High Sierra Fly-In Special Gallery

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Sierra Fly-In (HSF) is a large, well-attended gathering for backcountry and STOL aviation enthusiasts, attracting over 200 airplanes, primarily taildraggers and kitbuilt aircraft, to a remote Nevada dry lakebed known as Dead Cow.
  • The event fosters a DIY, communal atmosphere, featuring activities like homemade fireworks, social "hangar flying," and competitive STOL drag races that showcase short takeoff and landing skills.
  • Despite its remote location offering a vast landing surface, the HSF can experience challenging weather conditions like high winds, yet it successfully celebrates the adventurous spirit and growing popularity of backcountry flying.
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1959 Cessna 182 at the High Sierra Fly-In
Nosegear airplanes, like this pretty 1959 182, do just fine at Dead Cow Lake—the lakebed is like a gigantic paved surface with a runway in any direction you care to land. In the STOL drag race, however, STOL taildraggers still get the edge. PHOTO: Frank Testa
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