Edwards AFB hosts first GA fly-in

Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California is hosting a general aviation fly-in Oct.1. A lottery will be held to determine which 100 GA pilots will have the chance to fly their aircraft into Edwards’ airspace and land on on historic Rosamond Dry 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 the air force base, according to base officials.

“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, of the Air Force Flight Test Center 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.

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 pilots 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 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 FlightTestNation.com and click on the 2010 FTN Lakebed Fly-in link on the home page.