STOL Enthusiasts Flock to EAA AirVenture's Twilight Flight Fest

The daring pilots don’t fail to disappoint at Oshkosh demonstrations.

Josh Richling

Wednesday, August 09, 2023 at 05:17 PM ET

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Joe 'Pops' Dory plugs his ears as Jason Busat prepares to launch. [Anitra Goddard]

Key Takeaways:

The annual STOL demonstration at EAA AirVenture Twilight Flight Fest in Oshkosh attracted thousands of enthusiastic fans to witness elite backcountry pilots showcase their aircraft's capabilities.
Coordinated by Frank and Kris Knapp, the event featured prominent figures from the STOL community and was narrated by engaging announcers, creating a "purist's delight" with its focus on spot landings and pilot enjoyment.
Despite challenging weather, including record heat and powerful thunderstorms that led to one demo cancellation, pilots engaged with fans through impressive displays and a Q&A session, aiming to inspire future aviators.

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The STOL (short takeoff and landing) demonstration at EAA AirVenture Twilight Flight Fest, hosted at the Ultralight Field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in late July, saw fans lining up along the fences hours before the event to secure their spots. Thousands of STOL enthusiasts gathered to witness their favorite backcountry pilots showcase the remarkable capabilities of their aircraft.

Frank Knapp, an Alaskan STOL pilot and current holder of the Valdez STOL record distance, and his wife, Kris, have been coordinating the STOL demonstration at AirVenture since its inception in 2014. Along with the Knapps, the elite of the STOL community were present to help put on a spectacular show.