Recreational Aviation Foundation Chairman John McKenna has a way with words. Every time we speak, I leave the conversation marveling at his turn of words.
In a recent RAF blog post, “Not Smart” vs “Stupid,” John describes the passivity of the former and the activity of the latter.
His post is ultimately a clever way of gleaning knowledge from the wider world. In this case, backcountry pilots.
The RAF is on a mission to encourage backcountry visitors in general, and backcountry aviators specifically, to do better, and be better regarding safety and etiquette.
“The RAF has two pretty simple reasons for our attention to the subject,” writes John. “We want to continue to see you out there in the backcountry with friends and fellow aviators enjoying this special way to see the world. We want to make sure we do our best to be good stewards so as to attract more people to what we do, and less who want us to go away.”
See what I mean? He has a way with words.
As of July 19, 2025, five people passed along a couple dozen bits of knowledge via the comments area on John’s post. A few of my favorites…
Crista Worthy got right to the point of John’s ask. Following are three of my favorite:
“If you don’t bring chocks and use rocks instead, make sure you move them away so other aircraft don’t roll over them. Grass may grow after you leave and obscure the rocks.
“Don’t land and then takeoff…that’s strip bagging. Land and stay all day or overnight. Go fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, read a book, gaze at the stars, or just relax.
“Practice your short and soft field techniques away from the backcountry.”
Sam Bishop noted, “Remember your propwash and don’t let it blast dirt all over the camp and nearby airplanes. If you have to make a 270° turn to do that, then that’s okay.”
Mark Burke, a 5,000-hour corporate pilot, flew his Maule from North Dakota to Johnson Creek in Idaho with his wife.
“When we landed I told my wife that I was not going anywhere until I found someone to teach me how to fly out [of] there.”
His words of wisdom around learning from instructors rather than personal experience is the better way to go. Click through to read the rest of his humbling comment.
If you have some backcountry wisdom to share, please do.
….”land and read a book”??????……. What good are my 5 cameras? Even if I COULD read a book…who would watch it on my YouTube channel?
Thank you RAF for all you do.
Being a contributor to RAF and having been a camp host many times at Ryan Field (2MT1) I enjoy John’s monthly words of wisdom he sends out to us.
“It is necessary for us to learn from others’ mistakes. You will not live long enough to make them all yourself.” — Hyman Rickover, American admiral
“Experience is a cruel teacher. First she gives you the test; then she teaches you the lesson.” –often cited version of Vern Law’s quote
“Experience is a comb which nature gives to men when they are bald.” -ancient proverb
Over the last 15 years I’ve spent weeks at a time as a volunteer at Moose Creek Ranger Station in the backcountry of Idaho, getting there in my RV9a, and I’ve seen it all. Strip baggers are missing the true beauty of what’s there and oftentimes it’s a group of 3 or 4 noisy planes. The next group are the folks with constant speed props who don’t dial it back as soon as possible. The last are the folks that don’t pack out what they pack in, fortunately they are in the minority. It’s a national treasure back there, let’s keep it that way.
Great article, great sentiment, great advice! And no mentions of glass panels! The Olde Barnstorming mentality of handling an airplane plus rural consideration of other folks. Just love it!
Thanks/Regards/Jim