Edwards to host civilian lakebed fly-in Oct. 1

  • Published
  • By 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Local pilots will have the chance to fly into the hallowed skies over Edwards this fall and land on historic Rosamond Dry Lakebed.

The Air Force Flight Test Center is hosting a general aviation fly-in Oct.1. The 2010 Flight Test Nation Lakebed Fly-in will give 100 civilian aviators the chance to fly their private aircraft into Edwards' airspace and land on the lakebed.

The purpose of the event is to inform Edwards' flying neighbors about safely flying in the base's airspace and learning 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 Maj. Gen. David J. Eichhorn, AFFTC commander, and will enjoy a pancake breakfast.

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

Mr. Koukourikos 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.

The AFFTC will hold a lottery Sept. 10 to select the fly-in participants. Of those selected, 100 will be given the opportunity to land on the historic Rosamond Dry Lakebed and 20 will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Those people who wish to drive in to the 2010 Lakebed Fly-in can also take part in the event. They must register online for a parking pass and will pay for lunch on-site. Those who are not registered or do not have a parking pass will not be allowed into the event.

To register for the fly-in lottery drawing, or to drive-in to event, go to www.flighttestnation.com and click on the 2010 FTN Lakebed Fly-in link on the home page.