Pilots

Note for 2025: ADS-B Out equipment and usage will be required for all airplanes and rotorcraft using 88NV in 2025.  

Details:
  • ADS-B position reports must be received at the tower from all airplanes and helicopters arriving or departing 88NV, within a 15nm radius from 88NV (i.e. approximately inside of Empire.) This includes scenic flights.
  • ADS-B “anonymous mode” and ICAO temporary/private addresses may be used.
  • ADS-B “In” is not required.
  • Either ADS-B band may be used (UAT or 1090ES.)
  • Weight-shift control aircraft (regardless of FAA category) and powered parachutes are recommended but not required to participate.
    • All other aircraft in the airplane category, as defined by the FAA, are required to participate, including LSAs.

 

2025 Pilot Materials will be posted approximately August 1, 2025

 

2024 Materials are here, for reference:

2024 Pilot Advisory

Pilot Survival Guide

(optional reading – strongly recommended for newbies)

NOTAM

(has info on overflights and working with Oakland Center)

Live Weather Info here

Charter / for-hire flights must be approved through Cam Sam Aviation.  Non-approved charters will not be allowed to land.  More information is in the advisory.

 

 

Relevant mailing lists:

REQUIRED FOR PILOTS — airport-announce

Low-volume list for official airport announcements and airport condition updates during the event.  All pilots are required to subscribe.

To subscribe: send a blank email to airport-announce+subscribe[at]burningman.org

Optional: aviators-list

For open discussion of all things 88NV, flying, camping, etc. 

To subscribe: send a blank email to aviators-list+subscribe[at]burningman.org

Optional: airport-newpilots

For those who are less experienced flying into 88NV, OR those interested in offering advice and help.  No question too basic or too nuanced.  Curious about the winds, the dust, or how your particular airplane is going to do out there?  This is the place.  Old-timers and airport staff will also be in here too, to give you some real-world advice.
To subscribe: send a blank email to airport-newpilots+subscribe[at]burningman.org

Optional: airport-cerealgifters

For those who like to gift a lot of rides (“cereal”/serial gifters), or those interested in doing so.  Good place to compare notes on how to make the experience the best we can for our passengers, offer ideas on how we might refine the process, etc.  Flight ops staff will be in here too to hear your ideas.
To subscribe: send a blank email to airport-cerealgifters+subscribe[at]burningman.org
This aerial photograph of Black Rock City was shot on the morning of Friday August 31st, 2018 during Burning Man 2018. The pilot of the aircraft was Purple Haze.
Photo: Duncan Rawlinson