The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

HOW DO I JOIN?

The RAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, however, we are not a membership organization. We rely solely on donations to fulfill the RAF mission. To become an RAF supporter, click the Join Now button to either donate or simply fill out your contact information so you will receive our communications. To become a volunteer, click the Volunteer button to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Welcome to the RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was founded by a group of Montana pilots who realized that the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern. They also recognized that there was the need for a unified effort by pilots everywhere to protect public recreational opportunities. The RAF is dedicated to preserving existing airstrips and creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States.

GET TO KNOW US

The RAF Way

Ryan Barn, MT

Trigger Gap, AR

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.

Event Calendar

Team RAF


Support our work with your tax-deductible donation. The RAF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

DID YOU HEAR? RAF supporters will receive a $1,000 discount on the purchase of Hartzell Propeller's Voyager, Pathfinder, Explorer, and Trailblazer propellers through 2024. Read the Press Release!

Latest News

WORTH THE READ: FINLEY TAYLOR GUEST EDITORIAL

March 27, 2024

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 Finley Taylor, an 18 year old commercial pilot and a good friend of the RAF. My earliest memories of flying with the RAF are in the back…

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VISIT REDBIRD AND THE RAF AT SUN ‘N FUN!

March 25, 2024

We can’t wait to see you at Sun ‘n Fun! Stop by the Redbird Flight Simulations Booth (NE-051, NE-052) anytime throughout the week to visit with RAF volunteers and check out the special RAF-branded Redbird simulator. We’re so excited for you to see it in person! We’d like to thank Redbird Flight Simulations for creating…

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VOLUNTEERS TEND NEW SHADE TREES AT TRIGGER GAP

March 22, 2024

“The morning of March 23 was cold . . . well okay, Arkansas cold . . . 37 degrees and 20 mile an hour winds at the top of Trigger Gap Airfield,” RAF Arkansas Liaison Harper Goodwin reported. The airfield, 17A was built in 2016 on Arkansas’ Pension Mountain through the generosity of The Nature…

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Volunteer for the RAF

Did you know…the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) achieves its mission almost entirely through the efforts of volunteers?

It's why you learned to fly

Aviators are hungry for new places to go, where new and memorable adventures await.

 

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