Edwards Air Force Base (IATA: EDW, ICAO: KEDW) serves Edwards, US.
Traveler reviews and experiences at Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW (EDW)) are primarily from military personnel and official visitors, rather than typical commercial airline passengers, given its role as a military installation for aerospace testing. Overall sentiment is mixed, with appreciation for career opportunities and access to diverse California attractions tempered by the base's remote location and limited immediate off-base amenities.
What Travelers Love
- Career Opportunities: Many find Edwards AFB a valuable place for professional development, especially in aerospace testing and technical fields.
- Access to California Attractions: Despite its remote setting, the base offers proximity (within a 2-3 hour drive) to a wide range of attractions, including Los Angeles, beaches, mountains for snowboarding, and various recreational activities.
- Improving Base Housing: Recent reviews indicate that on-base housing has significantly improved and is considered a good option.
- Unique Mission and History: The base is known for its critical role in testing aerospace technologies and its rich history in flight testing, which is a draw for those interested in aviation.
Common Complaints
- Remote Location and Driving Distances: The most frequent complaint is the base's isolation, often described as being in the "middle of nowhere," requiring significant driving (30 minutes to over an hour) to reach off-base cities and amenities like Palmdale or Lancaster.
- Limited Off-Base Amenities: Surrounding towns are often described as lacking desirable amenities or being "shady".
- Extreme Weather: Travelers frequently mention the extreme heat in summers and very windy conditions that can last for days.
- Security Processing: While essential, obtaining visitor passes at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) can involve waiting and requires pre-vetting for faster processing.
- "Cookie-Cutter" Food Options: On-base food choices are often described as average or "meh".
- LA Traffic: For those venturing to Los Angeles, the notorious LA traffic adds considerable time to travel.
Edwards Air Force Base provides a unique experience for those connected to its mission, offering significant professional advantages and access to California's diverse landscapes for those willing to drive. However, its isolation, demanding climate, and the necessity of navigating security protocols are consistent themes in traveler feedback.
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Where is Edwards Air Force Base located?
Edwards Air Force Base is located in Edwards, US, at an elevation of 2312 ft. Its IATA code is EDW and ICAO code is KEDW.