The story of 88NV, a desert airport that operates for only a week in the entire year

Every August, a mesmerizing transformation occurs in the vast Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada (USA). What was once a barren and desolate landscape springs to life, revealing an extraordinary sight—a temporary airport known as Black Rock City Municipal Airport (88NV) emerges to serve the unique and ephemeral Black Rock City during the world-famous Burning Man Festival.

Humble beginnings

• The airport's roots can be traced back to 1995 when aviation enthusiasts and pilots began using a designated area on the Playa (a dried-up flat) during Burning Man.
• Over time, this informal setup evolved, and in 1999, the dedicated efforts of Lissa Shoun and Will Roger, members of the LLC board, led to the airport's formal establishment, meeting the Bureau of Land Management's requirements.

• A significant milestone was reached in 2009 when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognised Black Rock City Municipal Airport as a private facility and designated it as 88NV.
• Today, its presence is even marked on the 'Klamath Falls Sectional chart', operating on a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) of 122.9 MHz during the event.

ALSO READ: Ashes or not, no way David Bowie went up in flames at Burning Man

A bit about the airport now

• Situated at an elevation of 3,912 feet, the airport has two 6,000-foot runways over the dry alkali lakebed.
• In 2019, the airport recorded an impressive 2,700 flight operations, thanks to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of exceptional volunteers to put up the airport.
• For pilots wanting to land at this airport, a prerequisite is to pre-register and meet specific requirements due to the challenging desert environment. 
• To offer a more inclusive way to access the festival, Burner Express Air, operated by CamSam Aviation, provides charter flights from Reno, San Francisco, and Southern California. Burners can purchase individual seats or even charter an entire aircraft for a group.

• It is worth noting that, for the 2023 edition, Burner Express Air will be the only charter service available, a measure taken to reduce air traffic and enhance safety.
• The airport's operations are not governed by traditional authorities like the (Federal Aviation Administration) FAA or Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Instead, the airport is managed by its team of skilled and experienced individuals, many of whom are pilots themselves.
• Scenic rides offered by private pilots give Burners a chance to capture the awe-inspiring city below, making their journey to the festival all the more magical.

What's the festival all about?

Burning Man is an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA. It's a week-long gathering where participants create a temporary city, emphasising self-expression, art, community, and self-reliance. The festival is known for its unique art installations, extravagant costumes, and the ritualistic burning of a large wooden effigy at its core.

ALSO READ: Fashion designer Manish Arora reveals why he goes to the famous Burning Man festival

Black Rock City Municipal Airport's story is one of ingenuity and collective effort. Rising from the desert dust, this airport serves as a testament to the extraordinary experiences that can unfold when passionate ones come together to create something truly magical. From its humble beginnings to its FAA recognition, this temporary airport embodies the spirit of Burning Man—an event where almost anything goes and dreams take flight.