Recreational Aviation Foundation
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| Abbreviation | RAF |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2003 |
| Founder | Chuck Jarecki |
| Type | Charitable organization (IRS exemption status): 501(c)(3) |
| Purpose | Aviation, Airport Preservation |
| Headquarters | Bozeman, Montana, United States |
| Website | theraf.org |
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization responsible for preserving, improving, and creating backcountry airstrips for general aviation use.[1] The Recreational Aviation Foundation uses tax-deductible donations to identify new areas for airstrips, and assists in funding construction of new airstrips, and promotes recreational aviation and airstrips as a legitimate usage of public land to secure further funding. The RAF also informs government officials and the general public about the importance of backcountry airstrips and the preservation of backcountry airstrips. The Recreational Aviation Foundation maintains liaisons and ambassadors in most U.S. states to help lead projects at the local level.[2]
Achievements
[edit]- The RAF made possible the passing of H.Res.1473 in 2010 that "placed value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips" for the public to use and on public land. "The Resolution originated with the Recreational Aviation Foundation Board of Directors after discussions with the Congressmen in Washington, DC."[3] [4][5][6]
- The RAF worked with the Bureau of Land Management along with volunteers to help preserve Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument airstrips.[7][8]
- In conjunction with the United States Forest Service, the RAF worked from 2003 to 2010 to open a new airstrip, the Russian Flat Airstrip (FAA LID: M42), earning the Flying (magazine) Editors' Choice Awards for industry innovation in 2011.[9]
- RAF volunteers continue to maintain Chicken Strip in Death Valley National Park, having repaired the airstrip in both 2011 and 2016.[10][11]
- In 2020, RAF funding assisted in the acquisition of Goodspeed Airport in eastern Connecticut by a consortium of area pilots, intending to revitalize the airport and bring a greater aviation community to the airport and seaplane base.[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Mission Statement | Recreational Aviation Foundation". theraf.org. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Contact Us | Recreational Aviation Foundation". theraf.org. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
- ^ Wood, Janice (2010-09-16). "Recognizing the value of recreational aviation — General Aviation News". generalaviationnews.com. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ^ Library of Congress (September 15, 2010). "H.Res.1473 - Supporting backcountry airstrips and recreational aviation". Congress.gov. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Denny, Rehberg (2010-09-15). "H.Res.1473 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Supporting backcountry airstrips and recreational aviation". www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
- ^ "H.R. 1473 | Recreational Aviation Foundation". theraf.org. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Cart, Julie (2006-09-17). "BLM Plans to Allow Wilderness Airstrips". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
- ^ "Worth The Effort The Upper Missouri River Breaks | Recreational Aviation Foundation". theraf.org. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Flying Editors' Choice Awards". Flying Magazine. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
- ^ "Chicken Strip Reopens | Recreational Aviation Foundation". theraf.org. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Saline Valley's Backcountry Airstrip Temporarily Closed for Safety – Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
- ^ "About | Goodspeed Flying Service". Goodspeed Flying Svc. Retrieved 2024-09-13.