods.
We are always one bad day away from a shift in public opinion. While this is the reality of the social environment we live in, the degree of that shift depends on what we do today—how we communicate, how we collaborate, and how we behave as ambassadors of aviation.
We will all share in the struggles to protect our rights as aviators while we also create new ways to ensure our behaviors are safe and perceived as positive. The RAF is poised to be one of the few, deliberate organizations that I see as being in the right place at the right time. The RAF is not the AOPA in size and doesn’t need to be. It is not the EAA and has a singular focus. It is not like the IAA either as we are specific to our geographical areas. The RAF, oh it is sitting pretty in my mind…it has the beauty of being large enough to command a seat at the table, small enough to know where it came from yet powerful enough to add strength to any argument it sees fit. That’s where the RAF provides such assistance to help create a stream of information back and for that will and has shaped positive public opinion.
Let this serve as a reminder: Every day, the IAA (or other organizations) seeks ways to share, communicate, and collaborate—not just locally but across the nation. I strongly support the RAF’s mission and its ability to share our passion for aviation, connecting my community to yours and fostering understanding and appreciation for what we all love.
Andrew is a Multi Instrument Commercial Pilot with close to 3000 hours who started flying the Idaho Backcountry after learning to fly in the year 2000. It has been one of his greatest thrills to give back to Idaho after all that it has shared with him. Andrew makes his living off the growth in Idaho as a General Contractor building custom dreams and commercial buildings. He is keenly aware of the importance of managing growth proactively for us all to enjoy the aviation access we love today.
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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
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
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
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
October 1 is the first day of the 2026 Photo Contest! It’s time to gather your favorites from the last year of flying.
