Finley Taylor is an 18-year-old commercial pilot from Bellevue, Washington. He grew up in an aviation family, with both his dad and grandpa having long aviation careers. He holds a commercial pilot’s license with multi engine and instrument ratings. He has been passionate about aviation for as long as he can remember and is looking forward to a future career in aviation.
WORTH THE READ: FINLEY TAYLOR 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 Finley Taylor, an 18 year old commercial pilot and a good friend of the RAF.
My earliest memories of flying with the RAF are in the back of a Piper Super Cub, staring at the back of my dad’s t-shirt over the picturesque North China Wall in Montana. The thrill of the bouncy tundra tires meeting the soft summer grass on some backcountry strip amazed my young self. I understood at a young age that this hobby would quickly evolve to consume my entire life. I kept flying, graduating to the front seat, and adding more types to my ever-growing logbook. Thanks to the RAF, I logged my first official landing at the age of 13 in a Kodiak with Mark Brown, quickly followed by a Cessna Grand Caravan with Peter Burwell.
I continued to fly with my dad, Steve Taylor, at RAF events throughout my childhood. Idaho, Montana, Washington, Vermont, and Michigan are just a few of the states I have experienced incredible backcountry strips that I have had the opportunity to visit. The excitement of travelling to a new place and meeting new people still inspires me to continue my adventures alongside the RAF. From pulling the frozen jeans out of my sleeping bag at Smiley Creek (U87), to making memories with friends at Moose City (86MT). But beyond the incredible places I have visited, I’ve made lifelong friends, learned valuable lessons that have aided me not only as an aviator but also as a person, and enjoyed talking endlessly about airplanes along the way.
I still remember my introduction to an RAF staple: The work party. We packed our sleeping bags and tent into the back of our Cessna 180 and flew to Sullivan Lake (09S) where we would camp for a weekend and work to improve the airport. This trip was a microcosm for the greater purpose of the RAF as people bonded over preserving a beautiful airport while enjoying good company, good food, and campfires. As we watched the sunset over the lake, I couldn’t help but to reflect on the sight of dozens of orange RAF hats scattered down the runway, shovels in hand and ready to work. After a long day digging and replacing equipment, we all sat down to a dinner hosted by the gracious Washington State Liaisons, the Whitelaw brothers. The joint work effort and camaraderie over a seemingly dull task opened my eyes to the spirit of the RAF. Flying to spectacular backcountry strips that would’ve otherwise been forgotten, working with other volunteers for the greater good of aviation and to preserve these magical places for generations to come, and to create memories with fellow aviators.
Earlier this summer, I found myself at Cavanaugh Bay (66S) surrounded by fellow aviators and RAF enthusiasts to celebrate 20 years of the organization. Again, I was struck by the community and sense of belonging with everyone. As a teenager, I notice my peers having trouble connecting with adults and viewing them as the “others.” I attribute my experiences with the RAF as part of the reason that I proudly call these people my friends as well. Sitting on folding lawn chairs watching airplanes takeoff and land, discussing stories, and sharing laughs with others reminds me why the RAF is so special. The special connection shared between people over a common interest is something that must be cherished. A bright orange RAF hat is a sure sign that you’re about to make a new friend. Later that trip, we flew to Ryan Field (2MT1) to continue our celebrations and admire the newly finished barn. Standing under the beautiful, exposed beams and seeing the care and craftsmanship behind the work reminded me of the hard work and dedication the RAF puts towards preserving and maintaining these beautiful backcountry strips. And yet, it’s the dedication of the volunteers that make these places so special and the RAF such a truly unique organization.
Submitted March 20, 2024.
