WORTH THE READ: MIKE TODD 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 from Mike Todd, a career pilot and longtime RAF Supporter.

You might think that it would get old and stale, this flying thing. Modern avionics make navigation accurate and easy, and we have equipment that monitors every parameter of the engine that keeps us safely in the air, warning us if something is amiss. We have auto flight systems available for our light airplanes, even old ones like my 1956 Cessna 180, that rival those that have taken us around the world in jets. We take pride in answering the challenge of keeping skills current and working with others in the air traffic system to operate safely in busy airspace. But even with all the help from modern devices and equipment, there is still romance in flight. There is still a special feel with that “almost perfect” touchdown on a grass runway, and the sound of the cylinders cooling when there is no other sound than those of nature. It’s been that way for fifty six years and well over thirty thousand hours for me, and you would think I’d get over it. 

But there is something special about flying in general, and flying in the United States of America in particular. While light airplane aviation is alive all around the world, it’s different here. We enjoy freedom of flight that is unique to only a few places in the world. Non flyers are sometimes surprised to find that I live next to a runway where I can fly whenever and pretty much wherever I choose, and back when I earned my living flying big airplanes, some of my compatriots looked at my pictures and listened to my stories of flying the backcountry with a curious look in their eye. Nowadays, I sometimes meet up with some of those airline friends in the back country. I’d like to think I had something to do with that. 

On a nice August morning last Summer, I loaded a few tools into our 180 and pushed it out of its hangar into pre-dawn light. Some of the neighbors heard the engine start up, and more of them heard us leave. The 180 isn’t quiet at takeoff power, but we wound the prop back a bit, and as it is in the backcountry, that sound has a nice decrescendo, fading to quiet in just a moment or two, so the sleepy-heads went back to dreams, or thoughts of driving to work. 

We climbed out over the Washington Cascades and put the autopilot to work, munching on a breakfast muffin as we watched the Big Bend country of the Columbia river transition to the western Rocky Mountains and river drainages of the Pend Oreille, Clark Fork, and Flathead. My good old friend, the 180 was a magic carpet, and the scenery below was a demonstration of all those things the Geology Professor told us about way back when we were young and in a hurry. 

The mission that morning was to join friends from the Recreational Aviation Foundation at a cabin raising party at Ryan Field, the place Ben and Butchie Ryan carved out of the rocks and trees on the west slope of the Flathead Range, just outside the entrance to Glacier National Park. The Ryan story is symbolic of the mission of the RAF. It’s a story of a loving couple who created a dream they wanted to keep alive, and an organization of people dedicated to making sure that happened. The Ryans are gone now, and the future of Ryan Field is protected under the stewardship of the RAF. The airstrip is still special and requires some backcountry skill and care, but that is part of the character of the place. And thanks to the hard work, imagination, and financial backing of volunteers and supporters a big timber frame barn, as well as a pilot shelter, and those rustic cabins make Ryan Field a truly unique experience. 

For many of us in the West, Ryan Field is the poster child for the mission of the RAF, but it’s just a bookend to what is happening with the organization, and thanks to the efforts of aviators and supporters across the land, great things are happening in the name of Recreational Aviation from Alaska to Florida and California to Maine. Congratulations to the RAF on the first twenty years. Keep up the good work, I’ll look forward to seeing you “Out there”.  

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the Backcountry and airplanes have been in Mike’s blood from his earliest days. He started flying in 1967, and his first plane, a somewhat neglected 1946 Aeronca Champ came out of the airport weeds and into his life when he was a junior in High School. College in the Midwest brought a degree in Aviation as well as his first flying job, and from there he was fortunate to make a living flying around the world, working up the ladder from Twin Otters in Alaska to 747’s at United. The old Champ introduced him to grass runways and backcountry places around the country, and seven years into retirement, those places, as well as the Super Cub and Cessna 180 that share his hangar with the old Champ continue to be his passions.

Submitted on May 23, 2023.

Posted in Guest Editorial, News

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CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

November 4, 2026
At this time of year we are reminded of those who have given so much, so that we and future generations may share the experiences that matter to people like us—a flat place to pitch your tent, a pilot shelter to get out of the weather, or a fire ring to share a beverage and a story with friends. We have all been the benefactor of someone else's generosity which has enriched our lives in the backcountry; that vault toilet didn't place itself, and neither did the firewood. It's a good reminder that we all have opportunities to pay it forward. Like many people, you may be considering year-end charitable contributions. From a one time or recurring gift, to IRA/401k Qualified Charitable Distributions and donations of publicly traded stock, there are several planned giving options to help your gift also benefit you financially. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers) can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for their direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize.

