Z-Aircraft Tie-Down

Aircraft Tie-Down and Ramp Access

Orange Trash Fence

The boundary of BRC is the orange trash fence. Access roads run along the inside and outside of this fence. Keep the orange perimeter trash fence clear of all obstacles. Emergency vehicles will drive through the fence in the event of a disaster. Do not hop over the fence. In fact, don’t even think about it. Enter and exit via the Gates at Point 5 only. 

Visitors, Passengers and Ramp Camp

Wristbands are available to under-the-wing campers and pilots (and possibly their guests) so they may freely access the GA Ramp via Airport Gate at Point 5. See Gate personnel at Point 5 during Airport operational hours. Gate staff may ask to see valid ticket stubs before issuing wristbands or In and Out Passes. Remember what we said about not hopping the fence? This applies to you too, GA Ramp dwellers and friends. We expect that from sparkle ponies, not you

Tie-Downs

You are responsible for securing your airplane as soon as possible after landing. Winds have been clocked at upwards of 80 mph and sudden unexpected gusts are common.  We recommend securing strong rope or chain to rebar stakes. If you do not bring them you better believe the sentence is to get some, and then do community service at the airport. This is not a joke. Furthermore, clean up after yourself! You may be subject to a fine for littering on public land if tie-downs/rebar not removed from your assigned parking space when you leave.

Want to make sure you’re not blamed for some other jerk’s MOOPy mess? Check out your GA ramp space with Customs staff before you leave for good! We’ll note if it’s clean (or MOOPy) when you depart. Keep your name clean by keeping your parking space clean. 

 Aircraft Care Tips (with photos!)

We don’t want you flying blindProtect your aircraft on-playa and get post-playa personal care advice. End of the day tie-down protocol should include some type of dust prevention! Pilots who park for the entire Event should be extra diligent (especially with rental planes) and consider the following:

  • Obtain air filter for fine dust, replace immediately once off-playa
  • Repack wheel bearings immediately once off-playa
  • Close ports when parked
  • Plug holes, cracks, and cover or stuff something in crannies
  • Tape & Plastic Wrap > Fabric, cloth flaps and scratches like sandpaper 
  • Make a Checklist to ensure that all tape/wrap is removed prior to flight 
  • Cover your seats with auto covers, old T-shirts, blankets, towels, anything to protect upholstery from the lovely, dusty, sweaty, unwashed masses
  • Bring Ziplock bags for pukey passengers
  • Post-Event, a vinegar and water rinse before detergent washing breaks up alkaline dust

Advice from Colin:  I did get dust in my wings this year even though I taped everything up, but last year was pretty dusty in general. My IA gave me a neat trick which works on my plane because it is a high wing. Roll one main wheel up on a car ramp to tilt the plane over, then remove the wing tip and the inspection covers nearest the fuselage. I used the compressor to blow out most of the dust then ran a hose down the wing and washed everything else out.  My plane is a 1961 and I think this was the first time it was done, because I got a lot more than playa dust to come out. The plane spent some of its life in Arizona so there was a lot of red dust as well, plus three old bees nests that had been hidden behind the wing ribs. After washing, I use the compressor again to blow out the remaining water.

Last year I forgot to clean my nose gear strut before flying each day (C182).  It appears that playa dust built up in the strut seal and after I got back found a big puddle of hydraulic fluid.  Rebuild kit was cheap, but a bit of a pain on labor.  This year I’m going to tape up the strut seal and clean it well before each flight…. I had a lot of dust around the brakes and wheels, having the wheels off to do the bearings makes it easy to get in and clean the brakes as well.  This year I’m going to clean that area really well before flying down to make sure there is no excess grease that can attract dust.