What We're All About
Pilots Taking Action
Recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the RAF is using tax-deductible donations to:
- Identify private and public land for the development of new airstrips
- Assist in funding the building of new airstrips on public land
- Develop educational materials to assist pilots in being knowledgeable advocates
- Fund efforts to gain national recognition of backcountry recreational aviation and airstrips as a legitimate use of public lands
- Provide educational information regarding recreational airstrips to members of Congress and their staff
The RAF strives to build strong working relationships with other aviation groups, both on the state and national level. Many of the issues that involve the RAF transcend state boundaries. The RAF encourages various state pilots' organizations to form active committees that work on recreational airstrip issues. To facilitate this, the RAF is forming a cadre of State Liaisons to assist the states in becoming effective leaders in the efforts to protect recreational airstrips.
The RAF facilitates the enactment of state recreational-use statutes amendments to specifically include aviation. These laws considerably reduce a private airstrip landowner's liability when allowing public, non-commercial use of the airstrip.
In order to provide a connection between the backcountry and surrounding communities, the RAF is attracting donors who wish to specifically target their charitable donations locally. These funds have recently been directed toward a campaign to construct pilot shelters at larger, paved airports that serve as gateways to the backcountry. Similar in concept to the rest stops along our interstate highway system, the first of these shelters was constructed at Gallatin Field (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana. It offers pilots a place to pitch a tent on the grass near their airplane, relax in front of a fire and even take a hot shower - all at no charge.
The RAF depends on pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and want to see their dream continue long after they are gone. These situations lend themselves perfectly to the tax-deductions that are available to the donor.
Future
Without the enabling work of the RAF, your recreational opportunities - whether cross-country or backcountry - will continue to diminish as airfields are closed or their use is restricted. Earning your pilot certificate wasn't easy. Creating new airstrips isn't easy either. Nothing worthwhile ever is.
The foundation invites donations of any kind, including land suitable for airstrip development. Cash donations are always welcome and fully tax-deductible. The RAF offers tax and legal assistance for donors, and the Board members receive no compensation. They love flying as much as the rest of us and they're here for us, the pilots… not profits.
RAF Beginning
"If not now, when; and if not us, who?" Those two questions were the basis for this organization we call the Recreational Aviation Foundation, the RAF. These guiding words are as appropriate today as they were a number of years ago when a small group of pilots asked them on that starlit night, sitting around a campfire at a backcountry airstrip.
This group had experienced the rare opportunity to enjoy flying into places needing no developed aviation facilities. No FBO, no nearby motel, not even the old Buick courtesy car. What they were seeking was the smell of tall pines, cowboy coffee, wood smoke, the distant song of a coyote, and the flicker of firelight. They knew these places were great places to bring kids and grandkids, and that someone needed to step up to protect them for the future.
Thus, this group of a half dozen started on a journey that they knew very little about, but they were committed, hard working, and they had no room for the words, “It can’t be done.”
All this is the heart of why the RAF came to be – organized by this group of Montana pilots who realized recreational airstrips were under threat of closure. They'd had a little success with airstrip issues already, and understood the need for a unified effort by pilots everywhere to protect public access to aviation-related recreational opportunities. These people were also aware of the few tools and limited knowledge available to help preserve airstrips on private land.
They got busy, and the RAF was formed and incorporated in Montana, receiving its federal and state non-profit determination in December 2003. They consulted landowners and public land managers, and compiled references upon which sound stewardship decisions could be based.
Since then, the RAF has grown to over 14,000 supporters from all fifty states and 75 countries. The RAF has earned standing in the aviation community, and is thought of as the "go-to" group on preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access on public and private lands.
Mission Statement
“The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.”
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.
RAF Projects by State
Alaska
Amphitheatre Creek - Improved the airstrip by performing general maintenance.
