Don’t Miss the Reno Nevada 2023 High Sierra Fly-In – Dead Cow Lakebed Oct 12 -15
NV – A banner event called the High Sierra Fly-In is a uniquely exciting annual aviation event that takes place in the high desert of Nevada. It brings together an array of aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and adventure seekers from across the globe. This one-of-a-kind gathering is a celebration of aviation, camaraderie, and the spirit of manned flight in one of the most breathtaking and technically challenging flying environments in the country.
Dry and Arid Higher Elevations
Staged each year at the Dead Cow Lakebed, a remote and rugged location in the Nevada desert, the High Sierra Fly-In offers a genuinely immersive flying experience for those who love aviation. It is perhaps best known for its dusty, harsh terrain, dry and arid higher elevations, and extreme weather conditions. It is the perfect testing ground for daring aviators in search of opportunities to push the envelope of their aircraft as well as their own piloting skills.
Demanding Precision Flying
One of the most defining features of this distinctive event is its focus on backcountry and bush-type flying. Those that attend bring with them a wide array of uncommon aircraft, from classic taildraggers to modern and rugged bush planes. They routinely engage in aerial activities such as highly challenging short takeoffs and landings, demanding precision flying, and complex navigational exercises. Pilots are also afforded the opportunity to participate in flying competitions to showcase their flying skills and prowess to fellow flyers.
Set Up Camp Under the Open Desert Skies
Going well beyond all the exciting flying activities, this annual High Sierra Fly-In event also nurtures a tightly woven and extraordinarily friendly community of aviation enthusiasts. Attendees typically establish campsites under the open desert skies, share interesting stories in the light of campfires, and cultivate lasting friendships with like-minded aviation buffs who share their passion for unique flying machines.
A Priceless Experience
The event also hosts seminars and aviation-related workshops on various flying-inspired topics, giving participants a chance to learn from seasoned and experienced pilots and experts in the field. These educational workshops guide attendees in enhancing their understanding, knowledge, and skills, making the High Sierra Fly-In a priceless experience for both the old pros and newcomers to aviation and piloting.
Daytime Temperatures Are Very Comfortable
Now in its 13th year, the Dead Cow Lakebed High Sierra Fly-In is one of the world’s biggest and most comprehensive backcountry fly-ins. The scenic desert of northern Nevada is simply spectacular and since the event happens in the month of October, the daytime temperatures are very comfortable. In fact, if planning to attend, you can expect the daytime temperature to hover right around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That is in stark contrast to the blistering summer temperatures encountered during the summer months, sometimes soaring to nearly 120 degrees.
Amazingly Delicious Food from Chef-Grade Food Trucks
Some of the more unique events you can expect when attending this year include STOL drag racing and other highly technical flying challenges. In addition, look for amazingly delicious food being prepared in chef-quality food trucks. All this along with stargazing, custom aircraft on display and great new friendships means that your time at the High Sierra Fly-In will be time well spent.
Registration
The registration page makes it easy and convenient to lock in your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime flying event. The suggested donation is $135 per person. Note: All STOL competitors must register at STOLDRAG.com if planning to participate in the STOL DRAG event. All racers are required to pre-qualify for Saturday’s main event. In 2019, STOL Drag debuted to the flying world as the first new aviation class in 25 years at the Reno Air Races.
Directions
Getting there is easy. From Highway 395, go about one mile north of the Doyle Loop, and turn right onto Laver Crossing. Then take a left at Hackstaff. After that turn right and follow the signs to an unmistakable huge solar farm. After passing the power lines, turn left onto Rainbow and then right on Bonanza which dead-ends. Then take another left. After another 1/4 mile, you will see on the right the final turn to the lakebed.
Pilot Information:
Dead Cow Lakebed GPS Lat/Long: N40°08’ / W119°54’ Elevation: 4,000’ MSL
Dead Cow is an uncontrolled aerodrome with no ATC services. Pilots operate at their own risk.
CTAF (5NM) 121.05 CTAF / DEADCOW RADIO
Race 134.70 RACE BOSS
Advisory West 126.40 Outside 5NM
Advisory East 133.10 Outside 5NM
For full arrival and departure information click here.
Here is a detailed schedule reprinted directly from the event website:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
9 am Arrivals / Fly-Outs and STOL Drag Practice
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
11 am – STOL Drag practice/qualifiers.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
7am STOL Drag Briefing
9:30 am STOL DRAG / STOL Show – Prelims, Quarters, Semifinals and Final
7:30 pm Large Bonfire – Guest Speaker, Band, Awards, RAFFLE & so much more!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
Lakebed clean up (Participation from all campers is encouraged)
If you plan on attending the fly-in here is a short YouTube teaser video of what to expect.
Happy flying and enjoy the show!