Clay Simmons is a cub pilot, and aircraft sales associate for Aerista. He is the youngest cub builder of record (with some help of course), and is involved with the RAF, NBAA, YPO Next Gen and YoPro. When not flying, he enjoys coaching lacrosse, cars, and thinking about flying.
WORTH THE READ: CLAY SIMMONS 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 Clay Simmons, a young pilot and member of the RAF’s Backcountry Etiquette Team.
I’m supposed to be the adult now?
When I say I’ve been flying my whole life, it sounds facetious, but it’s about 99 percent truth. At 10 days old (ish, as it has been a debate) I took my first flight. Since then I have been fortunate enough to see all types of aviation, from the fast and high turbines, to the lowest and slowest of pistons, and a few aircraft in between. I have forever been enamored with anything that defies gravity, despite my wallet’s disdain for the passion.
It was only natural that my corner of aviation is full of the backcountry machines, in the remote environments, as this is how I experienced it growing up. With some phenomenal help, I became one of the youngest airplane builders, finishing a carbon cub just after my 22nd birthday. This leads to the adventures west (thank goodness for autopilot!), where we can see the beauty of the country, the incredible terrain, and of course, the kind of flying we at the RAF all love so much.
I was inadvertently thrust into a position of, at least partially, representing a generation of aviators. At 23 years old, I am about as young and green as they come, but I love to help out and lean in where I can. Along with this has come a unique sense of purpose. I consider myself to be one of the luckiest kids around, getting to experience so much of aviation in just over two decades, so now my focus has shifted. How can I give back? How do I start making a difference now, to give my grandchildren the same wonder I have been able to experience?
The answer is quite simple: we already do.
Whenever I am at the airport, I am the first person to invite anyone, especially kids, to poke at the airplane, sit in it, and explain how things work in an age-appropriate manner. This often leads to the parents learning a thing or two, and profusely thanking me. My response is always the same “Well, it wasn’t very long ago that I was the kid wanting to sit in airplanes too!”. And candidly, nothing makes me happier than sharing what I love so much, and I’d wager if you’re reading this, you’re in the same boat.
This is the giving back that I had been chasing. I had been doing it all along, but I believed that I needed to make a scene out of it, that I had to preach to hundreds of people why aviation matters, how you can make a living in it, and what you need to do, but that’s not the beginning, that’s the end. It starts with one person taking 30 seconds to share what they love. That is the impact.
I am very fortunate to be a part of the backcountry etiquette committee, a group within the RAF dedicated to creating guidelines for how to operate in the remote spaces in order to be most symbiotic with all other parties such as hikers, bikers, rafters, rangers, and more. I talk about giving back and inviting kids into the airplanes, but this is the bigger picture of that purpose. Protecting and curating the spaces we love so much is why we do it. As fun as it is to go enjoy these amazing places, it’s always better with friends and family.
I was fortunate enough to converse with Bill McGlynn about some of these same topics that extend throughout aviation. Getting kids involved, protecting the space we love, and promoting safety. It was a great conversation with some fantastic ideas shared, but the two of us cannot solve these issues alone, it takes an army. That’s part of the reason I love the chance to speak on the topics I hold so dearly, because if even a single person uses it as their reason to invoke change, I’m all for it.
Despite the ramble, I leave you with an ask:
Lean into the 30 second interactions at the airport.
Those 30 seconds of opening someone’s eyes to aviation is the foundation for all of the things that the RAF stands for, the things that we, as pilots and enthusiasts should stand for, and in reality, what aviation is about. Those 30 seconds are how we build our army, to protect aviation for those who get to be the caretakers next. I look forward to seeing y’all in the sky!
Submitted August 27, 2024
Posted in Guest Editorial, News
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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.
