The Cessna 182 is often referred to as a “flying SUV” because it’s one of those versatile airframes that can go from the ramp to the wilderness with ease.
This is especially true if it has been modified for unimproved runway operations, which is exactly what’s been done to the restored 1958 C-182A that will be the grand prize of the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JBRAF) raffle.
The late Richmond, the founder of CubCrafters, spent his life supporting and encouraging backcountry flying as a means of protecting and utilizing public lands for aviation.
- READ MORE: New Backcountry Airstrip Opens in Idaho
The 2025-26 edition is the second raffle conducted by the JRBAF. According to Brad Damm, executive director of the foundation, the purpose of the giveaway is to support the foundation’s mission to “expand public backcountry aviation access for current and future generations of aviators.”
Damm said this is done by acquiring private property in remote areas and then building backcountry airstrips and developing the necessary infrastructure that will allow the property to be opened to the public for recreation. The JRBAF is also on a mission to educate the public about the importance of backcountry aviation, which includes teaching pilots best practices for operating in remote areas.
About the Aircraft
The Cessna 182A, a popular four-place, tricycle-gear design, was chosen because it is a “perfect blend of utility and fun,” according to Damm.
Among the modifications and improvements to the straight-tail Cessna:
- Leading edge STOL kit: For improved lift and short takeoff/landing capability
- Wing extensions: To increase gross weight and useful load
- Reinforced firewall and composite cowling
- Heavy-duty nosewheel fork: Built for rough, unimproved strips
- Oversized backcountry tires: For confident performance on and off airport
- Extended fuel range: To go farther and stay in the backcountry longer
- Modern avionics: A reliable nav/comm for remote operations
The JRBAF says it will pay the federal taxes on the grand prize, and if the winner would rather have cash, the foundation has introduced a $100,000 alternative.
Raffle prices range from single ticket ($50), 10-ticket bundle ($450), and 20-ticket bundle ($800)
To be eligible, tickets must be purchased before 25,000 have been distributed or one hour prior to the drawing on June 6, 2026. The winner will be selected at random.
Rules of the JBRAF raffle and ticket purchases can be made here.
