APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN STOL is an exhilarating aviation fly-in and STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition set to take return to Clarion, Pennsylvania, on May 8-9. This event promises an exciting showcase of skill and performance. Pilots from various backgrounds will converge to demonstrate their aircraft's impressive capabilities in terms of short takeoffs and landings.

National STOL events aim to be a family friendly day out at the airport for both airplane enthusiasts and those new to general aviation! Be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly with hats, sunblock, jackets, or rain gear as necessary. Food trucks will be available, or you are welcome to bring small coolers. Camping chairs are encouraged!

Our venue is Clarion County Airport, 395 Airport Rd, Shippenville, PA 16254.

All times are tentative and subject to change

Thursday, May 7

Throughout the Day: Set up and Arrivals

3:00pm: Camping Opens

Friday, May 8

11:15am: Volunteer Briefing (please arrive by 10:15am to check in)

11:45am: Mandatory New Competitor Briefing

12:00pm: Briefing for all Pilots Planning to Practice

1:00-4:30pm: Competitor Practice

6:00pm: Competitor/Volunteer Social Outing (location TBA). Cars will depart the airport around 5:45pm for those needing transportation!

Saturday, May 9

8:00-9:00am: Breakfast available for competitor and volunteers

9:00am: Volunteer Briefing (please arrive by 8:45am to check in if this is your first day)

9:30am: Gates Open for Spectators

9:30am: Mandatory Competitor Briefing

10:30am: Competition Begins

During the competition, we will also have a FREE paper airplane competition for kids. Visit the National STOL Merchandise Tent before noon to fold your airplane and sign up!

We anticipate the competition will run until between 2:00 and 3:00pm.

6:30pm: Closing Dinner and Awards Ceremony for competitors and invited guests

Sunday, May 10

11:00am: Camping Closes

Before proceeding with your registration, be sure to review the 2026 National STOL Rules. During your registration, you will be asked to fill out your pilot profile, including uploading a photo of yourself and one of your aircraft.

Note that we have a new registration process for the 2026 season! If this is your first event of the year, allow a few extra minutes to set up your pilot profile.

If you are a first time National STOL competitor, or if you have not competed in more than two years, note that you are required to participate in Friday's practice day and New Competitor Safety Briefing. Schedule your travel plans accordingly!

Standard and Rookie Class registration fees are reduced through Sunday, May 3. Starting on Monday, May 4, the registration fee will increase.

Visit pilot.nationalstol.com to begin your registration!

National STOL events are almost entirely run by a team of passionate volunteers! Get up close and personal with amazing pilots and aircraft while receiving free admission to the event. For more information, check out this video. Ready to volunteer at Appalachian Mountain STOL? Register below!

Visit volunteer.nationalstol.com to begin your registration!

Competitors: You receive one complimentary camping space with your competitor registration. Instructions on how to claim this space will be provided in your confirmation email.

UNDERWING, RV, and GENERAL TENT CAMPING inside the airfield is limited and available by advance reservation only!

For your convenience, a room block has been set up at the Microtel Inn and Suites Clarion. To receive the reduced rate of $129/night (Friday/Saturday, $109/night Thursday), call the hotel directly at 814-227-2223 and ask for the National STOL rate.

Please note that this is a college graduation weekend in town, so the hotel does expect to sell out. Book early!

Clarion County Airport - 395 Airport Road, Shippenville, PA 16254

If you are driving in, parking will be in the areas off of Manor Church Road. Spectators will enter through the gate next to the main terminal building. On Saturday, Civil Air Patrol will be on site to assist with parking!

Spectator camping is in the grass area off of the main parking lot. Be sure you have pre-registered. Check your email for instructions to get your wristbands.

If you are flying in, transient parking is available. Please note that the airport will remain open throughout the event. However, be sure to monitor UNICOM. If you arrive during the practice on Friday or the competition on Saturday, our airbosses will advise you of any competition traffic and may ask you to hold for a break between heats. We highly recommend you plan your arrival and departure outside of the event windows.

When you land, please advise if you are 1) a competitor, 2) parking and camping underwing, 3) parking the aircraft only for the weekend, or 4) coming in and departing the same day. This will aid in directing you to the appropriate area.