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

ANOTHER TAX BREAK THAT ALSO SUPPORTS YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY

August 5, 2025

IRA’s are great for accumulating retirement income during your working years, only to be hit with high tax rates upon withdrawal. You may have other, more tax efficient resources at retirement than you realize.   Tax code gives RAF supporters a really great tool to fulfill their personal hopes for the foundation. If you are…

Read More

RAF FEATURED VENDOR: MATT JEWETT OF MTN STRAPS

August 5, 2025

When RAF Administrative Director Tricia McKenna met Matt Jewett and his display of locally made Mtn Straps products at the Bozeman farmers market, she loved the looks of their dog collars, dog leashes, and ski pole straps. Knowing that many RAF folks have dogs, she asked Matt to create RAF-branded collars and leashes to sell…

Read More

RAF OUTFITTER AUGUST FEATURED ITEM

August 5, 2025

Your furry friends are going to love showing their RAF support in these collars and leashes! Designed by an RAF supporter, these dog collars and leashes are perfect for man’s best friend! They are made by Mtn Straps and are very durable – perfect for backcountry adventures. The collars are made with premium YKK buckles…

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