What is the Ken Brock Freedom Fly-In?
This gathering is the largest home-built rotorcraft in the West. The Fly-In is an Annual Gathering at El Mirage Dry Lake, which has a 60+ year history. It was named after Ken Brock, who was a noted air show performer, stunt pilot and aircraft manufacturer. Ken was also a past President of PRA Chapter One. The Fly-In is held Annually during the last full September weekend. As the name Freedom Fly-In implies, all aircraft are welcome to celebrate our freedom to fly.
What is the cost?
As the name implies, the Freedom Fly-in is a free gathering. The only expenses are access to the Lakebed, controlled by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). The BLM charges a daily admission of $15, or a weekly admission of $30.
What should I know about bringing and aircraft?
Again, it is the Freedom Fly-In. You are free to do what you want on the Lakebed, following the BLM rules. In the event the Lakebed has water on it, BLM will close the Lake, and if you see water or wet spots on the Lakebed, do not land on it. The Bed is very slippery and the mud will make it almost impossible to get out of if you land when it is wet.
Is the Fly-In for Rotorcraft only?
The Fly-In's emphasis is Rotorcraft, but ALL types of aircraft are welcome and all types of aircraft attend.
What about Radio Communications?
While many aircraft that fly at El Mirage do not fly with a radio, the frequency that pilots with radios use is 123.025 MHz. You can monitor that for any air-to-air communications with other radio equipped aircraft.
Can you land on the Lakebed?
El Mirage Dry Lake is an OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) area and pilots fly from this 6 mile long runway frequently. As mentioned earlier, be cautious of Lakebed
conditions!
What are the GPS Coordinates?
GPS Coordinates for 2025 KBFFI:
34.664198, -117.612273
Is there food available?
There is no food service on the Lakebed, but there are 2 restaurants and a grocery store in El Mirage. This is a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) Gathering. There are members of Chapter One who will have a charcoal grill out to cook their own food, and visitors are welcome to sit with us and grill their food. There's nothing like burning a little beef together to make new friends and have fun with old friends!
What's the weather like?
The temperatures can vary, especially if the wind is blowing and sometimes it's VERY windy! During the day it is usually hot. Sunscreen is highly recommended. Be sure to bring water and other fluids. During the evening it can be cool and at night the temperature can be relatively cold, so bring layers to wear!
Are there any accomodations?
Camping is allowed on the Lakebed (and many people spend the entire weekend) but there is not much in the way of facilities. The BLM has bathrooms on the Lakebed. There are 2 motels in Adelanto and a broader range of motels, hotels and restaurants in Victorville, about 20 miles to the East.
What can I expect to see at the Fly-In?
We usually attract 15+ gyros, 3-5 helicopters and a variety of ultra-lights and other fixed wing aircraft.