‘BACKCOUNTRY’ MEANS MORE THAN YOU THINK

For many, the word “backcountry” brings to mind a setting in the wilderness. We at the RAF consider “backcountry” to be more than a place. It describes a style of flying we enjoy. Where patterns may not be rectangles, and where extra care must be taken to safely land and depart. In our world, “backcountry” is about a thorough understanding of field conditions and aircraft performance along with flexibility and sound judgement,  consideration of others, with safety always at the forefront. Our reward is the satisfaction of exercising this unique skill, either solo or sharing it with others.

“Backcountry” describes a wide range of aviation, accessing a variety of landscapes. Our volunteers invest their labor, and supporters generously donate to help provide improvements you can enjoy throughout our entire country, be it the public lands of the west, the prairies in the middle, or the private gems in the east.

We thank you, our supporters, for entrusting us to protect aviation access, and improve the backcountry.

Submitted on June 11, 2025.