Posted in Guest Editorial, News
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Ryan Field, 2MT1, remains CLOSED temporarily. In October, the runway was closed to begin restoring bare areas with new soil and grass. After the Montana winter and spring seasons, the new grass is coming in nicely; however, the field will remain closed until the turf has had adequate time to fully establish. We will keep you updated, but as of June 1, 2026, Ryan Field remains CLOSED to operations. Submitted May 28, 2026
RAF Massachusetts/Rhode Island Liaison Andrew Lyons has been awarded an RAF grant for the addition of a rustic camper cabin at Nadeau’s Airfield in Acton, ME. The 2,400-ft turf field (02ME) is owned by longtime RAF volunteer John Nadeau, who now serves as one of the RAF's Recreational Use Statute Liaisons. Nadeau welcomes visitors to experience backcountry flying not far from the populated eastern seaboard, and envisions the airfield as a gathering spot for RAF enthusiasts in the region. Not far to the west are clusters of New Hampshire’s mountains, and coastal flying opportunities to the east. “The airfield is well located to serve as a hub for exploring much of what New England has to offer,” Lyons said. There is a small pond on the airfield for visitors to try a bit of fishing. The camping area plan includes the installation of a pre-cut kit cabin manufactured locally in New England, with the addition of sleeping platforms and an RAF fire ring. The cabin will serve as a comfortable shelter, and tools and other items will be stored in the unit as well. Pilots are welcome to camp underwing at 02ME. “We anticipate no shortage of volunteers for this project,” Lyons said. A team will pick the cabin kit up from the manufacturer in Vermont to save shipping costs. Lyons expects the cabin will be completed in early summer 2026. Currently, there is a port-a-john, and future plans include the addition of a plumbed restroom and shower at the field. Find more about Nadeau’s Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 27, 2026
The weekend of May 15-17 saw 39 people arrive at Gillette's Lakewood Lodge, 14WS in Wisconsin, to help clean up winter-damaged broken, downed, and dying trees and ready the property for the summer flying season. They also erected the 18-ft canvas tipi that is available in the summer months for guests to enjoy Owners Bob and Judy Gillette are passionate about aviation, after respective careers in the industry, and welcome visitors to their airfield with camping, canoeing, cycling, swimming, and fishing, all accessible from the 2,137-ft turf runway. Multiple volunteers returned who have been to every work party in the past. RAF Supporters Paul and Diane Iverson drove in from California to help out at the event. There were some new faces as well. First-time volunteer Clay Adams of Rosemount, Minnesota, flew in and camped. He’d cut trees professionally and was a huge help, according to the work party's organizer, Director Jeff Russell. “The volunteers all have the same work ethics as I do, just get it done and have fun while you are doing it,” Adams said, adding, “I joined the RAF last year and heard about Lakewood Lodge. It was a neat place and a lot of fun , and I look forward to helping out again.” Volunteers mostly drove in, with a half a dozen planes bringing more volunteers. Lunch and dinners were graciously provided by Judy and Gillette's nephew, Max. Russell said, "We rented a wood chipper for two days, and it never stopped running. I'm amazed by how hard people work. I'm hugely grateful.” Find more about Lakewood Lodge in the Airfield Guide . Submitted May 26, 2026
The RAF Airfield Guide should be your first stop. It’s a directory of destinations with recreational and backcountry opportunities. It’s free to use, and ad-free. If you haven’t yet signed up, that’s quick and easy, too! You’ll find information on runways and amenities, safety briefings, photos, and videos on over 400* public airstrips and private airfields. You can create your own multi-stop Route that includes all the Airfield information. Foreflight users can easily convert Airfield information into a Content Pack that is uploaded automatically into ForeFlight, all at the click of a button. We invite you to add your own comments about an airfield once you’ve visited it. So no matter when your flying season gets going, the RAF Airfield Guide is your first go-to source for information and safety briefings, and it’s available online year-round. To get logged into the Airfield Guide, visit this link , and bookmark it for the future! * More listings are added as they become available. Submitted May 26, 2026 Photo Credit: Laura Benton, Trigger Gap, AR By Carmine Mowbray
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 Steve Johnson, former RAF Director, Supercub.org founder, and Gold Seal CFI/MEI.
