Pahute Mesa
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Pahute Mesa is a restricted private airport within the Nevada Test Site. It is situated north east of the Yucca mountain and north west of the Yucca lake. Specifically, this Pahute Mesa areas was incorporated into the boundaries of the NTS in late 1963 under an agreement between the Atomic Energy Commission and the U.S. Air Force. Area 19 was used for high yield tests which no longer would be permissible under the terms of the Threshold Test Ban Treaty. Both areas have the same rugged terrain features and harsh winter-season conditions that made year-round operations difficult.
==This is an essay. It does not define a policy or guideline; it reflects the opinions of some of its author(s). Please update the page as needed, or discuss it on the talk page.==
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[edit] Geology
The geology of Pahute Mesa makes it possible to test devices at much greater depths than in Yucca flat (down to more than 13,700 meters (4500 feet)). The greater depth and isolation allowed the much higher yield tests, with minimal levels of ground motion being felt in Las Vegas, over 160 kilometers (100 miles) away. Tests in the megaton and greater range included the Boxcar, Benham, and Handley events. In addition to the Department of Energy weapons development tests, a [[Department of Defense] nuclear test detection experiment and several Plowshare tests have been conducted on Pahute Mesa.
This is an essay. It does not define a policy or guideline; it reflects the opinions of some of its author(s). Please update the page as needed, or discuss it on the talk page.
[edit] Location
FAA Identifier: L23
Lat/Long: 37-06-09.8180N / 116-18-48.1740W 37-06.163633N / 116-18.802900W 37.1027272 / -116.3133817 (estimated)
Elevation: 5068 ft. / 1544.7 m (surveyed)
Variation: 14E (1985)
From city: 31 miles NW of MERCURY, NV
Time zone: UTC -7 (UTC -8 during Standard Time)
Zip code: 89020
[edit] Airport Operations
Airport use: Private use. Permission required prior to landing
Activation date: 11/1972
Sectional chart: LAS VEGAS
Control tower: no
ARTCC: LOS ANGELES CENTER
FSS: RENO FLIGHT SERVICE STATION
Attendance: UNATNDD
Wind indicator: yes
Segmented circle: no
