High Sierra Fly-In Special Gallery

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Sierra Fly-In (HSF) is a large gathering of over 200 aircraft, primarily taildraggers, held at Dead Cow Lake, a remote dry lakebed in Nevada, celebrating backcountry flying.
  • The event emphasizes a DIY spirit, featuring diverse aircraft (including kitbuilts and nosegear planes), STOL drag races, camping, and social activities like hangar flying.
  • Despite brisk and sometimes challenging weather conditions, including high winds and dust, HSF fosters a strong community among aviators passionate about flying in expansive, natural environments.
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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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