AIRPORT FAQ
Q. What are the schedules and prices for flights to Burning Man?
A. Commercial aviation is not encouraged. The Airport is built for private pilots and their passengers to participate in the event. Occasionally a pilot has extra room in her plane and is willing to take passengers who are able to share the expenses of the flight. Try joining the Aviators mailing list and asking the list.
Q. Are tie-downs available?
A. Rebar is provided courtesy of the Black Rock Travel Agency. We also have a sledgehammer and rebar extractor for general use. You must bring your own rope.
Q. Is the tie-down area secure?
A. The tie-down area is not locked. It's accessible through a pedestrian gate, and open to persons outside the event; however, pilots will be camping with their planes and adjacent to the tie-down area and that will deter vandalism. The area is as safe as the typical municipal airport.
Q. Is it "legal" to land on the playa?
A. For non-commercial aviation, it is almost always legal for individuals or small groups to land on the playa. The only time landings are prohibited is when the BLM publishes a special closure in the Federal Register. If you just want to fly up some weekend, land and camp, you are perfectly "legal" by the BLM and FAA. Large groups require permits from the BLM.
If you are renting an aircraft and the rules prohibit "off-airport landings", then you are ok, because paperwork is on-file with the Federal Aviation Administration for the Black Rock City Airport. If your club or FBO prohibits landing on dirt strips, try to get a one-time waiver. Sorry, we can't provide a paved runway.
Read your insurance policy to discover if dirt strip landings are prohibited.
Q. Is it safe to land my Beechna Pipermman Super-Duper-High-Flyer on the playa?
A. The playa surface is suitable for anything from a tiny-wheeled Vari-eze to tail-draggers with tundra tires to brand new turbo-charged Mooneys to C-130s. This is the surface on which a car went faster than the speed of sound. The space shuttle could land here.
Q. Can I camp with my plane?
A. Yes, you may camp immediately next to your plane. It may be a bit dusty when other airplanes taxi in and out. Campers and other ground vehicles have to be parked in the Cloud 9 camping area.
Q. Is is ok to drop off passengers?
A. Yes, the $40 Airport Fee still applies, see below.
Q. Why do I have to pay an extra $40 Airport Fee for runway, windsock and stuff that I don't need and don't want?
A. Airport expenses have increased dramatically over the last few years, due to increased traffic and new safety requirements. If we don't satisfy the BLM requirements, we don't get an airport, and you have to drive from Reno or Winnemucca. Airport users should pay their share of the increased costs.
Many pilots generously donate additional funds to cover decorations and amenities. We have the Phoenix Bar & Lounge, tools for pilots to borrow, a burn barrel, lights, and more to make the Port of Entry a pleasant and welcoming village.
Q. What should I wear when I arrive?
A. Be advised that landings are "clothing optional...."
Q. Is it true that skydivers are allowed in for free?
A. No. All arrivals by air are subjected to the same requirements as arrivals
by ground transportation. Ever vigilant Customs Agents run the Airport Gate
to ensure that no one sneaks in for free.
