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 to either donate or simply fill out your contact information so you will receive our communications. 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.

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.

Event Calendar

Team RAF


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

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 2024. Read the Press Release!

Latest News

HENDERSON FIELD, IL HOSTS STARGAZING PARTY

October 15, 2024

RAF Illinois Ambassador Dave Warner invited the Carbondale-based Astrological Association of Southern Illinois, AASI to bring a selection of professional quality telescopes to privately owned Henderson Field, 95IL last year. “It was an easy sell, since we have such dark skies,” he said. “ Again this year, Warner organized the gathering, and AASI provided several…

Read More

BLM ISSUES DRAFT HENRY MOUNTAINS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN

October 15, 2024

RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots Board Member Wendy Lessig reports that the BLM has issued the Henry Mountains draft Travel Management Plan for public comment, open through October 26. “There are 30 airstrips in the Henry Mountains, roughly one fourth of all of Utah’s airstrips on BLM land,” Lessig said. This TMP…

Read More

GOT IT ALONE. . .NOT!

October 15, 2024

This past couple of weeks brought this home to me in a pretty obvious showing. Moose Creek USFS airstrip in Idaho is a backcountry gem. Recently it endured a one-two punch from a never seen before windstorm, followed by a fierce forest fire. This, however did not stop a long-planned project to rebuild a mile…

Read More

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.

 

Get Involved