Black Bear Lake - The RAF granted funds to rehabilitate the fly-in cabin at Black Bear Lake. Improvements included reconstructing the front deck, reconstructing the lake-to-cabin trail, clearing brush, replacing broken windows, and completing other deferred maintenance tasks. The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association also contributed to this project. RAF volunteers, National Forest Foundation volunteers, and USFS employees provided labor.
Bold Airstrip - Cleared trees/brush, graded the airstrip, and cleaned the campground.
Childs Glacier - The RAF granted funds to install tie downs and a windsock, and purchase bicycles and a storage shed for the airstrip. RAF volunteers provided labor for the project. The AK Airmen's Association also provided funding for this project.
Fireweed - Performed ongoing improvements to the airstrip.
Glacier Creek - Performed airstrip maintenance.
Heckman Lake - The RAF granted funds to rehabilitate the fly-in cabin at Heckman Lake. Projects included dock repair, ramp cleaning, cabin rehab, and placing a fire ring. This project took years of communication and planning with the US Forest Service. The Seaplane Pilots Association also contributed to this project. RAF volunteers provided labor for this project.
Jake’s Bar - Performed maintenance and enhanced safety. Graded runway and removed brush.
May Creek - Performed ongoing maintenance and brush clearing
Nugget Creek - Graded runway and cleared brush.
Paxson - The RAF provided a grant for a brush cutter to maintain the airstrip.
Peavine - Cleared brush and trees and performed airstrip maintenance.
Arizona
RAF partners with the Arizona Pilots Association (APA) on Arizona airfield projects.
Double Circle Ranch - Worked with the USFS to reopen the airstrip. RAF provided a grant for airfield maintenance. Performed lodge upgrades and roof reconstruction, and installed a fire ring. Signed a Cost Share Agreement with the USFS to facilitate an engineering assessment and further improvements for the lodge with the APA.
Grand Gulch Mine - Reopened the airstrip and performed ongoing maintenance with the APA.
Grapevine - Reopened the airstrip, cleared trees/shrubs, repaired the asphalt, and added amenities. Signed a Cost Share Agreement with the USFS to facilitate an archeological survey, improvements, and ongoing maintenance at the airstrip with the APA, including adding vault toilets and shade ramadas.
Pleasant Valley - Reopened the airstrip, graded the runway, and added amenities. Signed a Cost Share Agreement with the USFS to facilitate an archeological survey, improvements, and ongoing maintenance at the airstrip with the APA, including adding a kiosk.
Red Creek - Improved by performing maintenance with the APA.
Arkansas
Richland Creek - The RAF provided a grant for chairs and a fire ring. Helped build a pavilion and install a composting toilet. Cleared trees.
Sugar Creek - Helped create this airstrip in partnership with FlyOz.
Trigger Gap - Helped create this airstrip in partnership with The Nature Conservancy FlyOz. The RAF provided a grant to open the airstrip, build a pilot pavilion, put up fencing, provide firewood, install picnic tables, plant shade trees, clear trees, and perform ongoing maintenance and mowing. The RAF completes ongoing maintenance at the airfield, with RAF volunteers providing labor.
Ponca International - Helped move the hangar and installed a windsock.
Byrd's Adventure Center - Helped bury a power line near the runway and added a new windsock to the main airstrip.
California
Chicken Strip - Reopened the airstrip in 2018. The RAF provided a grant for a weather station. Ongoing maintenance performed.
Cinder Cone Dry Lake Bed - RAF volunteers dragged the airstrip and performed ongoing maintenance.
Furnace Creek - Preserved the airstrip through advocacy and maintenance.
Goler Heights - Preserved the airstrip through performing maintenance to bring the airstrip back into safe operating condition after years of being out of use.
Gravelly Valley - Installed a new windsock, painted the threshold markers, and improved the runway.
Johannesburg - Reopened the airstrip.
Kern Valley - The RAF provided a grant to install a shower house and make campground improvements.
Las Trancas - The RAF worked with the owners of the airstrip to create a lease agreement, so that it may be preserved and open to the public. Ongoing maintenance is performed.
Lone Pine - The RAF granted funds to help restore the roof and restroom of the airport terminal building, in collaboration with Friends of Lone Pine Airport (FLPA). The building serves as a pilot shelter, a meeting room, an additional restroom and a kitchen for visiting pilots. Additional funds and materials were provided by the County of Inyo and FLPA. FLPA and RAF used volunteer labor whenever possible.
Minietta Mine - Worked to restore the airstrip to usable condition. Removed overgrowth and smoothed ruts in the runway.
New Cuyama - The RAF partnered with the Blue Sky Center to develop an airport campground. Improvements included tent platforms, shade structures, fire rings, and a kiosk. RAF and local volunteers provided labor for the project.
Stovepipe Wells - Saved the airstrip from closure and performed maintenance.
Colorado
Astronaut Kent Rominger Airport - The RAF provided a grant to build a pilot shelter. RAF volunteers provided labor for the project.
La Garita - The RAF granted funds to hire large equipment to remove clump grass and rocks and smooth the airstrip surface. After the work, several tricycle gear aircraft, including a Beechcraft Bonanza, were able to use the airstrip. The work allowed airstrip access to a greater number of aircraft and pilots. La Garita airstrip has since been closed by the owner.
Connecticut
Goodspeed - The RAF facilitated a transfer of ownership of the airfield to keep it open to the public. Also provided a grant to install tent platforms, a kiosk, and fire rings at the airstrip.
Mount Tobe - The RAF provided multiple grants for a kiosk, lawn maintenance equipment, and general maintenance at the airfield. Volunteers installed a picnic table, built a firewood shed, cleared brush, spread gravel for a fire pit, and added an outhouse that includes a privacy enclosure for hanging a solar shower.
Florida
Arcadia - The RAF provided a grant to build a shower house at the airstrip. RAF volunteers provided labor for the project.
Blackwater - The RAF provided multiple grants for airfield maintenance and amenities, including picnic tables and BBQ grills. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance.
Keystone Heights - Worked in conjunction with FSAACA (Florida Sport Aircraft Antique Airplane Association) to install a pilot shelter.
Lakeland - Installed a fire hub.
Wakulla - Created a Call To Action to keep the airport open.
Georgia
Creighton Island - Reopened the airstrip. Provided storm cleanup, cut and milled trees, and mowed the airstrip.RAF volunteers added a weather station at the airstrip.
Meadowlark - Provided brush clearing and maintenance.
Patterson Island - The RAF granted funds to remove tree limbs that were posing a safety hazard at this island airstrip. RAF volunteers provided labor for the project.
Idaho
Big Bar - Performed airstrip maintenance through work parties. The RAF has provided multiple grants to pay HCRC dues.
Big Creek - Improved the airstrip by securing fill dirt.
Cavanaugh Bay - The RAF provided a grant to fertilize the grass on the runway and provide irrigation sprinklers.
Cayuse - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Cougar - Reopened and improved the airstrip.
Dixie - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Driggs - The RAF granted funds to create an underwing camping area, including a pilot shelter, picnic table, BBQ, fire ring, electricity, water, and a portable toilet.
Fish Lake - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Hoodoo Meadows - The RAF provided a grant to reopen the airfield.
Moose Creek - Worked with the USFS to preserve the airstrip. Performed runway work, ranger station repairs, installed new fences and outhouses, and advocated to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Orogrande - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Pittsburg Landing - Performed airstrip maintenance through work parties, helped fund aviation dues for HCRC.
Reed Ranch - Helped reopen the airport by advocating for opening the airport to the public.
Shearer - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan and made improvements to the airstrip.
Wilson Bar - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep the airstrip in the USFS management plan.
Illinois
Havana - The RAF provided a grant for a shower facility at the airstrip. A picnic pavilion and fire pit were installed in coordination with a local EAA chapter.
Henderson Field - The RAF provided a grant for a new windsock, fire ring, and lime application. The grant also funded the rolling of the runway and the addition of runway threshold and designation markers.
Herren-Bess Hollow - The RAF provided a grant for a new windsock and fire ring at the airstrip.
Indiana
Lee Bottom Hanover - The RAF provided a grant to make a donation to the nonprofit that helps maintain the airfield.
Maine
Ashland - The RAF worked with the owners to improve the airfield.
Bowman Field - The RAF provided a grant to build a bathroom facility at the airfield. The airfield owner and RAF volunteers provided labor.
Charles A. Chase Jr. Memorial Field - Organized a Call To Action and advocated to keep the airport open.
Cowboy’s Air Ranch - The RAF provided a grant to extend the runway at this airstrip. Runway grading and lengthening were performed with the help of the National Guard.
Fort Kent - Helped reopen the airstrip by passing a Recreational Use Statute and dispelling concerns about liability. The RAF provided a grant for campground improvements, including a picnic area and shelter. An airport identifier was also secured in 2025.
Norridgewock - The RAF provided a grant to rebuild a parallel grass runway.
Patten / Shin Pond - Improved by helping mend damage.
Ragmuff - The RAF reopened the airstrip and provided a grant to install a new fire ring and picnic table. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance.
Red Pine - The RAF worked in partnership with the Nature Conservancy, who owns Red Pine, to lease the airstrip. This has allowed the airstrip to be preserved and maintained by RAF volunteers. RAF volunteers worked to return the airstrip to a safe condition for backcountry use. Improvements have been made to the camping amenities, and the airstrip now has an FAA identifier. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance.
Webber Jones - Improved the airstrip by performing runway work.
Maryland
Essex Skypark - Worked in conjunction with AOPA and EAA for the protection of the airport.
Massachusetts
Katama - The RAF provided a grant to contribute to the pilot gathering area at the airstrip.
Myrick's - Helped preserve the airstrip by speaking with the owner about how to keep an airfield going.
Trade Wind - Preserved the airstrip by assisting in keeping it open.
Michigan
Chesaning (Howard Nixon) - Held a work party to improve the airstrip.
Hanley Field - The RAF provided a grant to build a pilot facility and install a fire ring.
North Fox Island - RAF volunteers worked for years to reopen the airstrip. The RAF provided a grant to purchase a mower and stump grinder and perform maintenance to restore the airstrip to a safe condition, officially reopening in 2015. Ongoing maintenance is performed at the airstrip by RAF volunteers.
Two Hearted - The RAF worked with Michigan Dept. of Aeronautics to obtain a lease agreement for the airfield between the RAF and the State of MI. The RAF provided funds to reclaim, lengthen, and open the airfield. Ongoing maintenance is performed by RAF volunteers.
Minnesota
Bowstring - The RAF provided a grant for camping area improvements at the airstrip. Created a Call To Action to show support for the airstrip.
Cherry Grove - Prevented the airport from closure because of Minnesota’s Recreational Use Statute protections.
Isle Airport - The RAF provided a grant for tree removal at the airstrip, which saved the airstrip from closure. The RAF partnered with the Isle Airport Association on the project.
Missouri
Excelsior Springs - Preserved the airstrip by advocating to keep it open.
Montana
RAF partners with the Montana Pilots Association (MPA) on Montana airfield projects.
Benchmark - RAF volunteers completed periodic maintenance and campground improvements with the MPA.
Black Butte North - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure, in collaboration with the MPA.
Bozeman - The RAF built a pilot shelter at the airport.
Cow Creek - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure. Performed improvements at work parties with the MPA.
Heller Bottom - Advised the airstrip owner on how to preserve the airstrip in the future.
Knox Ridge - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure, in collaboration with the MPA.
Left Coulee - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure, in collaboration with the MPA.
Lincoln - Performed airstrip improvements with the MPA.
Meadow Creek - Installed bear boxes and cones. Perform ongoing maintenance with the MPA.
Russian Flat - The RAF worked with the BLM and MPA to create this airstrip and performed ongoing maintenance.
Ryan Field - Ryan Field is owned by the RAF and located on the border of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. The airstrip and surrounding 152-acre property were generously donated to the RAF by aviators Ben Ryan and Butchie Ryan, who originally built and used the strip for private flying. Under RAF stewardship, Ryan Field has been developed into a backcountry destination. The facilities include a grass runway, tie-down spots, a pilot shelter with a wood cook-stove, a newly built barn with indoor shower and bathroom facilities, picnic tables, an outdoor stone BBQ, a fire ring, and amenities for camping — including four hard-sided cabins, vault toilet, and a primitive shower enclosure, which have all been added by the RAF.
Schafer Meadows - The RAF provided grants to install new fire rings and a picnic table at the airstrip. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance with the MPA.
Spotted Bear - Replaced and repaired windsocks, painted the outhouse, and installed a new roof on the storage shed. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance with the MPA.
St. Ignatius - The RAF provided a grant to build a pavilion, install a fire pit/venting, tie downs, and pour concrete, in collaboration with the MPA.
West Yellowstone - The RAF provided grants to install new fire rings and a new picnic table at the airstrip, in collaboration with the MPA and MT Aeronautics. RAF volunteers helped build a gazebo.
Winifred - Assisted in plans to build a pilot shelter at the airstrip with the MPA.
Woodhawk - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure, in collaboration with the MPA.
New Hampshire
Alton Bay - The RAF provided grants to help improve the ice runway by performing maintenance.
Bellamy River - Helped save the airstrip from closure by providing information to the owner and advocating to keep the airstrip open.
Parlin - The RAF provided a grant for camping area improvements at the airstrip. RAF and local volunteers provided labor.
Wentworth - The RAF made an agreement to do upkeep at the airstrip in exchange for provisional use of the airstrip and its recreational amenities.
Hawthorne-Feather Airpark - Saved the airstrip from closure by helping the previous owners find an aviation buyer. RAF volunteers put together a business plan that ultimately helped make the deal happen and keep the airstrip open to aviators. RAF volunteers assist with ongoing maintenece.
New Mexico
RAF partners with the New Mexico Pilots Association (NMPA) on New Mexico airfield projects.
Amigos del Cielo - The RAF provided grants to lengthen the runway, install new windsocks, and provide a roller tire replacement. RAF volunteers provided labor for the projects.
Beaverhead - Improving the airstrip by performing ongoing maintenance with the NMPA.
Cuba - Preserved the airstrip by reclaiming it from disrepair to allow public use. RAF volunteers met with the BLM to improve the airstrip
Grant Besley - Helped open the airstrip by assisting the owners in putting in a runway. RAF volunteers also helped with airstrip maintenance after its opening.
Jewett Mesa - RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance at the airstrip with the NMPA.
Me-Own - The RAF works with the USFS to perform ongoing maintenance and tree clearing at the airstrip. As part of a Cost Share Agreement with the USFS, RAF volunteers facilitated renovations on the building, including a new roof with solar panels.
Murrow Field on the Divide - RAF volunteers improved the grass strip area.
Negrito - The RAF provided a grant for outhouse maintenance at the airstrip. RAF volunteers perform annual maintenance with the NMPA and have replaced a worn-down fence.
Rainy Mesa - Reopened and rehabilitated the airstrip. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance with the NMPA.
Reserve - Preserved the airstrip through advocacy and airstrip improvements with the NMPA. RAF volunteers helped install fire rings.
Sacaton - Worked with the USFS using a Cost Share Agreement to rehabilitate and reopen the airstrip. Other improvements include installing a vault toilet, placing four picnic tables, and installing shade structures. RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance with the NMPA.
New York
Boonville - The RAF sponsored safety seminars at the airstrip.
