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.
See a mistake? Contact us.
High Sierra Fly-In
Despite weather that challenged many enroute to Dead Cow and prevented many others from coming, the 2017 event was very well attended, with more than 200 airplanes and several hundred people, not counting dune buggies and dirt bikes that stopped by the playa. PHOTO: Joey Myers
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE