WORTH THE READ: JERRY WILKE 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 Jerry Wilke, a proud RAF supporter, longtime pilot, and former executive at Harley-Davidson.


It’s been a year of significant milestones … The RAF turned 20 … and some of you know my long history at Harley-Davidson, who turned 120 this year. 


The mission of the RAF is to “Preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access.” True… but that’s like explaining H-D by saying, “they build motorcycles.” Both true statements, but both organizations have become so much more. 


Words often fall short. So at H-D we would simply say, “For those who understand, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t, no explanation is possible.” 


And yes, I believe the RAF is in that category and has earned the comparison. Personal opinion: the RAF is clearly operating beyond its mission. The “people connection,” the relationships, campfire buddies, new lifelong friends, and kindred spirits. Both H-D and the RAF have developed way beyond what the founders had imagined. And in fact have become a core of what the organization is, and what the organization stands for! 


Pilots, especially back-country pilots – like motorcyclists, I think, get a bit more out of life by developing special skills that allow them to harness the laws of physics for a finite period of time; providing a special appreciation for this world and the thrill, adventure, and freedom that comes with it. A thrill that most want to repeat, share, and preserve for those that come after us. It’s not for everyone – that’s the point – and that only increases the allure and desire to experience, share, and preserve. 


As I get older, I find myself thinking more and more like the Ryans and the Gillettes. While few things are as thrilling as a good approach and gentle touchdown on a remote grass strip, it’s almost as gratifying these days to volunteer on an RAF weekend work detail, or send a year-end contribution to the RAF to insure that this feeling and these relationships continue into my son Ross’s generation of pilots and beyond. 


A philosopher once said, “Those who understand the meaning of life are those who plant trees, knowing they won’t be around to enjoy their shade!” 

Let’s thank God for the freedom of flight, and let’s thank the RAF for great friendships and backcountry places to experience it! Pass it on!


Jerry has been a pilot for over 30 years and currently owns and flies a Cirrus for transportation… and for fun, with his son Ross, shares a Husky Amphib and a Husky on bush wheels. Jerry’s professional career spanned 35 years with Harley-Davidson in leadership positions in sales/marketing, brand management, and product planning. Responsibilities included the voice of the customer… and the look-sound-and-feel of H-D products and the brand. Post retirement involves consulting and public speaking in the aviation, marine, and motorsports industries including 10 years on the Advisory Board with Cirrus Aircraft, serving on the board of the AOPA Foundation, and many other non-profit and charitable activities.

Featured image: Jerry during one of his favorite activities – providing a Young Eagles flight.
Submitted on August 30, 2023.

Posted in Guest Editorial, News

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WORTH THE READ: NEIL MORTINE GUEST EDITORIAL

June 18, 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 Neil Mortine, a marketing and relations executive, RAF Supporter, and husband of RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine.

UBCP HELPS RAF REOPEN TAYLOR FLAT AND "EXPAND THE MAP"

June 17, 2026
Taylor Flat Airstrip, just a stone’s throw from the wild and scenic Green River as it carves through spectacular Utah canyons, is officially reopened. Thanks to a cooperative effort between the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), Taylor Flat Airstrip, TF9, is one more recreational destination pilots can once again enjoy as the RAF works on Expanding The Map ! In 2023, dialog was initiated with the BLM to reopen the airstrip. Daggett County got involved, and RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig navigated the required NEPA process. Lessig was instrumental in preparing a right of way (ROW) lease agreement application, coordinating between Daggett County, the BLM, and other stakeholders, and gathering information to assist the BLM throughout the required Environmental Assessment. “Thanks to Wendy taking action as the RAF Liaison, and her professional persistence following through the lengthy public review process, Taylor Flat Airstrip will reopen as another unique backcountry destination," RAF President Bill McGlynn said. The RAF and UBCP teamed up May 9 to revitalize the airstrip, which had lain dormant for thirty years. “The work party was a resounding success,” Lessig reports. ”We are grateful for the twenty-five volunteers who hand-picked rocks from the airstrip, and used them to mark the runway corners and threshold. “

