The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), based in Bozeman, MT, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access. Recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the RAF works tirelessly to protect the recreational aviation community and advocate for the recognition of backcountry recreational aviation as a legitimate use of public lands. The RAF's mission is carried out through a range of initiatives and projects.

They identify private and public land for the development of new airstrips, assist in funding the building of new airstrips on public land, and develop educational materials to help pilots become knowledgeable advocates. Additionally, they strive to gain national recognition for backcountry recreational aviation and provide educational information to members of Congress. The RAF collaborates with other aviation groups at both the state and national levels and encourages state pilots' organizations to form active committees to address recreational airstrip issues.

They also facilitate the enactment of state recreational-use statutes amendments to include aviation, reducing private airstrip landowners' liability. To connect the backcountry with surrounding communities, the RAF attracts donors who wish to target their charitable donations locally. Funds are directed towards constructing pilot shelters at larger, paved airports serving as gateways to the backcountry.

One such shelter has already been completed at Gallatin Field in Bozeman, Montana, offering pilots a place to relax and pitch a tent at no charge. The center of RAF airstrip acquisitions is Ryan Field, located near Glacier National Park. This 2,500-foot airstrip and pilot's campground were donated by Ben and Butche Ryan and now serve as a crucial recreational aviation resource.

The RAF depends on the support of pilots to help identify potential real estate for new airstrips. They welcome various types of donations, including land suitable for airstrip development. Cash donations are fully tax-deductible, and the RAF offers tax and legal assistance for donors.

Without the RAF's ongoing work, recreational aviation opportunities would continue to diminish, with closures and restrictions being imposed on airfields. The RAF remains committed to preserving these opportunities, and its dedicated board members receive no compensation for their efforts. Established in 2003 by a group of Montana pilots, the RAF has grown to over 10,000 supporters, with donors from all fifty states and numerous foreign countries.

They have become a trusted resource for aviation-related issues concerning public and private recreational airstrips and backcountry flying. In line with their mission, the RAF values collaboration, integrity, and transparency in working with both public and private entities. They are driven by the belief that aviation is a valid form of accessing recreational resources and that the creation of new airstrips promotes general aviation and provides greater recreational opportunities.

The RAF's significant projects can be found across various states, including Alaska, where they have developed Jake's Bar (AK0) to support mining operations in the Wrangell mountains. By supporting the Recreational Aviation Foundation, pilots and aviation enthusiasts contribute to the preservation and improvement of airstrips, ensuring that recreational access to our nation's beautiful landscapes remains intact for future generations