Marcy Field - The RAF provided grants for airfield safety improvements and signage.
North Carolina
Brasstown - Maintaining access by maintaining a relationship with the airfield’s owner.
Jackson County - Communicated with the airport manager about how to add camping amenities.
Ohio
Noble County - The RAF provided a grant to install tent pads, a pilot shelter, a fire ring, and gorilla carts.
Swank Farms - The RAF provided a fire ring for the airstrip.
Oregon
B&H - RAF volunteers performed maintenance on the airstrip.
Cache Creek - RAF volunteers performed annual maintenance on the airstrip. The RAF provided a grant to pay HCRC dues.
Chukar Flats - RAF volunteers performed ongoing maintenance at the airstrip.
Cold Springs Guard Station - The RAF advocated to reopen the airstrip.
Dug Bar - The RAF provided a grant for a four-wheeler and trailer at the airstrip and to pay HCRC dues. RAF volunteers have hosted work parties for airfield maintenance.
Lord Flat - The RAF provided a grant to pay HCRC dues. RAF volunteers performed annual maintenance on the airstrip.
McKenzie Bridge - The RAF has provided grants for airstrip maintenance and repairs to the runway and camping areas.
Memaloose - The RAF provided a grant to pay HCRC dues. RAF volunteers performed annual maintenance on the airstrip.
Minam River Lodge - RAF volunteers performed a cleanup in order to preserve the airstrip. Volunteers have since installed webcams and performed ongoing maintenance.
Mountain Views - The RAF assisted the airfield owners in opening this new field.
Nehalem Bay State Park - RAF volunteers perform ongoing maintenance of the airfield and campground.
Owyhee Reservoir (Pelican Point) - Saved the airstrip by advocating to keep it open. RAF volunteers performed runway improvements
Pacific City State - Showed support to keep the airport open. The RAF provided a grant to build a bike shed at the airport with the assistance of the Friends of Pacific City State Airport.
Pittsburg Landing - RAF volunteers performed annual maintenance, including mowing. The RAF provided a grant to pay HCRC dues.
Rager - The RAF provided grants for airfield maintenance and the installation of a winsock, picnic table, and fire ring.
Reds Horse Ranch - The RAF provided grants for airfield maintenance and mowing. RAF volunteers performed brush removal.
Salmon Bar - The RAF provided grants to pay for the HCRC dues. RAF volunteers have held work parties for airfield maintenance.
Silver Lake - Advocated to save the airstrip from closure. RAF volunteers mowed the airstrip and performed general maintenance at the airstrip.
Siletz Bay - The RAF provided a grant to improve the camping area. RAF volunteers cleard brush and placed a new picnic table and fire ring at the revitalized camping area.
Sluice Creek - The RAF provided a grant to pay HCRC dues. RAF volunteers have held work parties for airfield maintenance.
Sunrise Valley - The RAF assisted the owners with creating and opening the airstrip.
Toketee - RAF volunteers installed a fire ring and performed campground improvements.
Wild Billy Lake - The RAF assisted the owners with creating and opening the airstrip.
Pennsylvania
Clarion County - The RAF provided a grant to improve the camping facilities and install picnic tables and fire rings at the airstrip.
South Carolina
Triple Tree Aerodrome - The RAF installed a fire hub at the aerodrome.
Texas
Big Bend Ranch State Park - Reopened the airstrip by advocating to make the airstrip available for public use.
San Marcos - Installed a fire hub at the airstrip.
Ranger - The RAF held a work party to restore the airfield’s historic hangar.
Utah
RAF partners with the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association (UBCP) on Utah airfield projects.
Cedar Mountain - Scouted for a weather station location. Worked in collaboration with the UBCP.
Boulder - Helped reopen the airstrip by attending meetings and advocating for the airstrip’s recreational value. Preserved the airstrip by working with the BLM to create a Call To Action for the airstrip, along with a Travel Management Plan. The BLM approved the airstrip for recreational use. Worked in collaboration with the UBCP.
Escalante - Worked with the UBCP to build a pilot shelter at the airstrip.
Fremont Island Lower - RAF volunteers obtained an FAA airport identifier on behalf of the UBCP.
Fremont Island Upper - RAF volunteers obtained an FAA airport identifier on behalf of the UBCP.
Locomotive Springs - RAF volunteers dragged the runway surface and obtained an FAA identifier on behalf of the UBCP.
Mackie Ranch - RAF volunteers improved the airstrip by maintaining the parking area and installing a composting toilet and fire ring. Worked in collaboration with the UBCP.
Rustler Canyon - RAF volunteers obtained an FAA airport identifier on behalf of the UBCP.
Mexican Mountain - RAF volunteers performed maintenance at the airstrip, restoring the runway. Worked in collaboration with the UBCP.
Glastar Airport - RAF volunteers obtained an FAA identifier for the airstrip on behalf of the airstrip owner. Worked in collaboration with the UBCP.
The RAF preserved the following airstrips in collaboration with the UBCP by working with the BLM to create a Call To Action for the airstrip, along with a Travel Management Plan. The BLM approved the airstrip for recreational use.
- Angel Point, Big Thompson Mesa, Cave Flat, Cliff Dweller, Eagle Benches North, Gold Creek / Shootering, Hidden Splendor, McKay Flat, Middle Canyon, Nielson Wash, Point of Rocks, Road Junction 95-276, Robbers Roost / Little Y, Sagebrush Bench, Sams Mesa, Simplot / Funky, Starr Spring, Gruvers Mesa, Horseshoe Canyon
Vermont
Allenholm - The RAF provided a grant to keep the airstrip open for public use. RAF volunteers performed airstrip maintenance.
Caledonia - The RAF helped keep the airstrip open by assisting in finding a buyer.
Middlebury - RAF volunteers provided information to the airport owner about adding a grass runway.
Morrisville-Stowe - RAF volunteers provided the airstrip owner with recommendations and guidance on runway updates.
Virginia
Barrows Field - The RAF provided a grant for campground improvements and installation of a fire ring.
Ingall’s Field - The RAF provided a grant for a fire ring and barbecue at the pilot shelter.
Washington
Avey Field - The RAF provided grants for airfield maintenance, campsite improvements, and an outhouse. The RAF has an ongoing maintenance agreement for Avey Field.
Lower Granite State Park - RAF volunteers performed airstrip maintenance at work parties.
Olympic Field - The RAF provided grants for a bathhouse and kiosk to be built and installed at the airstrip. RAF volunteers provided labor, tools, and equipment for the project.
Ranger Creek/Greenwater - RAF volunteers performed runway work, cleared brush, and replaced windsocks at the airstrip.
Skykomish State - RAF volunteers performed maintenance at the airstrip at a work party.
Stehekin - RAF volunteers performed general maintenance at the airstrip, including installing tiedowns.
Sullivan Lake - RAF volunteers performed general maintenance at the airstrip.
West Virginia
Rainelle - The RAF, with the help of donor Scott White, provided a grant to build and install a bathroom and shower house at the airstrip.
Wisconsin
Cornucopia - The RAF provided a grant for airfield maintenance and a pilot shelter, picnic tables, and tie downs at the airstrip. RAF director Jeff Russell was able to get bikes donated for the airfield. RAF volunteers helped build a pilot shelter. The town of Cornucopia and the RAF worked with the WI Bureau of Aeronautics to change the airstrip’s status from private to public use in 2022.
Gillette's Lakewood Lodge - Each year, work parties are held at the airstrip to improve and maintain its recreational access for visiting pilots.
Wyoming
Miracle Mile - The RAF provided grants for airfield maintenance and installation of new windsocks.
Upton - RAF volunteers worked to keep the airport open under threat of closure.