WE'RE ALL PART OF SEE'ING

June 16, 2026
Starting this month, we’re sharing messages from our RAF Safety, Education and Etiquette “SEE” committee. We hope you like the way we present these stories, and most importantly, we hope you’re one of those folks willing to sit around the campfire and help your friends become better at this thing we call backcountry aviation. We all see things that might not end well. We don’t intend to call anyone out for what might already be a bad day in someone’s flying life. In the interest of safety, we’re inviting you to be part of the culture starting with, “see something, say something.” The hard part might be how to politely deliver that message, and even more important, how to react if we are on the receiving end of someone’s comment. It takes maturity to accept input, especially at one of those moments when maybe we realize things could have just gotten much worse for us. I know I’ve been in “that place” when some thoughtful input about my flying or behavior has been offered. Part of flying is to always strive to be better; and when we aren’t at our best, try to own our shortcomings, learn from them, and move forward. I think about this often. I worry that if we don’t work at getting this part right, at best we risk losing access due to bad practices or behavior; and at worst we risk people getting hurt or worse. It’s that last piece that keeps me up at night. Of all the joys that doing this work brings us at the RAF, the risk of people getting hurt is what I think about the most. Safety, education, and etiquette are tied. Getting these right means the best outcome. So, get out there this summer. Get some grass stains on your wheels, get some bugs on your windscreen, get better at your craft of flying the airplane, meet some new people, and for sure start to create those special friendships that begin around a campfire under a starlit night. - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted June 16, 2026

TWO STRIKES AND WALK AWAY

June 15, 2026
By RAF Director Bill Brine and the RAF's Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee. Too many backcountry accidents happen on the third approach. After two unsuccessful attempts at landing, the pilot is tired, anxious, behind the airplane, and making decisions with a brain that has been running down since the first go-around. The airstrip hasn’t gotten easier. Third time’s NOT a charm. What’s driving this is cultural. Baseball is “three strikes, you’re out.” Could this thinking have joined us in the cockpit? We aren’t playing baseball out here. The backcountry does not give you that third strike. It gives you consequences. Our RAF Code of Conduct calls on each of us to establish personal minimums based on sound aeronautical decision-making — before we need them. Decide your limits at the kitchen table. Write it down. Brief your passengers. Commit to it before you start the engine. That’s when the rule does its job and leads to that hoped-for experience you set out on. Here is one worth considering: two attempts, fly away, head somewhere else . Not because your mission failed, but because you made a sound decision. Flying away is not defeat. Head to your alternate. Land, shut down, and let everyone decompress. Unload gear, leave passengers, go back solo, or call it a day. Those are good outcomes. Submitted June 15, 2026 Photo Credit: Scott Newpower

RAF FEATURED PARTNER: REDBIRD SIMULATORS

By Carmine Mowbray • June 15, 2026
This month, the RAF is featuring our friend Charlie Gregoire, co-founder of innovative Redbird Simulators. Redbird's story is of a few guys who acted on their great idea to make it easier and more affordable for anyone to become a pilot. In 2006, they imagined a flight simulator that made a pilot feel like they were flying a real airplane. “We thought a decaying Cessna Cardinal RG was the perfect prototype,” Charlie said, and “Redbird” was born. “After a few more not-quite-right prototypes, we arrived at our first product, the Redbird FMX.” And driven by the idea to make initial flight training affordable, Redbird FMX is a great primary loggable training platform. Since then, Redbird has delivered over 7,000 aviation training devices to more than 60 countries. From desktop models to full-motion units, “We’re proud of the revolutionary changes our employees and customers are bringing to this industry we are all so passionate about,” Charlie says. Charlie also serves as a member of the special RAF group of volunteers we call the Vy Group. Pilots know that Vy is the “best rate of climb” speed, and these folks help steer the RAF in ways to “gain altitude” efficiently. Redbird and the RAF have partnered on the idea to prepare pilots for the unconventional demands of backcountry flying. Redbird has incorporated backcountry training scenarios, and graciously shares their wide selection of “off pavement” experiences by inviting pilots to try their hand in simulators at aviation events, like AirVenture and Sun ’n Fun. This year we invite you to Redbird’s interactive display at AirVenture, booth 301. While there, enjoy coffee and donuts with the Redbird team and us from 8:30 am to 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 21. Charlie and his team recognize the value of partnerships like ours. He says partnerships are an important part of Redbird’s past and future success. We share a common goal to make GA as safe as possible – wherever, and whatever you choose to fly – and keep it strong with passion, dedication, and commitment. See Redbird’s complete story here . Submitted June 15, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray