The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was founded by a group of Montana pilots who realized 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. Recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the RAF is dedicated to preserving existing airstrips and actually creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States.

1. Recreational Aviation
Foundation
2014

2. Eric Davis
Recreational Aviation Foundation
Georgia State Liaison
Learned to fly in 2003.
RAF member since 2011.
First backcountry experience:
2013 Ryan Field Member
Appreciation Fly-in.
Wants to encourage more pilots to
think about integrating flying into a
recreational and active lifestyle.
Contact: edavis@theraf.org
Meadow Creek

3. THE RAF MISSION
“Keeping the legacy of recreational aviation
strong by preserving, maintaining and
creating public use recreational and
backcountry airstrips nationwide.”

4. Because being here is ordinary,

5. …but being here is extraordinary

6. and here…

7. and here…

8. and here…

9. with these people…

10. doing this…

11. and this…

12. and this…

13. and this…

14. and this…

15. and this…

16. and this…

17. and this…

18. and this…

19. and this…

20. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Access
Advocacy
Volunteerism
Partnerships
Education
Conservation

21. ACCESS
Aviation is a valid and appropriate way to
access recreational opportunities on public
or private land.

22. ADVOCACY
Establishing and maintaining aviation
access to National and State Public Lands
Enhancing landowner protections at the
state level

23. VOLUNTEERISM
Our members are passionate about our
mission and enjoy making it happen.

24. PARTNERSHIPS
The RAF works with aviation advocacy
and government agencies for the purpose
of protecting the common interest of the
recreational flying community.

25. EDUCATION
Pilot Safety & Backcountry Etiquette is
critical to the use and enjoyment of
backcountry airstrips.

26. CONSERVATION
Aviation deserves the same consideration
as other forms of access.
Airstrip infrastructure often has a lower
overall impact on the environment.
“The greatest good to the greatest number for the
longest time” – Gifford Pinchot

27. ORGANIZATION &
MEMBERSHIP

28. Backcountry flying is not new …

29. … but it has become more popular

30. 5300 Members – and Growing
In 2003 a handful of
pilots decided to do
something about the
loss of airstrips on
public lands.
Today the RAF is over
5,300 members strong.
(Membership as of August 2013)

31. RAF Leadership
Bureau of Land
Management
Liaisons
Executive
Leadership &
Board of Directors
Environmental &
Science Advisory
Committee
State Liaisons
Support
Personnel

32. State Liaisons – West
Bob Kay
State Liaisons - West
Mike Hart
Joe Grubiak
Jon Hudson
Ron Normandeau
Dennis Smith
Phil Olson
Shane Gorman
Tom Haefeli
Patrick Romano
Chris Berge
Rick Lach
John Kounis
Larry Filener
Steve Durtschi
Wayne Loeber
Mark Spencer

33. State Liaisons – Central
Brian Rau
Kirk Hiner
Chuck Aldrian
Dan Elwood
Steve Thompson
Chase Snodgrass
Scot Warren
Dave Myrick

34. State Liaisons – East
John Zanchi
Bob Burley
Andy Rowe
Russ Holland
Lloyd Babcock
Brad Frederick
Kris Barnett
Craig McCullough
Kathy Hegenberger
Eric Davis
Jack Tyler

35. BECOMING A MEMBER
Friend or Donor Members may signup or renew
at: http://theraf.org/support-team-raf
A non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Tax-deductible donations support:
Construction of new airstrips & pilot shelters
Maintenance of existing airstrips & pilot shelters
Development of educational materials
Meetings with gov't decision-makers

36. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

37. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

38. RECREATIONAL USE STATUTE
(RUS)
Legislation intended to
promote public
recreational use of
privately owned land
by granting landowners
some liability protection.

39. RUS RATIONALE
Public need for recreational
land exceeds the
ability of gov‟t to
provide such
spaces.
Landowners are
encouraged to help
through the protections afforded by an
RUS.

40. RUS PROTECTED USES
A definition of "recreational use" that lists
activities such as hiking, swimming,
fishing, pleasure driving, nature study, etc.
The phrase "includes, but is not limited
to" often appears in order to prevent a
narrow interpretation.

41. RUS LIMITATIONS
Some courts recognize only those
activities listed in the statute.
It is the RAF‟s goal to
ensure that “aviation
activities” are included
in every state‟s RUS.

