JRBAF Announces Charity Raffle Tickets on Sale

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF) said Thursday that tickets for the organization’s 2026-27 charity raffle are now available for purchase, and this year’s giveaway comes with a twist. 

To celebrate its third annual raffle, the JRBAF will be handing out three restored and classic yellow Piper J-3 Cubs, one of general aviation’s most enduring aircrafts and an iconic symbol of backcountry flying. One of the grand prize J-3 Cubs was on display in July at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Single tickets can be purchased for $50, with discounts offered for bulk purchases of 10 or 20. Money raised from the raffle goes directly to the JRBAF’s mission of expanding access to backcountry aviation for pilots everywhere. The group does this mainly through the acquisition of property in remote areas across and then developing the lands so they are accessible to the public. 

The drawing will take place at 45 Ranch in Owyhee County, Idaho, on June 5, 2027. Participants are invited to drive or fly in to attend the drawing in person. Entrants are able to purchase as many tickets as they please, but a cap of 30,000 total will be enforced. 

In addition to this year’s three grand prizes, there are many secondary prizes available, including Blueberry, a 1941 International half-ton pickup truck, three individual three-day tailwheel courses from TacAero, and a PA-18 performance package from CubCrafters. 

Keeping with the tradition of past raffles, the JRBAF said it will pay all federal income taxes on the grand prize in order to make it as easy as possible for the winners to accept their award. All three of the grand prize aircrafts will be maintained throughout the year by CubCrafters, the raffle’s presenting sponsor, and each will receive a fresh annual inspection before delivery.

Last year’s grand prize featured a fully-restored 1958 Cessna 182 primed for backcountry flying.