Done and dusted: the 2021 High Sierra Fly In

Firstly, it should be mentioned that no amount of words could ever do the High Sierra Fly In justice — but we like a challenge. Let’s begin by setting the scene. Envision a desolate desert where broken down cars, sprinkled with bullet holes, are found every few miles. Double-wide trailers with missing windows line the washboard roads on your drive out to Dead Cow lakebed, Nevada. As you slowly make your way, you have flashbacks to the popular TV series Breaking Bad, and the movie Flight of the Phoenix — except the protagonist in this story is not a school teacher turned meth dealer, but, rather, a ski bum/pilot turned event planner: Kevin Quinn.

It’s hard to believe that this hugely popular event — that played host to 2,500 people and 800 airplanes — started as a humble birthday party for this backcountry aviator known as “Quinner.”

“Quinner,” the father of STOL Drag, came up with the idea of racing planes in the desert while trying to make traditional STOL more fun. If you’re unfamiliar with STOL Drag races, we recommend you read our recent article on the evolution of STOL Drag. His activism and commitment to the backcountry community has lit a fire in the heart of general aviation like we have never seen before. The pilots participating in the races are a breath of fresh air: excited, passionate, and eager to share their experiences, all while learning from others. The fact of the matter is that this event is attracting the people that will change the face of aviation.

As you continue to make your way, airplanes flying overhead lead you to a dried up lakebed. Once you arrive, you crack open your door, step out onto the playa, and take your first deep breath of that dusty desert air. The atmosphere is unlike any other; you’ve never seen so many happy pilots in one place. Rows of aircraft line the white, cracked surface of the desert floor, as children and adults weave through camps on bikes and one-wheels. Aircraft arrive in droves, giving Fisk arrival controllers a run for their money. It’s then that you realize you’re in for something special.

Welcome to the 11th annual High Sierra Fly In.

The High Sierras are a pilot’s paradise. It’s a place where the only thing that limits you is your imagination and the capability of your aircraft. When the fly-in first began, the purpose was to adventure through the backcountry and find new spots to land. Although that still happens to some extent, the main attraction has become the STOL Drag races. The races have been getting a lot of attention over the years and are drawing a new crowd, with an “everyone is welcome” policy. All pilots are invited to join the races and are able to fly any aircraft — stock, experimental, modified — as long as the pilot has 250 hours and completes training, which is offered a couple of days before the event.

Some highlights from this year’s event included Ty Ferkin, in his Kitfox Model IV, and Warren Grobbelaar in his Cessna 180 — facing off in the silver class with two tied races. The final face off led to a victory by Ferkin, but only by a fraction of a second. Canadian Natalie Esser placed second in the silver class, while first place went to Austin Clemens, racing in a Husky A-1C. His aircraft sports a cheeky beta modification — it’s certainly a cool party trick! The boys in the gold class went fast and hard. Buch Kingston blew a cylinder, which bumped him into third place, while Steve Henry and Toby Ashley duked it out for first. Those two have been going head-to-head all season; the reality is, they could do nothing and the crowds would still love them! Their design, engineering, and competitiveness is driving the industry and reinvigorating the experimental aircraft market.

When the races are over, dozens of aircraft hit the skies to play in the dim evening light of the High Sierras. Once the sun sets, the bonfire is lit and hundreds of people gather around and enjoy one of the most primal human activities: keeping warm around a fire with good company.

The High Sierra Fly In is attracting an audience from around the world. Although there is still some hesitancy to travel internationally, that didn’t stop Steven Pauli from flying his Cessna 206 3,100 miles from Puerto Rico all the way to Dead Cow lakebed. It took him three full days to complete the journey.

“We’ve been wanting to come over here since we heard about it three to four years ago,” said Pauli. “We find the STOL races super cool and don’t have anything like that back home. That’s what we were attracted by and we’re not disappointed at all.”

In every industry, you will find naysayers who fight against change. Despite criticisms, the High Sierra Fly In proves to be an incredibly well organized and safe event where even the FAA has given its stamp of approval. The fly-in continues to grow year after year and inspires pilots from every walk of aviation to enjoy the backcountry and become proficient in skills, like power and energy management; direction and altitude control; and spot landing techniques. The next STOL Drag event has just been announced in Buckeye, Arizona, Feb. 18 to 20, called the Buckeye Air Fair. You can find more information at www.buckeyeairfair.com.

If you want to learn more about STOL Drag racing and the early days of the High Sierra Fly In, you can read more here: https://skiesmag.com/news/evolution-stol-drag-air-racing/.