42. RUS AMENDMENT PROGRESS
Amended RUS
In Progress

43. RECENT WIN: OKLAHOMA
GRAND ISLE AIRPORT OK18

44. RECENT WIN: OKLAHOMA
GRAND ISLE AIRPORT OK18
RAF state liaisons Steve Thompson (OK) &
Dave Myrick (AR) worked with SuperCub.org
member Mike Sisemore to pass HB1009, which
amended Oklahoma‟s RUS.
As a result, Mike is again hosting his popular
“Tail-Dragger Fly-In” at OK18.

45. GEORGIA RUS CALL TO ACTION!
RUS Amendment bill is SB127.
Introduced in 2013 but did not make it out
of Senate.
Critical that EVERYONE contact the Lt.
Governor‟s Office & their State Senator.
Let them know that you support SB127!

46. GA LEGISLATIVE CONTACT INFO
Office of the Lieutenant Governor – Casey Cagle
240 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-5030
Fax: (404) 656-6739
Email: http://ltgov.georgia.gov/contact-lt-governor
You can look up your State Senator’s contact information
here: http://votesmart.org/

47. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

48. PUBLIC LAND USE PRACTICES
USFS District Rangers and BLM Managers regularly
revise land use practices, typically on a 10-year cycle.
“The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires
every national forest or grassland managed by the Forest Service
to develop and maintain an effective Land Management Plan.” USDA Website
“Land use plans and planning decisions are the basis for every onthe-ground action the BLM undertakes.”
- BLM Handbook H-1601-1

49. PUBLIC LAND USE PRACTICES
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Access to airstrips on public land is influenced
by claims about noise impacts.
Anecdotal evidence supporting aircraft access is
countered by claims of aircraft-induced harm to
wildlife.
The RAF’s goal is to provide scientific
evidence regarding these claims

50. RESEARCH PLAN
Scientists and RAF pilots collect bio samples from a mix
of species in back country settings where aircraft do and
do not operate.
Lab analysis compares stress enzyme levels.
Results published in peer-reviewed wildlife science
journals to ensure acceptance.

51. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The RAF thanks the following for their support:
The AOPA Foundation‟s financial support of this initiative
Dr. Ric Hauer – Volunteer Lead Scientist
Professor of Limnology and Director of the Institute
on Ecosystems at the University of Montana
The scientists and pilots who are volunteering their
aircraft, time, expertise, and financial resources

52. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

53. ARIZONA BACKCOUNTRY
AIRSTRIPS

54. ARIZONA BACKCOUNTRY
AIRSTRIPS
The Arizona Pilot‟s Association and the RAF have worked
together to reopen and maintain five airstrips within the
state.
Pleasant Valley, Double Circle Ranch, Grapevine,
Redcreek, and Grand Gulch are all open to the public.
The APA website has detailed information about each site.
Pleasant Valley
Grapevine
Double Circle

55. BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

56. BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK
After a year of friendly collaboration with Texas Parks and
Wildlife officials, the RAF was able to convince the park
service to list the 5,000' paved strip as a public use airport
in late 2013.
Several privately owned airstrips in the area are also open
to the public.
Taurus Mesa (4TE4)
Hot Springs (3TE4)
Fulcher Ranch (3TE8)

57. “BIG CREEK FOUR”
PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST

58. “BIG CREEK FOUR”
PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST
In 2004, the USFS proposed that the airstrips be
classified as “emergency use only,” which would halt
maintenance and effectively close the strips.
The Idaho Aviation Association, Montana Pilots
Association, and Recreational Aviation Foundation
intervened to ensure that the airstrips would remain
open to the public.
The Idaho Pilots Association website has detailed site
information available on their website.

59. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

60. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Chicken Strip was closed for safety reasons
following a flood.
The RAF entered into an MOU with the National
Park Service to provide strip maintenance
resulting in the reopening of Chicken Strip.

61. RYAN FIELD 2MT1

62. RYAN FIELD 2MT1
Private airstrip gifted to the RAF by Ben & Butchie Ryan
Located one mile southeast of West Glacier, MT & site
of the annual RAF Summer Fly-in
Contact information along with a pilot safety briefing is
available on the RAF website under Pilot Resources.

63. BLACKWATER 8FD3

64. BLACKWATER 8FD3
Joint project with local pilots & the Florida State
Forest Service
Provisional use of Blackwater Airfield in the
Blackwater Florida State Forest.
Prior approval from Forest Service is required
(available on the RAF website under Pilot Resources).

65. UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS
NATIONAL MONUMENT

66. UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS
NATIONAL MONUMENT
Years of planning with the BLM to develop a plan to
preserve these 6 airstrips.
The Montana Wilderness Assoc. & The Wilderness
Society challenged this project through the courts.
The RAF and MPA financed litigation which resulted in a
favorable outcome for recreational aviation.

67. RUSSIAN FLAT M42
LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL FOREST
Led by RAF Board Member Dan Prill.
Resulted in the construction of the first new airstrip on
USFS land in over 50 years.
Contact info & pilot safety briefing is available on the RAF
website under Pilot Resources.

68. FORT KENT AIRSTRIP MAINE

69. FORT KENT AIRSTRIP MAINE
The Fish River Flying Club wanted to reopen this
municipally-owned airstrip, closed due to lack of
maintenance. A sticking point was concern over liability.
The RAF educated stakeholders about the RUS, who
then enthusiastically approved reopening.
The RAF also contributed funds to aid in maintenance.
Pilots can access this uncharted strip by contacting Tom
Voisine at 207-834-5685 for a safety briefing.

70. AIRSTRIP MAINTENANCE
Ryan Field
Death Valley
Blackwater Forest
Reed Ranch
Russian Flat
Missouri River
Breaks

71. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

72. PILOT SHELTERS
Double Circle Ranch, AZ

73. PILOT SHELTERS
Escalante, UT

74. PILOT SHELTERS
Bozeman, MT

75. PILOT SHELTERS
Ryan Field, MT

76. PROJECTS
Recreational Use Statute
Wildlife Research
Airfields
Pilot Shelters
Marketing Outreach

77. GREAT ALASKA
AIRMEN‟S GATHERING

78. AOPA SUMMIT
FT. WORTH

79. Sun „n Fun

80. Red Bird facility
San Marcus, TX

81. Del Amo Flying Club
Torrance, CA

82. NBAA
LAS VEGAS

83. SOUTHEAST REGION
POINTS OF INTEREST

84. JEKYLL ISLAND

85. JEKYLL ISLAND
State park located on the Georgia Coast.
Offers great recreation within easy reach of the field.
World class FBO with world class hospitality.
Rent electric carts from Red Bug Motors to get around.
25 miles of nature trails for walking and cycling.
Golfing, horseback riding, fishing, boating, beach
access, tennis, dining, historic home tours, etc.

86. PEACH STATE AERODROME

87. PEACH STATE AERODROME
Airfield owner and RAF member Ron Alexander hosts
many public events year-round.
Airfield open to the public.
Excellent restaurant – Barnstormer‟s Grill.
Host to the RAF‟s 2013 Backcountry Refresher Clinic.
Visit www.peachstateaero.com for more information.

88. BERG PARK AERODROME 9GA2

89. BERG PARK AERODROME 9GA2
Airfield owner and RAF member Steve Berg hosts many
public events year-round at his 2378‟ grass airfield.
Located in Midway GA, near the coast.
Space available for camping with running water and
toilets.
Contact Steve Berg for more information: 912-884-8666

90. BLACKWATER 8FD3

91. BLACKWATER 8FD3
Joint project with local pilots & the Florida State
Forest Service
Provisional use of Blackwater Airfield in the
Blackwater Florida State Forest.
Prior approval from Forest Service is required
(available on the RAF website under Pilot Resources).

92. NEW RIVER GORGE WV32

93. NEW RIVER GORGE WV32
Privately owned 2950‟ paved strip near the New River
National Forest.
Camping, lodging, & restaurants.
Outfitter „Adventures on The Gorge‟ will pick you up at
the airfield: adventurewestvirginia.com
Skydiving operator located on the field. Visit
www.skydivenrg.com
Contact Gary Kessler for permission: 615-585-6114.

94. AWARDS & GRANTS
The RAF was again awarded the Lightspeed
Aviation Foundation‟s 2013 Pilot's Choice
Award.
AOPA Foundation „Giving Back‟ Grant was
awarded to the RAF to conduct “scientific
research into the stress-related effects of
aircraft noise on wildlife.”

95. KEEPING UP WITH RAF EVENTS
theraf.org  click on Events
RAF members are notified of events by email.
Not an RAF member? Please consider joining
and know that guests are always welcome!

96. Thank you