High Sierra Fly-in Draws STOL Drag Competitors, Pilots, Friends

HSF is one of the largest backcountry fly-ins in the world, according to organizers.

Josh Richling

Monday, October 24, 2022 at 06:45 PM ET

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HSF is one of the largest backcountry fly-ins in the world, according to organizers. [Courtesy: Wayne Lederer]

Key Takeaways:

The High Sierra Fly-In (HSF) is a unique, deliberately attended annual gathering for backcountry aviation enthusiasts held on the remote Dead Cow Dry Lake Bed.
It cultivates a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere distinct from traditional airshows, featuring unique activities like fly-outs, a "one-wheel parade," and is the birthplace of STOL Drag racing.
The 2022 HSF, operating under an FAA waiver, hosted intense STOL Drag competition with new participants like Michael Goulian, and saw Steve Henry win the World Championship while setting a new event record.

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The High Sierra Fly-In (HSF) is not something that you come to by accident or half heartedly. It’s not at an air show or air race, nor is it combined with any other type of event. It’s not “on the way” to anywhere. The patrons of the High Sierra Fly-in traveled far and wide deliberately to be at this location at this exact time.

Pilots from all branches of our armed forces, military contractors, airlines, wealthy ones and those struggling all came together in the middle of the desert to share a common love of backcountry aviation.