Record Crowd Gathers for Third ArkanSTOL Competition

ArkanSTOL is the only backcountry flying competition held in the Ozark mountains at Byrd's Adventure Center.

Cam Walton

Friday, October 28, 2022 at 05:35 PM ET

Verified

Kris Griewahn landing after successfully completing the qualification course. [Courtesy: Cam Walton]

Key Takeaways:

The third annual ArkanSTOL competition in the Ozarks saw its largest turnout, introducing a "STOLcross" format with a new complex scoring system based on time, precise landing distance, and penalties across three grass strips.
Competitors were divided into Touring, Bush, and Light Sport classes, navigating a multi-leg course that required short takeoffs, landings, and clearing 25-foot inflatable pylons.
Beyond the competition, the event featured a new AOPA-sponsored education tent with speakers, special aviation demonstrations like C-130J flyovers, and fostered a strong community atmosphere with dinners, live music, and informal bluegrass sessions.

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How fast can you go slow? It’s a question that was answered during the third annual ArkanSTOL (Arkansas Short Takeoff and Landing) competition held in September in the Ozarks before the largest turnout to date.

ArkanSTOL—Arkansas’ only backcountry flying competition held in the Ozark mountains at Byrd’s Adventure Center (51AR)—began as an idea started around a campfire by co-founders Joe Edwards, John Young, and Rusty Coonfield.