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

WORTH THE READ – JEANNE MACPHERSON GUEST EDITORIAL

April 30, 2024

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Jeanne MacPherson, a longtime RAF supporter. Here is her philosophy on life, and how it relates to flying . . . Can we ever become accomplished enough…

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CALL TO ACTION: BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE 18 OF UTAH’S SCENIC BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIPS

April 29, 2024

The BLM has progressed in the process of revising its Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) and invites public comments to guide their final decision. The BLM is proposing that aircraft only be allowed to take off and land at the Bluff Airport and the Fry Canyon Airstrip. By placing…

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MEET US IN MAY!

April 27, 2024

The RAF will be attending many events in May. Look at our Event Calendar to learn where you can get involved! We’ll be at Cavanaugh Bay, ID May 3-5 for a weekend work party to repair/replace irrigation sprinklers and apply fertilizer to the runway. On May 4th, help us prepare Ryan Field in MT for the annual Ryan Fly-In. Bring your…

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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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