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

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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 pilots who realized that the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern, and there was the need for a unified effort 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 is announcing 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

November 11, 2026
Volunteers gathered at Rockwood Airport in eastern Tennessee the first weekend of November to continue working on two Fly Rocky Top airfield projects. The RAF project leaders are Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley and Fly Rocky Top Team Lead Jeff Smith of nearby Lenoir City. RAF Ambassadors Kevin Johnson (OR) and George Weaver (ID), along with Liaison Steve Thompson (OK), traveled to help direct the efforts, aided by dozens of local and regional volunteers, many of whom camped on site. Heavy rains had ceased, leaving morning mists and sunshine for outdoor work. The crew concentrated efforts on a large pilot pavilion at Smuggler’s Landing, the 2,400-ft turf landing area with under-wing camping at Rockwood, KRKW, which will be the basecamp for the network of up to seven backcountry airfields, as part of the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. In October, the crew poured concrete for the pavilion, and started building small post-and-beam picnic shelters at McGraw’s Backyard and Higdon Field. The ground at Higdon Field was too soft to return there to finish the picnic shelter, so the crew focused work on McGraw’s and Smuggler’s Landing.
November 10, 2026
The 2026 RAF Photo Contest has concluded. Thanks to our supporters, we had a great turnout of submissions! Our VPs of Appreciation reviewed and judged them anonymously, selecting 20 winning photos. VP of Appreciation Cindy Cross, who facilitates photo contest submissions, said, “I love the RAF Photo Contest. After logging about 200 entries I feel like I went barnstorming around our country in 31 days. Thanks to everyone who shared their sense of adventure and the passion of flying into recreational airstrips. I can’t wait to go flying again!" Each winner will receive a package of high-quality greeting cards with their photo on the front and photo credit on the back. All photos – even those of the non-winners – are archived for possible future use in RAF publicity, including photo credit. Thank you to everyone who participated! It’s not too early to start thinking about photos for next year’s contest!
November 10, 2026
The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places.
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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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