Website Terms of Use
Last Modified: 6/15/2025 Acceptance of the Terms of UseThese terms of use are entered into by and between you and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (“RAF” “Foundation,” “we,” or “us“). The following terms and conditions (“Terms of Use“) govern your access to and use of theraf.org, including any content, functionality, and services (including airfield.guide.theraf.org) offered on…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: LYNN MARETH GUEST EDITORIAL
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 Lynn Mareth, an RAF Ambassador and leader of the Backcountry Etiquette Team. Spring is in the air here in northwest Montana. The swallows have returned to our…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS PREPARE LAKEWOOD LODGE FOR FLYING SEASON
A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…
Read MoreRAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO ALASKA USFS CABIN
RAF Alaska/Michigan Ambassador Rob Aho and Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Ambassador Kari DeFreest were awarded an RAF grant toward reconstruction and repairs at the US Forest Service Black Bear Cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. The fly-in cabin is 50 air miles west-northwest of Ketchikan and provides hiking, camping, hunting,…
Read MoreRAF TO SERVE DONUTS AND COFFEE AT AOPA’S TOWN HALLS
Join the RAF at Bozeman International Airport (KBZN) Saturday, June 14 for your opportunity to meet AOPA’s new President, Darren Pleasance. He’s touring the country, sharing his vision for GA’s future and AOPA’s exciting mission to promote aviation and protect our freedom to fly. The RAF will be there in our orange shirts, beginning with…
Read MorePASSION NEEDS PERSISTENCE TO GET ANYWHERE
“Ambition is the path to success, but persistence is the vehicle you will arrive in.” William “Bill” Bradley, the former NBA star and US Senator from New Jersey said this. Substitute “Passion” for “Ambition,” and you’ve pretty well summed up the RAF. Everything at the RAF starts with building a relationship. That relationship can be with…
Read MoreWHAT? NO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES, YOU ASK?
We are proud that the RAF stands out as the trusted group of people who preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational enjoyment. The RAF isn’t a “membership” organization. We prefer the word “supporter” because that’s what you are. Those who like what we do send a contribution supporting our work. Those who love what we do send even more. Many volunteer their time and talents,…
Read MoreROBERT MILLER
You can’t miss Robert Miller’s big smile as he steps out of his beautiful yellow and white Cessna 185, N185WV. Robert has flown all over the country, and his contributions to the RAF over the years have been many, especially at Ryan Field while Robert lived in northwest Montana. With his experience and love of mountain…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS MAINTAIN SACATON, NEW MEXICO AIRSTRIP
RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller’s call for volunteers in May brought folks from as far as 270 nm who flew in to Sacaton airstrip to help with seasonal maintenance. Keller himself drove 250 miles one way to oversee the group of volunteers. At the work party, volunteers installed a new windsock, repainted the segmented circle, and removed vegetation from the…
Read MoreVOLUNTEERS DIG DEEP TO MAINTAIN FACILITIES AT TRIGGER GAP
It all started years ago by building a relationship between The Nature Conservancy and the RAF. Arkansas pilots and RAF Liaisons Harper Goodwin and Dave Powell connected with the regional folks at The Nature Conservancy, the organization known for its efforts to advance effective, lasting land and environmental conservation. Shortly, they found common ground between…
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