Black Rock City Airport - Hard on planes?

Insane

Insane

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Insane
A friend of mine who is attending Burning Man this year asked me if I'd be interested in flying out there and spending a day and "drop off supplies" ;). I've never been but have heard about the alkaline dust and how corrosive it is. Is there anyone who has flown there who can give a report on what it does to planes?
 
Yes, but interested in any personal experience that others may have.
 
Scott@KTYR said:
I guess you have Googled this info.
https://www.google.com/images?hl=en...d=0CDcQsAQ&q=Black Rock City Airport&tbm=isch
http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/airport/flying.html
http://www.portofentry.org/?page_id=254
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Hey--there's a pic of RJM62 on that page (3rd link)!!!

Shuggy1-225x300.jpg
 
It's fun, flown in twice in my VariEze and once in a 172. No corrosion damage, but it'll take a while to get the plane clean.
 
I read the briefing above and I have to wonder, why no cross wind runway? It's the middle of the flat, hard desert with endless acres for the taking. They talk about variable winds and occasional high pressure zones changing the prevailing winds, so why just one runway?

Just a question because it really doesn't matter too me. I used to rent equipment to people going there. No more. I know better than to let any piece of machinery you care about go there. If you insist on flying your plane there I would give this advise-


  • Never use any water, or water based solution to clean your plane afterward. Use a vacuum, brooms, brushes, compressed air and rags.
  • Try to tape up every crack and crevice with blue painter's tape while you are there. The dust is your enemy.
  • Consider a fresh air filter for the trip home.
  • Plan your annual right after the event.
This is all advise from someone who has never flown into, or even attended Burning Man. I just have a lot of experience with dealing with equipment and machinery after Burning Man. I may one day go up and fly over Burning Man for fun, but airplane ownership is expensive enough as it is, I don't need to go asking for trouble. My plane won't be landing there.
 
Insane said:
You need to get out more. Step off the boring path. Live a little.
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Okay, so what part of:


  • Never use any water, or water based solution to clean your plane afterward. Use a vacuum, brooms, brushes, compressed air and rags.
  • Try to tape up every crack and crevice with blue painter's tape while you are there. The dust is your enemy.
  • Consider a fresh air filter for the trip home.
  • Plan your annual right after the event.
looks fun to you?
 
Clark1961 said:
Okay, so what part of:


  • Never use any water, or water based solution to clean your plane afterward. Use a vacuum, brooms, brushes, compressed air and rags.
  • Try to tape up every crack and crevice with blue painter's tape while you are there. The dust is your enemy.
  • Consider a fresh air filter for the trip home.
  • Plan your annual right after the event.
looks fun to you?
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I suspect the quoted person thought you were poo-pooing Burning Man (the event) itself, not the irritating aspects of aircraft ops to the desert location.
 
SCCutler said:
I suspect the quoted person thought you were poo-pooing Burning Man (the event) itself, not the irritating aspects of aircraft ops to the desert location.
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Yup, I basically pointed out to him that he was jumping to a conclusion even though the comments were not originally made by me.
 
Went there in 2007 in the Maule. Never noticed that the dust did anything.
 
Been there, and will probably go back in the next couple of years. Sure, the dust could be a problem. There's a 50/50 chance of dust storms. When I was there, there was a blow or two, but the last several days were nice. I saw at least one person who wrapped their bird in that Saran-wrap-like stuff that they wrap pallets with. The dust will clean out, and probably no worse than anyone gets on a backcountry airstrip or on the beach. (Although one friend claims he's still finding sand in the crack of his butt!)
 
kenjr said:
I'll be clear. None of it looks fun - including cleaning the plane. And, I get out plenty. Thanks.

I watched this documentary on it. Looks creepy as f$%&.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0NdVn2O1WY
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Take a walk on the wild side. You might find you like it!

:D

I did think you were referring to the event itself. I was put off the talk about how filthy it makes your plane but I'm glad to see some here who have been say it wasn't that bad.
 
I've considered the same thing with my brother, it's not too far of a flight for us. Unfortunately it always occurs during a part of the year when I simply can not be gone from work.
 
I've decided to do it... Just going to take some precautions in case there is a dust storm (I'll only go for a couple of days). Thanks for the tips everyone.

A group of my buddies are going too. Just need to get the "uniforms" picked out (don't want to look like a tourist), and we've all agreed to do at least one party with our gonads hanging out in the breeze. Should be fun.
 
If you could find inexpensive decals, it'd be fun to dress the plane appropriately.
 
I too am flying there this year to drop off my Uncle. I might stay a day or two and volunteer at the airport.

I am also concerned with the problems of keeping my plane there overnight.
 
Insane said:
I've decided to do it... Just going to take some precautions in case there is a dust storm (I'll only go for a couple of days). Thanks for the tips everyone.

A group of my buddies are going too. Just need to get the "uniforms" picked out (don't want to look like a tourist), and we've all agreed to do at least one party with our gonads hanging out in the breeze. Should be fun.
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Don't forget rain storms too. When it rains there, things get really ugly from an equipment perspective too. Some have gone there unprepared with the mistaken notion that it never rains in the desert. It has happened. I guess you can stay on top of the weather briefings and get the hell out before rain arrives if need be.
 
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