High Sierra Fly-In 2018

The coolest fly-in in the world keeps getting bigger without losing the qualities that made it great when it was new.

High Sierra Fly-In 2018
High Sierra Fly-In 2018. Photo by Jim Raeder
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Sierra Fly-In is a unique annual aviation event held on a remote Nevada dry lakebed, described as a "Burning Man-Meets-Oshkosh" gathering that blends adventure, camping, and camaraderie for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
  • The event is known for its focus on backcountry bush planes, challenging flying conditions, and exciting STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) Drag races, attracting a wide variety of aircraft and highly skilled pilots.
  • It fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging friendship, shared learning, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for aviation among attendees of all backgrounds.
  • Despite its rapid growth from a small gathering to a major event, organizers prioritize safety with professional support and established procedures, while emphasizing individual pilot responsibility in the challenging environment.
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High Sierra Fly-In 2018
High Sierra Fly-In airplane owners like to do two things: complain about the playa dust which, they stress repeatedly, gets everywhere, and then, after the event, discuss how much washing their plane makes them sorry it’s over and pine for next year’s event. Photo by Deon Mitton
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