Nonprofit Works to Keep Backcountry Fun Available

The Recreational Aviation Foundation supports general aviation by preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access.

Grant Boyd

Wednesday, November 03, 2021 at 02:49 PM ET

Verified

A starry look at part of Ryan Field, a private airstrip owned by the RAF one mile southeast of West Glacier, Montana. Courtesy: RAF

Key Takeaways:

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, improving, and creating airstrips to maintain recreational access for general aviation.
Founded in 2003 by Montana pilots, the RAF addresses the permanent loss of public land airstrips and has expanded its impact to dozens of airstrips across 24 states.
Their work involves enhancing existing airstrips with amenities through direct projects or grants, and establishing new ones by reopening closed sites, acquiring land, or collaborating with land management agencies.
The RAF's efforts are vital for safeguarding recreational flying opportunities, underscoring the necessity of continued support to prevent diminishing access to airfields.

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Have you ever flown over a particularly picturesque portion of the backcountry and wondered to yourself, “Wow, this would be a great place to land at and explore?” Or flew into a rudimentary airstrip and thought of ways that it could be made better?

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) works to support general aviation through the guiding purpose of preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access. Through targeted efforts, the group has been able to help spark a renewed interest in this type of flying, as well as ensure the continued existence of public-use airfields.