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STOL pilots to round up in Texas

Some of the best short takeoff and landing (STOL) pilots will converge in Hondo, Texas, at the end of September to put their skills to the test.

The fifth annual Texas STOL Roundup runs Sept. 28 to 30, giving pilots who can’t make it to Valdez, Alaska, for the popular STOL competition another avenue to compete or to watch the incredibly short takeoffs and landings.

The event kicks off Sept. 28 with a STOL/backcountry flying seminar and time to practice before the Traditional STOL and Obstacle STOL competitions begin Sept. 29. The final day, Sept. 30, will feature a flour bombing contest and can serve as a make-up day in the event of rain.

Aircraft ranging from the heavy de Havilland Beaver and Quest Kodiak to the light sport Carbon Cub SS will compete in the certificated aircraft categories, while the experimental category will feature aircraft raining from the Murphy Moose to the Legend ELSA.

Pilots can camp with their aircraft at the airport to get the full experience.

AOPA members have been wowed by shorter versions of the STOL competition at AOPA Fly-Ins across the country over the past two years. AOPA will be sponsoring a livestream of the Texas STOL Roundup so pilots who can't attend can still enjoy the impressive display of airmanship. To watch the livestream, visit AOPA's Facebook page on Sept. 29.

Alyssa J. Miller

Alyssa J. Cobb

The former senior director of digital media, Alyssa J. Cobb was on the AOPA staff from 2004 until 2023. She is a flight instructor, and loves flying her Cessna 170B with her husband and two children. Alyssa also hosts the weekly Fly with AOPA show on the AOPA Pilot Video YouTube channel.
Topics: Backcountry, Fly-in, Takeoffs and Landings

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