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

MAINE AIRSTRIP BENEFITS FROM RAF-FACILITATED NATIONAL GUARD WORK

July 18, 2025

Pilot Ken “Cowboy” Winiarski owns Cowboys Air Ranch, 84ME in Maine’s “Sunrise” Washington County — the easternmost point where the sun first rises on the nation. The airfield and camping facilities are open for public use, but the runway, at 1,500 feet long, is not suitable for a wide range of GA use. To make…

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RAF AWARDS GRANT FOR MOAB AIRSTRIPS CULTURAL STUDY

July 15, 2025

Five Moab area airstrips are located within a short hike or bike from spectacular red-rock canyons and mountains, and two are suitable for pilots to practice backcountry landings without disturbing other recreational users, RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “All five are excellent airstrips for camping under the dark Utah skies,” she added. But none…

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GOING TO OSHKOSH?

July 14, 2025

Join the RAF at AirVenture again this year! You’re invited upstairs on Hartzell’s Rooftop (booth #289, just outside of Hangar B) on Tuesday, July 22 from 9-11 a.m. for coffee, the best donuts around, great views and conversation! On Wednesday, July 23, visit the Pilot Proficiency Center for Backcountry Flying Day: Classroom 1 Sessions:9:30am Flying Idaho’s…

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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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