High Sierra Fly-In Special Gallery

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Sierra Fly-In (HSF) is an annual gathering of approximately 200 diverse aircraft, mostly taildraggers and kitbuilt STOL planes, along with hundreds of aviators, held on a remote dry lakebed (Dead Cow Lake) in Nevada.
  • The event emphasizes backcountry flying, featuring activities like STOL drag races and fostering a strong communal, do-it-yourself (DIY) spirit, with attendees camping on the playa.
  • HSF welcomes all aircraft types, from rare vintage planes to powered parachutes, utilizing the vast lakebed as a versatile landing surface.
  • Despite potential challenges from brisk winds and dust, the event is well-attended and prioritizes both flight activities and social interaction among aviators, often referred to as "hangar flying."
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Sunset at the High Sierra Fly-In
The dry lake is a good surface for tying down light planes. Only one plane suffered damage from the winds on Thursday night, with gusts estimated at around 70 knots, and that was a result, reportedly, of a faulty rope and not the anchor. PHOTO: Deon Mitton
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