Lusk Municipal - The RAF provided a grant to build a pilot shelter at the airstrip, with the assistance of the local college.
FAQ
What does the RAF do?
Our mission statement says it best: “The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.”
The RAF was founded by a group of pilots who were concerned about the loss of backcountry strips. Since our inception in 2003, we have prevented the closure of airstrips and even built new ones.
Where can I visit with you in person?
We have State Liaisons and Ambassadors who attend fly-ins and events in all areas of the country! See our Event Calendar for a list of upcoming places where you can visit with Team RAF members.
How do I contact you?
Contact us at the address, phone number, or email below:
Recreational Aviation Foundation
1711 W College St
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-582-1723
What have you guys accomplished?
There are many accomplishments that we are proud of, including new airstrips that are now publicly available as a direct result of RAF work. For more details, visit the RAF Timeline.
What are the benefits of donating to the RAF?
Aside from the obvious benefit of helping us preserve, improve, and create public airstrips, you will receive periodic email updates of our progress as well as directed bulletins for issues that affect you.
How will you spend my donation?
Our funds are used directly for preserving and improving airstrips. This includes construction costs of items such as pilot shelters, new runways, and airstrip facilities, and promoting the RAF — all to serve you, the RAF members.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Since the RAF is a 501(c)(3) public charity, all donations are tax deductible.
How long have you been around?
The RAF was founded as a public charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in December 2003.
There are so many advocacy organizations --- IAA, MPA, AOPA, IAF, UBCP --- What do you guys do that’s different?
While many of these organizations concentrate on a single state. We are a national organization concerned about airstrips nationwide. We work closely with many state organizations such as the IAA and the MPA to assist them with local issues.
Planned Giving
It’s Why You Started To Fly
Do you recall the first time that you touched down on a grass airstrip? Perhaps it was where you learned to fly or maybe it was somewhere later in your flight training. The wheels lightly touched on the dew covered grass, there was no screech, and very little, if any, bounce. It may just have been the best landing you recall making. We bet the smile that found its way to your face back then is still there today. In fact the experience was so good that you were excited to do it again, but before departure you unloaded your gear, put on your hiking shoes, and headed off to explore this special place. It is not your typical airport that you are used to. There is no control tower, no departing airlines to wait for, and the hold short line is the large bush at the entrance to the only active runway.
You’re ready to leave and for the first time and you now understand the laborious calculations your flight instructor had you making as you look at those real live 50’ trees at the end of the runway. No longer a line drawing in your training manual as they await your departure. "This will really be fun", you tell yourself. Planned giving means different things to different people, but what we hope it means to you, is the recognition that the core mission of the RAF is to protect these very special places. We appreciate that you might consider some level of a planned gift to the RAF. It will be these kinds of contributions to the RAF that will provide long term lasting value to future aviators. Your gift, whether it is a cash contribution through your will, a life insurance policy, a piece of real estate, or an appreciated stock portfolio, will provide the kind of secure funds that the RAF needs to assure that those special experiences continue to be available to pilots of the future. As said by one of our founding benefactors, “It will probably take 1,000 of us to save it for one”. Please help us by being one of the 1,000.
The RAF is ready to assist you and your planning team wherever needed to match your desires to the RAF’s needs. We respect the fact that you have worked hard, saved your money, and may have some left over that could be directed to the RAF. It is this match of your dollars and our shared passion of recreational aviation, mixed in with a commitment by the RAF to do our best for you that will put a smile on our mutual faces.
Perhaps the question you now find yourself asking is “Will the RAF be here in the future?” Our answer is “Yes it will.” You and so many others have told us that this experience is worth saving. With your help the RAF knows there will be an airplane on a grass strip with laughter and a campfire in the background. Your contribution will allow someone a place to experience a part of aviation that we know you found unique. Because of your memory of that special experience as well as your passion for it, you have, through the RAF, the opportunity to create a legacy like none other.
Contact us at contact@TheRAF.org
