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?

Join Now

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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Volunteer

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

WHAT IS RECREATIONAL AVIATION?

April 25, 2025

From turf airstrips in mountain settings, to small suburban airports, the RAF understands that flying someplace for recreation means many things. It’s visiting special places where the laptop and briefcase aren’t coming along. The RAF supports recreational destinations with a grassroots feel, where there are no instrument procedures, and your radio only need be tuned to…

UTILIZE THE RAF EVENT CALENDAR TO PLAN YOUR FLYING SEASON

April 24, 2025

As the weather gets warmer, we encourage you to view the RAF’s Event Calendar on our website to plan your trips! Connect with other pilots, get involved in work parties, and spend time with your RAF friends. All events listed on our event calendar have an RAF volunteer in attendance, so it’s a great way…

RYAN FLY IN REGISTRATION FULL FOR AIRPLANES

April 22, 2025

We have reached our airplane capacity for the 2025 Ryan Fly In. If you are currently registered and need to cancel, please let us know so there is room for others.To get on the waitlist to fly in, please fill out registration; we will notify you if there are any cancellations.There is still room to…