Volunteer efforts brought some additions to Montana’s Ryan Field (2MT1), which is owned by the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).
Volunteers worked throughout the season to improve the field, including over extended weekends in October, when skilled volunteers from all over the country worked together to build two more cabins.
The board committed to adding two cabins due to demand during flying season, according to RAF officials.
The new cabins are located along the west side of the field, a few minutes’ hike north of the pilot shelter.
Arriving from as far as Arkansas, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming, volunteers roofed, paneled, and sided the cabins.
RAF Director Mike Perkins organized materials logistics, as the volunteers turned stacks of lumber, corrugated metal, doors, and windows into camping spaces for pilots flying into the backcountry airstrip.
Paul Iverson provided his construction trailer for as long as the crew needed his tools and equipment.
Meanwhile, Tricia McKenna and Berkley Hudson mapped out trails.
Another addition this year was a new fire ring near the barn where folks can enjoy sunsets in the new bright orange Adirondack chairs, RAF officials noted.
Also new are five secure food storage containers — known as “bear boxes” — for campers, officials noted.
Seasonal maintenance was also completed. With the flying season ended, the restroom and shelter water was turned off and the mowing equipment and courtesy car are stowed, officials added.
Learn more about Ryan Field at RAF’s Airfield guide here.