CODY KOCH

November 3, 2026
Cody Koch grew up in Truckee, California, where he developed a love for aviation and the outdoors at a young age. Growing up around airplanes and flying with his dad sparked his interest in becoming a pilot. He went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school and is now studying aviation at Gallatin College through Montana State University, working toward additional ratings with hopes of pursuing a career in aviation. Outside of flying, Cody enjoys camping, off-roading, and just about anything that gets him outdoors. Music is also a big part of his life, whether he’s playing it himself or catching a live show. He has always enjoyed working with his hands and has a particular passion for working on the cars passed down to him by his grandfather. One of Cody’s longtime dreams is to own a Super Cub and explore the backcountry by air. He hopes to one day visit some of the remote airstrips that the RAF works to protect and is glad to be part of an organization that helps keep these places accessible to pilots. Submitted on November 3, 2026

HELP THE RAF EARN DELTA REWARDS—AT NO COST TO YOU!

November 2, 2026
Did you know the RAF can earn Delta rewards when you fly, without affecting your personal SkyMiles or other rewards? Simply add the RAF to your Delta SkyMiles account as your business loyalty program. The RAF will earn points on eligible flights, which we can use for travel to RAF events and other benefits. You keep all your personal SkyMiles! Step 1: Add the RAF to Your SkyMiles Account You only need to do this once. We recommend using Delta.com in your web browser, rather than the Fly Delta app. Log in to your SkyMiles account at Delta.com . Under your Name in the top right corner, select Profile . Under My Profile , select Other Loyalty Programs . Find Business Loyalty Programs , click +Add under Business Travel Program , and select Delta SkyMiles for Business . Enter the RAF's loyalty number, US0056924 , and click Save . Step 2: Select "Business" Before Booking Each time you log in to Delta.com, select "Business" when prompted. This allows the RAF's loyalty number to automatically populate on the Passenger Info page when booking your flight.

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HIGH ROCK, MD

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
The RAF is proud to have become stewards of a very special fly-in destination in western Maryland, along the North Branch of the Potomac River. The RAF has just registered it with the FAA, and you’ll now find High Rock Airfield, 68MD, on your chart. When you think of Maryland, maybe the Star-Spangled Banner comes to mind, or midshipmen on the Annapolis parade grounds. But anyone who’s flown around the state will know why it’s called “America in Miniature.” Within an hour and a half C182 flight from High Rock, one could see diverse geographic contrast between rustic hamlets in the forested ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Mountains, the spreading grid of urban Baltimore, and Maryland’s 4,000 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. You’d also experience Maryland’s varied climates, from cooler mountain conditions in the west to warmer, more humid conditions near the coast. High Rock’s 1,700-ft turf airfield offers a backcountry setting less than 100 nm from a region with over 10 million residents. As impressive as the solitude, the setting offers visitors its aviation heritage, thanks to the late Robert Armstrong. Pilots “Bob” and his father Harold collected and restored vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship, including a “Lindy Award” at EAA’s AirVenture for their Aeronca Champ restoration. It was Bob’s wish to preserve the airfield for future generations of aviators to enjoy camaraderie in this sylvan setting. High Rock airfield is named after a nearby overlook that rises 1,000 ft above the forest-lined airfield and offers afternoon shade. Visitors can camp near the river, and in season can angle for trout. Enjoy floating the river in your inflatable or SUP. Find more about High Rock Airfield and the required Safety Briefing in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 30, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

GEM OF THE EAST: HIGH ROCK AIRFIELD IN MARYLAND EXPANDS THE MAP

By Carmine Mowbray • October 30, 2026
An extraordinary private airfield in Maryland has been generously gifted to the RAF by the late Bob Armstrong, honoring his family’s lifelong passion for aviation. High Rock Airfield lies within a sweeping bend of the North Branch of the Potomac River and brings another eastern US destination into the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. A true gem of the East, it offers a real backcountry experience just 85 nm northwest from where the Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses the Potomac in bustling Washington, DC. “We are humbled to have become the stewards of this special place, and will honor the Armstrong family’s legacy by creating a welcoming place to enjoy the fellowship of backcountry aviation,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Bob and his father, Lt. Col. Harold Armstrong, were indeed passionate about aviation and based their multiple rare aircraft here. Bob was a lifetime member of the EAA, the Aeronca Club, AOPA, the QB Club, the OX-5 Organization, the Cumberland Soaring Group, the Soaring Society of America, and the Vintage Sailplane Association. He and Harold collected vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship. One Aeronca Champ restoration won the highest “Lindy Award” honors at EAA’s AirVenture competition in Oshkosh.