News

People often think of donations as one-time events: a check sent in, a quick online transaction, or a few dollars given at a fly in. While these gifts are vital, there’s another way to give that can have an even greater impact: recurring donations. Did you know you can set your RAF donation to recur…

RAF Director Jeff Russell was honored with AOPA’s 2025 Laurence P. Sharples Award at their annual Hoover awards reception on March 19 in the historic Terminal A Lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. AOPA Chairman Darren Pleasance introduced Russell, saying, “This is AOPA’s most important award, named after AOPA’s first chairman, and recognizes someone…

Many companies will match employees’ donations to recognized nonprofits, doubling the value of a gift. Some even match employees’ volunteer time, doubling the effect of their efforts. We encourage you to explore this way of stretching your donation farther, leveraging your valuable time and dollars. Examples of employers who offer this matching program are Microsoft, Deloitte, GE, and IBM, but there are many more, from A…

The RAF thanks Aviat Aircraft for graciously hosting our volunteers in their prime location throughout the week of Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, April 1-6. Aviat’s eye-catching, RAF-branded Husky drew folks in to examine the capable aircraft, and learn the RAF story.  Thank you to all who attended the “Power of Partnership” Forum, with presenters Matt Hofeldt, VP of Brand at Aviat…

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. These folks enjoy serving as advocates in their respective states, helping the RAF preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza says, “Being an RAF State Liaison is one of the most fulfilling roles…

Our friends at Hartzell Propeller have just announced their new Carbon Voyager propeller, and that RAF supporters can take advantage of Hartzell’s popular $1,000 discount on its purchase through 2025. This generous discount offer has been extended for the fifth consecutive year and includes the Pathfinder, Trailblazer, and Voyager propeller. As an additional benefit, for each discounted propeller…

The Ryan Fly In is scheduled for June 27-29, 2025 at Ryan Field, Montana. Be looking in our April 15 email for the registration link. Space is limited, so please be sure to register early! Drive-in camping is permitted for the fly in on a first-come, first-served basis. We have very limited space, so please…

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about how we get so much done at the RAF. It all starts with building a relationship. Relationships truly make things happen. What you’ll note generally about a strong relationship is that it’s built on a shared personal connection. Not one designed to drive clicks, but rather one that…

Volunteers from Utah Back Country Pilots, (UBCP) recently made the effort to fly in to Ibex-Tule Valley Hardpan dry lake bed after learning that visitors had left a mess. The area is popular for primitive camping and is accessible by car. The volunteer pilots spent two days refurbishing the area, and removed two old vehicle…