Valdez Fly-In STOL Competition Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Bush pilots navigate through deep, snow-covered canyons and low ceilings to arrive at Valdez-Pioneer Field (PAVD) for the launch of competition.

Josh Richling

Friday, May 17, 2024 at 02:59 PM ET

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Lukasz Czepiela won the Bush Class of the Valdez Fly-In STOL competition in the same Red Bull/Cubcrafters Carbon Cub UL that he landed on the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel helipad in Dubai. [Courtesy: Joe Prax]

Key Takeaways:

The Valdez Fly-In celebrated its 20th anniversary in Alaska from May 10-12, attracting pilots from various countries despite challenging weather conditions that limited competitor numbers.
Competition highlights included Lukas Stutzer winning Heavy Touring, Steve Spence taking Light Touring, and Lukasz Czepiela, known for his helipad landing, winning the Experimental Bush Class and performing aerobatics.
Despite temperamental weather, aviation enthusiasts were undeterred, enjoying the STOL competition and impressive aerobatic performances throughout the weekend.

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The Valdez Fly-In marked its 20th anniversary in Alaska, the birthplace of short takeoff and landing (STOL) competitions in the U.S., on May 10-12, attracting pilots from across the nation, Canada, and even Poland.

Despite challenging weather conditions, seasoned bush pilots navigated through deep, snow-covered canyons and low ceilings to arrive at Valdez-Pioneer Field (PAVD) for the launch of competition May 10. Many found their routes impassable, which limited the number of competitors.