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

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

Donate Today

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

Donate Today

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

Donate Today

HOW DO I JOIN?

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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.

Volunteer

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

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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

VOLUNTEERS PREPARE LAKEWOOD LODGE FOR FLYING SEASON

May 28, 2025

A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…

RAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO ALASKA USFS CABIN

May 27, 2025

RAF Alaska/Michigan Ambassador Rob Aho and Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Ambassador Kari DeFreest were awarded an RAF grant toward reconstruction and repairs at the US Forest Service Black Bear Cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. The fly-in cabin is 50 air miles west-northwest of Ketchikan and provides hiking, camping, hunting,…

RAF TO SERVE DONUTS AND COFFEE AT AOPA’S TOWN HALLS

May 26, 2025

Join the RAF at Bozeman International Airport (KBZN) Saturday, June 14 for your opportunity to meet AOPA’s new President, Darren Pleasance. He’s touring the country, sharing his vision for GA’s future and AOPA’s exciting mission to promote aviation and protect our freedom to fly. The RAF will be there in our orange shirts, beginning with…