WORTH THE READ: LIBBY MAUS 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 guest editorial is by Libby Maus, a co-pilot and RAF volunteer.
From the Right Seat:
Less than 10 years ago, I was afraid to fly in an aircraft with only one engine with only one pilot. It seemed like double jeopardy to me. Then, my husband bought a Cessna T182T to enjoy in the lovely Montana summers. Yikes! His experience as a C-130 pilot in the ‘70s was of some comfort, but….
I decided to take some flying lessons with a highly recommended CFI, to see if I could overcome my fears and maybe enjoy this new adventure with Steve. Dave Boyd was an encouraging, patient instructor! Once he explained how every part of the plane helped it fly and even glide, I realized that if the engine failed, I was halfway there.
We went up for my first flying lesson as a companion co-pilot for two hours, after the on-the-ground lesson.
After that two hours, I was sure I could be comfortable flying with Steve and could even learn to fly and land safely. I continued to take lessons with Dave, while enjoying our Montana summers. He taught me some safety measures for flying in the mountains, as well as for flying anywhere. The more I learned about the process in the air and the more people I met through the RAF, the more I loved flying with Steve in “our 182”.
One summer, Richard McSpadden was visiting MT and went flying with me, as my instructor. He realized how my story of fears was like so many others and asked me to help with a new AOPA Safety Institute video about being a “companion co-pilot.” He, too, was a patient and encouraging instructor, and I agreed to participate in the video project. You can see the entire video, which has several segments, on the AOPA website.
I am now enjoying many adventures in the beautiful country we are fortunate to call home! We fly to Texas, our primary home, every fall. We visit friends in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Some of them live on airstrips, some near low-to-moderate-traffic airports. Flying as a co-pilot is much more interesting and enjoyable than just tagging along in “Steve’s airplane”!
We return to MT in June, annually, and spend many evenings around campfires or in homes with the RAF friends, during the summer. It is a new and different kind of travel for me and we can enjoy it together.
The RAF is now part of our extended family. I already had many friends and family members to enjoy, but these new friends are special, too. We love ALL of the people and places that are part of our life, and we will forever be grateful for the open arms of all the RAF folks!
Libby Maus is the wife of a former USAF pilot who is a current ambassador for the RAF in Texas. She was a teacher in Texas schools for many years and raised their daughter and son in the Dallas area. Libby has had a few different hobbies but no background in aviation. She has volunteered at a Children’s Hospital, Equest (a therapeutic horseback riding program), and a middle school math program for students struggling in math. She has always enjoyed music – piano and fiddle – as a player and a teacher.
Submitted August 20, 2025
Great story and excellent perspective for all of us that love flying with companions. We appreciate you so much in the RAF community and are so glad you found a way to overcome your reservations. A win for everyone.
Thx, Joe! We enjoy being with you guys and hope many are encouraged to try flying as a companion co-pilot.
Libby
Great story, Libby! Your experience and commitment will hopefully inspire others to do the exact same thing.
Libby, I am so grateful that I was able to fly with you and Steve in Montana’s backcountry.
Thank you so much for all that you both do. The AOPA companion pilot program is terrific!
Jeanne, you are a key part of our joint flying experience and we appreciate that and your kind comment. We are hopeful others can find value in the Companion Copilot initiative… Fly safe!
Libby:
I just read your guest editorial and was reminded to congratulate you post facto on your accomplishment.
I can remember back many years ago when I taught a wife’s flying program. I believe it was called “Pinch Hitter.” We called it “Bounce and Giggle” Graduates included two future airline captains.
Enjoy and fly safe!
Field Morey
Wow! You obviously made a great impression on those women who are now bouncing and giggling for pay now.
What a great story and way to face your fears with education and flight lessons
Way to face your fears with knowledge
Great article, Libby-thank you! We’re inspired-Janet’s learning, is enrolled in online ground school, and talking about beginning to take lessons so, as you say, she could “have a more interesting and enjoyable time than just tagging along”! Don
Don and Janet,
So glad you can enjoy flying together! Hope to see you soon!
Libby, Julie & I have enjoyed the common flying adventures but most importantly both of your friendships. We love you both and look forward each time to next get together!
Libby, Julie & I have enjoyed the common flying adventures but most importantly both of your friendships. We love you both and look forward each time to next get together!
Dave,
I so appreciate that message! We love being with both of you so, so much!
Love always,
Libby
Great story Libby. My wife had the same apprehensions. Thanks for mentioning that you learned some safety measures for flying in the mountains which is very important. Also all pilots and Co pilots should receive instruction on back country operations in general and participially in flying into back county mountainous airstrips such at Ryan Field. These airstrips are safe but you must do it right. Thanks for sharing.
All of the amazing places we can go with airplanes mean more when we can share them with the folks we love. Always happy to see Steve and Libby at an RAF event and to enjoy all the positive energy!