One hundred win lottery to land on Rosamond Dry Lakebed Oct. 1

  • Published
  • 95 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 2010 Flight Test Nation Lakebed Fly-in lottery took place Sept. 10.

Maj. Gen. David J. Eichhorn, Air Force Flight Test Center commander, randomly selected the names of 100 pilots out of more than 2,000 to land on the 21-square-mile historic Rosamond Dry Lakebed Oct. 1. Twenty more were placed on a waiting list in the event of cancellations.

Notification of selections will be sent out by mail and e-mail, along with a safety video, passes and directions to the event.

"This is an exciting event when you look at the history of Edwards and the number of lakebed landings that have been done out here," General Eichhorn said. "These folks who've won the lottery today have joined history in landing on the lakebed here in southern California. I hope they feel honored because I think it's going to be a great event."

The purpose of the occasion is to inform Edwards' flying neighbors about safely flying into the base's airspace and to learn of the history of Edwards.

"We want to reduce the risk of military and civilian aircraft possibly coming into contact with one another in the R-2508 Complex (Edwards' airspace)," said Bill Koukourikos, AFFTC Flight Safety Office. "We also want to foster goodwill and camaraderie between military and civilian flyers in the Southern California and Nevada area."

Those flying in will be greeted by General Eichhorn and enjoy a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The general aviation aircraft that have won the lottery will begin flying in from 6:45 a.m. and are expected to be on the ground no later than 9:30 a.m.  This is an all day event, and the last aircraft is scheduled to leave the premises by 5 p.m.

Aviators will be given several presentations discussing Edwards' current programs and the history of women in aviation.

Mr. Koukourikos and Federal Aviation Administration Joshua Approach Control will describe the military airspace and instruct flyers how to avoid any conflict with Edwards' aircraft. The presentations, which include videos, will also inform the local flyers about how to navigate around the base's large airspace.

Those who wish to drive in to the 2010 Lakebed Fly-in can pre-register online for parking and lunch by Sept. 24. Lunch is $20 per person.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on the same day, traffic to the West Gate will be slowed down due to visitors to the Rosamond Dry Lakebed fly-in. This is generally the time frame in which people drive onto base for work. It is advised that drivers who are not from the city of Rosamond take alternate routes or be prepared for the delays.

Stay up to date with information by logging on to www.flighttestnation.com.