Ryan Field

Ryan Field (2MT1), a private airstrip co-owned by the RAF and Ben and Butchie Ryan, is located one mile southeast of West Glacier, MT, and is depicted on the Great Falls Sectional Chart. It is open to pilots with the requirement that each pilot request and receive a current safety briefing on an annual basis.

The request can be made electronically by clicking "Ryan Field Safety Briefing Request" on the "Pilot Info" menu of our website, or by clicking here.

You will receive by return email a current safety briefing for Ryan Field valid only for the pilot making the request. The RAF needs to have electronic record of who requested and received the briefing. This briefing is valid only for the year issued as field conditions may change from year to year.

What’s Available At Ryan Field?

Pilot registration box – please sign in.

·         Eight tie-down spots plus other parking areas

·         24’ X 30’ camping shelter with wood cook stove and wood supply

·         Large outdoor masonry BBQ with grill

·         Numerous picnic tables

·         Level, grassy tent camping sites

·         Regulation sized horseshoe pits with shoes and game instructions

·         Vault toilet

·         Information posted in the pilot shelter includes:

·         White water rafting information (customer pick up and return)

·         Menu for Belton Chalet restaurant in West Glacier (excellent food and drink)

·         Emergency instructions in case of an accident

·         There is no electricity at the campground

                 Ryan Field - General Information

Caretakers: Chad and Kelley Bruns. They are responsible for the care of the home and yard. They are not responsible for the airstrip or for the maintenance of the pilots’ campground. But they would be glad to assist you and show you around.

Water: Drinking water is available at the house. There is a garden hose behind the fence at the northeast corner of the house. The hose bib is located through a small door on the east side of the house.

Food Storage: This is bear country. All food must be stored in bear proof locations. There are three steel food storage containers available. Leave no garbage out.

Firewood: The wood in the pilots’ shelter is for the cook stove. Use other wood for the fire ring outside. No other camp fires are allowed.

Garbage: Either take your garbage with you when you fly out or dispose of it at a garbage container site. A disposal site is located about a mile east of the town of Hungry Horse on the south side of Highway 2. As you are driving from West Glacier to Hungry Horse it will be on your left just after the Packers Roost Bar.

Ben Ryan memorabilia: Ben built three aircraft. They are in the hanger/shop next to the house. Also, there is a display of other interesting items that relate to his career. If the building is locked, the Bruns can let you in. To read Ben Ryan's autobiography click here.

Phone Service: There is good cell coverage at Ryan Field. A local phone book is in the non-food steel storage cabinet in the pilot shelter.

Rental Cars: Located in West Glacier at Glacier Heli-Tours. Phone: 406-387-4141. They will pick you up at Ryan Field. Various models are generally available.

Courtesy Car: The RAF has a courtesy car available on a first come, first served basis. Instructions are in the vehicle log book located in the visitor sign-in mail box.

Walking to West Glacier: One mile walking trail through the forest. Details and map located in the pilot shelter.

West Glacier Information: Scroll down for complete information.

Open Seasonally:

         On Highway 2 south of the railroad:

Gas Station and Café (good breakfasts)

Belton Chalet (lodge with restaurant and bar) 406-888-5000

Glacier Highland Motel 406-888-5427

Book store in RR station

North of railroad underpass:

West Glacier Restaurant and Bar

West Glacier food market

Gift shop

Gas station

ATM

Alberta Visitors’ Center

Coin operated laundry

Golf Course – 18 holes – plus restaurant

Open All Year:

          U. S. Post Office

          Glacier National Park entrance

Other shopping choices

            Hungry Horse (10 mi. w. of West Glacier on Highway 2)

IGA grocery store

Liquor store

Ryan Field Visitor Log Information

In order for the RAF to maintain accurate records of the usage of Ryan Field, please provide the following information when you register at the pilot sign-in box:

- Date

- Name and hometown (not identifier)

- Aircraft make, model and N number

- Number in party

- Length of stay

The RAF has annual expenses with the operation and maintenance of Ryan Field. This includes property taxes and insurance. It is suggested that you make a minimum donation to the RAF of $10.00 per night and $10.00 with each use of the courtesy car. Donations may be left in the box in the pilot shelter. Receipts will be sent upon request or if your donation is made by check. If donations exceed needs, the remainder will be used to further the RAF mission.

The RAF would appreciate any comments you would like to make in regard to Ryan Field operations. If you did any work, please describe briefly.

Ryan Field is a very place and we hope that you all enjoy your time there.