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

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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.

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, and 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.



This year, the RAF is Expanding The Map - and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in our history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF will announce the opening and reopening of 15+ airstrips across the U.S.


Learn more here

Event Calendar

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 2026. Read the Press Release!

Latest News

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: FRONT ROYAL-WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT, VA

By Carmine Mowbray • October 1, 2026
Virginia’s Front Royal–Warren County Airport lies just beyond the busy Washington ADIZ, less than 60 nm west of the congestion of Ronald Reagan International. You’ll land with the scenic backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley as the Shenandoah River winds past the iconic Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. This is your ideal opportunity to land, camp, and enjoy hiking or biking the beautiful trails in George Washington National Park, just two miles away. RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky serves as chair of the Front Royal–Warren County Airport Commission, and knows why folks love to land there. “It’s a great little airport with a lot to offer," he says. "KFRR is the gateway to Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, with lots of camping, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. It’s the best way to access all those great amenities.” Many pilots fly into KFRR and spend a night at the campsite either prior to or after hiking. Front Royal is an “AT Community,” welcoming Appalachian Trail hikers who are likely to experience what’s called “trail magic,” assistance from local strangers like a ride into town for supplies, encouragement, and other kind actions. In May 2026, Kosubinsky organized a work party with volunteers from his airport commission and the RAF. “The campsite has been transformed into a welcoming destination that pilots and campers will enjoy for years to come,” he says. They installed a new RAF-branded fire ring and stacked plenty of firewood. Fly-in campers will enjoy water, electricity, and restrooms. There is a fishing pond on the southwest corner of the property (license required). This public use airport has a paved 3,000-ft runway. (It’s hoped that a parallel turf operating area may be a future option.) Visitors have full-time access to the small terminal building. “We have a courtesy car and the cheapest fuel in the area,” Kosubinsky adds. The airport hosts active skydiving and soaring clubs, annual Wings and Wheels gatherings, and aircraft service and flight training is available. Find more on the Front Royal-Warren County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted September 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray 

RAF PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH

September 29, 2026
October 1st is the first day of the 2026 Photo Contest! It’s time to gather your favorites from the last year of flying.

RAF WYOMING TEAM GATHERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR GLENDO IMPROVEMENTS

September 29, 2026
An RAF grant was awarded to Wyoming Liaison Joe Feiler and VP of Appreciation Toni Wright for improvements at Thomas Memorial Airport (76V) in Glendo, WY. Wright assembled the grant application details and secured commitments from the mayor, city council members, and others. “Of all the airfields in Wyoming, Glendo holds the highest recreational value, and aligns best with the RAF mission,” Feiler said. The maintained turf airstrip is adjacent to Glendo State Park. Within walking distance, there is camping, hunting, fishing, and canoeing. The park has 45 miles of non-motorized hiking and biking trails and an archery range. It is a 30-minute walk to town or Glendo Reservoir. The grant will provide materials for a new vault toilet, a 10x20 prefab Pine Ridge cabin with a solar charging station, a picnic shelter, and an RAF fire ring. “Several folks offered whatever help would be necessary. It is all very exciting,” Wright said. She and Feiler are hopeful for community buy-in from the City, the Wheatland pilot group, and EAA Chapter 420. They have already received a few private donations. “I landed there before a city council meeting, and a pilot landed right after me. We chatted about the project, and he immediately donated cash from his wallet and said that an additional check would be on the way. I took this as an amazing sign that there is tremendous interest from pilots in providing more amenities at Glendo,” Wright said. Volunteers and the city will provide machinery and labor for excavation and dirt work. The mayor volunteered to do the framing. The city will provide gravel, and food and drinks for the work crew. Volunteers will do all staining, painting, and trim work. Wright said that she and Feiler will secure loaner bikes for visitors in conjunction with the Torrington police department. For over 20 years, Glendo has hosted an annual fly-in, which sees hundreds of attendees with airplane rides, parachuting, a free barbecue lunch provided by the city, and other family-friendly activities. This year, Feiler and Wright announced the grant to attendees, with Glendo’s mayor and town council members also present. RAF WY/UT Ambassador Karen Larson was also there for the announcement. The project could be completed by the end of fall 2026, weather permitting. “I personally am so excited I can barely sit still!” Wright added. 76V is in the RAF Airfield Guide .
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Did you know…the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) achieves its mission almost entirely through the efforts of volunteers?

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