Aviation Foundation Launches Tax-Paid Aircraft Raffle
The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation is raffling three aircraft to fund remote airstrip maintenance in Idaho.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation has launched a raffle featuring three Piper J-3 Cub aircraft as grand prizes. Operators and aviation enthusiasts can purchase $50 tickets to support the preservation of public-use backcountry airstrips.
Why it matters
The foundation uses these proceeds to maintain access to remote public lands, which serves as a key infrastructure initiative for backcountry pilots and tourism-reliant businesses. The organization is also covering federal tax obligations for prize winners, a significant offset for participants.
The raffle awards three Piper J-3 Cub aircraft with a $50 ticket price, providing entrants with three chances to win per purchase. Winners also secure a stay for up to six guests at the 45 Ranch, a remote property located 54 miles from road access.
The players
Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation
A charitable entity focused on developing public-use backcountry destinations and preserving aviation access to remote public lands.
CubCrafters Services
An aviation services company acting as the grand prize sponsor for the foundation's raffle.
The details
Participants purchase $50 tickets to fund the development and maintenance of backcountry aviation infrastructure. The prizes include three Piper J-3 Cub aircraft and a stay at the 45 Ranch in the Owyhee Canyonlands, which features a 2,700-foot grass airstrip at a 4,300-foot elevation. The foundation is assuming the federal tax burden associated with the aircraft prizes.
Timeline
The raffle period runs through 2026 and 2027.
Winning stays at the 45 Ranch are scheduled for 2027 or 2028.
Market Landscape
This effort follows the established funding pattern used by regional groups to maintain backcountry airstrips. It reflects a shift toward philanthropic models to sustain infrastructure in the Owyhee Canyonlands where traditional public funding remains limited.
Business operators in the aviation sector should note the tax-inclusive structure of this raffle as a benchmark for charitable prize distributions. Those relying on backcountry access should monitor how these funds impact the availability of the 45 Ranch and other remote airstrips in Idaho.
The takeaway
The foundation's decision to cover federal tax liabilities for winners serves as a key incentive structure for high-value prize raffles. Interested operators should track the foundation's official updates through the 2026-2027 raffle window to assess the potential impact on backcountry infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about local community support initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by General Aviation News.
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