Win a Backcountry Skylane or a Classic MG

Imagine having the opportunity to win a vintage backcountry airplane and a classic car while supporting aviation access to recreation in the wilderness. It’s possible, if you participate in the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation 2025-26 raffle.

The JRBAF was created in 2023 in honor of the late Jim Richmond, the founder of CubCrafters. This is the second year the group has organized the raffle.

“Jim Richmond was deeply concerned about the steady loss of backcountry access and wanted to be part of the solution,” said Brad Damm, executive director of the JRBAF. “He spoke often about it with both the CubCrafters team and his family, and was actively exploring ways to help reverse that trend in the years before he passed. Carrying this mission forward is a privilege, and doing so in his name is an honor we take seriously.”

About the JRBAF

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a stated mission to protect, preserve, and expand public access to backcountry infrastructure. The organization does this by acquiring private property in remote areas, documenting and preserving the history of those properties, and developing the necessary aviation infrastructure to allow the areas to open to the public for recreation.

The group also teaches best practices for pilots who intend to head into the wilderness with an emphasis on safety and stewardship of the land.

Damm stressed the JRBAF is a separate entity from CubCrafters, however, many backcountry pilots fly CubCrafters designs that were intended to operate in unimproved areas where tundra tires and high propeller clearance are a must.

Raffle Prizes

The grand prize is a restored backcountry-equipped 1958 Cessna 182A. Also known as the Skylane, the C-182 is a popular aircraft for backcountry operations because of its useful load and power.

The prize aircraft features a Continental 0-520 F/TS engine adding 50 hp and a new three-blade Hartzell Super Scimitar propeller. Additional features include tundra tires, a Sportsman STOL leading edge kit, WingX wing extensions, Monarch 92-gallon fuel tanks— giving the pilot approximately 87 gallons of usable fuel—a Selkirk Aviation two-piece composite cowling, and upgraded interior panels.

According to Damm the aircraft was purchased by JRBAF and has been undergoing restoration. The remaining prizes are generously donated by companies and individuals who support the JRBAF’s mission.

“One of the biggest surprises this year was a beautifully restored 1950s MG TF roadster, donated by Dr. Paul Collins, a pilot from Idaho,” Damm said. “It’s appraised at nearly $40,000 and adds a unique dimension to the raffle by appealing to a broader audience beyond aviation enthusiasts.”

Other raffle prizes include:

• A ride in Old Crow, a P-51 Mustang operated by the Liberty Foundation.

• A South American bush flying experience from Patagonia Bush Pilots.

• A PA-18 performance package by CubCrafters Services.

• A three-day basic tailwheel course from TacAero.

• A Best Tugs Alpha 2 electronic aircraft tug from Best Aviation Products.

• A Black Ops Shocks and Stinger tailwheel suspension system by Acme Aero.

• A one-week stay at JRBAF’s flagship 45 Ranch property in southwestern Idaho.

• Two main cabin round-trip ticket vouchers ($1,750 each) from Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines

• A weekend stay at the circa-1910 Stone Cabin at the 45 Ranch.

• Two pairs of new Bose A30 noise-canceling headsets.

• A Nunatak Apex four-season hot tent by Arctic Oven and Alaska Gear Company.

Damm added that the JRBAF will pay the federal taxes on the grand prize, “eliminating a major financial hurdle for many potential winners.”

A single raffle ticket costs $50, and there are discounts for 10-ticket bundles.

The fundraising is done online through Zeffy to ensure 100 percent of the purchase price goes to the foundation. The prize drawings will be June 6.

“Ultimately, our ability to expand access is directly tied to our ability to raise funds—through raffle participation and membership support,” Damm said. “Buying a raffle ticket or joining as a [JRBAF] member may seem small, but the power is in the whole community coming together. Thousands of small contributions really can add up to a significant result.”