PHOTO CONTEST STARTS OCT 1; RUNS THROUGH END OF MONTH

A small plane is parked in a grassy field with mountains in the background

October 1 is the first day of the 2024 Photo Contest! It’s time to submit your favorites.


From October 1-31, send us your best photos of scenic, recreational airstrips. Again this year, we are including the “RAF Mission” category, for photos we feel best illustrate people enjoying recreational aviation, regardless of region. 


Winning images will appear on the popular RAF Thank You cards that go out to thousands of donors and supporters. Winners receive a pack of high quality RAF greeting cards with their image on the front, just in time for the holidays.


Winners from each of five U.S. regions will be selected; plus RAF Mission category. The region is determined by where the photo is taken, not the photographer’s home state.

Entry period: October 1, 2024 until 10 pm MST, October 31, 2024


Eligibility: Open to any RAF supporter, amateurs and professionals alike, including those 18 and under


It’s easy to enter!


Email high resolution digital photos in .jpeg, .jpg, or .png format to Cindy at ccross@theraf.org.

There is a limit of five images per person, so please send only your best.


Standard size (not panoramic) photos in good focus, with good overall composition and lighting are preferred. Avoid clutter. Photos chosen as winners may be slightly edited or cropped to fit well on the cards. Most photos that include people will be judged in the RAF Mission category. Scenic images with aircraft are preferred for regional category entries.



By submitting your photo(s), you give the RAF permission to use your photo in RAF publicity.


Submissions must include:


  • Photographer’s name (Name remains anonymous during judging)
  • If under 18, state the age of the photographer 
  • Phone number
  • Location of photo (airstrip and state)
  • Identify any faces in the image, and obtain permission from them for this use
  • If sending in photos of children, you must first obtain parent/guardian permission to use the images


Our judges are our volunteer VP’s of Appreciation who write all the RAF thank you cards. They favor photos with airplanes, great scenery, and people enjoying the experience.


Winners will be announced in November. Each winner will receive a package of high quality greeting cards with their photo on the front; and their photo credit on the back.


Submitted September 19, 2024. Cover photo by Scott Newman, 2023 West Region Winner.

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

GARRISON DAM RECREATIONAL AIRPARK IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE

September 11, 2026
“We had a busy day at Garrison Dam Recreational Airpark, as we continue to work on the underwing camping area,” RAF North Dakota Liaison Brian Rau reported. Rau was awarded an RAF grant in spring of 2026 to convert an adjacent day-use park into an airport camping area, and had organized volunteers who began the project in May. The airport, 37N, is closed while the runway and taxiway are being upgraded by a contractor for the ND Aeronautics Commission.

PACK A TRASH BAG

By Stef Goza • September 9, 2026
You know the feeling. You set the airplane down somewhere spectacular, shut off the engine, and enjoy the pristine landscape in front of you. This is why you fly. Keeping airstrips pristine is everyone's responsibility. But one item that doesn’t always make it into the airplane is a good trash bag. Not for the trash you planned to make. For the trash you didn’t. Cans left in a fire ring, fishing line along the river, or food wrappers working their way through the brush. None of it came in your airplane, but you have the ability to get it out. That’s reason enough to tuck a couple of heavy-duty contractor bags in with your tie-down gear. They earn their space in other ways, too. A contractor bag can keep wet or muddy gear out of the baggage compartment, cover equipment in a downpour, collect rainwater, or become an emergency poncho or windbreak. It weighs almost nothing and takes up very little room. Throw a few in the airplane and leave them there. You may not need one for your own trash, but there is a good chance you’ll find another use for it—or find something worth carrying out. Submitted September 9, 2026 By Stef Goza, Etiquette Chair, Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee

VOLUNTEERS CLEAR WILLOWS, TREES FROM MARBLE AIRFIELD

September 8, 2026
RAF Colorado Liaison Ken Long, Ambassador Mike Langersmith, and other RAF volunteers participated in an August work event at Marble, Colorado, a mountain airfield about 20 nm up the Crystal River drainage south of Carbondale. Airfield Manager Susan Blue put together the task list and oversaw the event that brought 21 volunteers in ten aircraft and four dogs. 

RAF OUTFITTER SEPTEMBER FEATURED COLLECTION

September 5, 2026
FEATURING: SMARTWOOL SOCKS Whether you’re flying into the backcountry, hitting the trail, or simply going about your day, a comfortable pair of socks can make all the difference. Smartwool Socks are designed for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, offering the comfort, support, and durability you need wherever the day takes you. Made by Smartwool and finished with the RAF logo, they’re a practical way to bring a little backcountry spirit along for the journey. Get your feet backcountry-ready and show your support for the RAF from the ground up!

GET READY FOR THE 2026 PHOTO CONTEST OPENING OCTOBER 1!

September 3, 2026
The tradition continues — RAF 2026 Photo Contest! We’re excited to announce the upcoming RAF 2026 Photo Contest! It’s time to look through your photos and find your favorites. Once again, we’ll include the “RAF Mission” category, recognizing photos that best capture people enjoying recreational aviation, no matter the region. Each winning photographer will receive a package of high-quality greeting cards featuring their photo on the front and photo credit on the back — just in time for the holidays! New this year: We’re especially excited to see your photos from our Expanding The Map airstrips! Submit a photo taken at one of these airstrips, and we’ll send you a small gift from the RAF Outfitter as a thank-you for sharing it with us. Stay tuned for our next announcement, which will include everything you need to know to enter this year’s contest. Eligibility: The contest is open to all RAF supporters, amateur and professional photographers alike, including those aged 18 and under. Our judges are the RAF’s volunteer VPs of Appreciation, who also handwrite the RAF’s thank-you cards each week. They especially enjoy photos featuring airplanes, beautiful scenery, and people experiencing the fun and adventure of recreational aviation. The contest opens October 1, and winners will be announced November 15. Start looking through those camera rolls — we can’t wait to see where recreational aviation has taken you! Submitted September 3, 2026