The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

HOW DO I JOIN?

The RAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, however, we are not a membership organization. We rely solely on donations to fulfill the RAF mission. To become an RAF supporter, click the Join Now button or click the Donate button in the website menu. To become a volunteer, click the Volunteer button to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Welcome to the RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was founded by a group of Montana pilots who realized that the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern. They also recognized that there was the need for a unified effort by pilots everywhere to protect public recreational opportunities. The RAF is dedicated to preserving existing airstrips and creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States.

RAF Event Calendar

Team RAF


Support our work with your tax-deductible donation. The RAF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

GET TO KNOW US

The RAF Way

Ryan Barn, MT

Trigger Gap, AR

The RAF implements its mission through these Guiding Principles:

We believe that aviation is a valid form of accessing recreational resources on public and private lands.

We believe in collaboration with both public and private entities to arrive at solutions that provide benefit to all parties.

We value the relationships of all stakeholders – both public and private – and commit to fostering relationships based upon integrity and transparency.

We believe that creation of new recreational airstrips will encourage the general aviation community to get out and recreate as well as provide more dispersed recreational opportunities.

We prioritize safety - from pre-flight planning to the experiences on the ground where our planes have taken us - and consider it a lifetime commitment, rather than an isolated event.

DID YOU HEAR? RAF supporters will receive a $1,000 discount on the purchase of Hartzell Propeller's Voyager, Pathfinder, Explorer, and Trailblazer propellers through 2025. Read the Press Release!

Latest News

THE RAF WARMLY WELCOMES DEAN CASTILLO OF VIRGINIA TO THE LIAISON TEAM

July 7, 2025

Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’”  Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the…

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RAF OUTFITTER JULY FEATURED ITEM

July 5, 2025

Show off your RAF support in these Airstrip Hats! These buttonless hats are a summer flying must-have! This special collection of hats features several airstrips that the RAF has impacted significantly. Choose hats with your favorite strips and wear them proudly! These hats are buttonless and feature a velcro closure. Each hat displays the RAF logo…

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WORTH THE READ: LUKE LACHENDRO GUEST EDITORIAL

June 27, 2025

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 Luke Lachendro, a Wisconsin pilot and an RAF Ambassador. Preserving More Than Airstrips In aviation, we often talk about freedom. The ability to lift off from the ground…

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Volunteer for the RAF

Did you know…the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) achieves its mission almost entirely through the efforts of volunteers?

It's why you learned to fly

Aviators are hungry for new places to go, where new and memorable adventures await.

 

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