Pony Express STOL is an exhilarating aviation fly-in and STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition making its premiere in St. Joseph, Missouri, on May 16-17. This event promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and performance and is the most centrally located of the 2025 National STOL season. 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!

One ticket provides access for the entire weekend. Our venue is Rosecrans Memorial Airport (STJ), 100B NW Rosecrans Road, St. Joseph, Missouri. 

All times are tentative and listed in Central Time

Thursday, May 15

3:00pm - Camping Opens

3:00-6:00pm - Competitor and Camping Check In

6:00pm - Competitor Welcome Dinner (on site at airport)

Friday, May 16

8:30-9:30am - Breakfast available for competitors/volunteers

9:00-10:30am - Competitor and Volunteer Check In

10:30am -Volunteer Briefing

11:00am - New Competitor Briefing

11:30am - General Pilot Briefing

12:30-5:30pm - Competitor Practice

6:30pm - Competitor Social Event

Saturday, May 17

8:00-9:00am - Breakfast available for competitors/volunteers

8:30am - Volunteer Briefing

9:00am - Competitor Safety Briefing

9:00am - Gates Open for Spectators

10:00am - Competition Begins

We anticipate the competition will run until around 3:00pm

6:30pm - Closing Dinner at the Pony Express Museum for Competitors and Invited Guests

Sunday, May 18

11:00am - Camping Closes

Before proceeding with your registration, be sure to review the 2025 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.

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 11. Starting on Monday, May 12, the registration fee will increase.

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!

Hotel Information and Travel Details will be updated shortly!

Our venue is Rosecrans Memorial Airport (STJ), 100B NW Rosecrans Road, St. Joseph, Missouri. 

If you are flying in:

Monitor UNICOM 122.95. Advise upon landing if you are a competitor, underwing camping, or departing the same day. This will aid in directing you to the appropriate parking area. We highly recommend you schedule your arrival and departure OUTSIDE of the scheduled practice and competition windows. During these time periods, our air bosses will advise you of competition traffic and may ask you to hold for a break in between heats.

If you are driving in: 

The main parking lot is a grass lot just across the street from the airport gates. Watch for National STOL signs! ADA parking is available (proper credential required) in the asphalt lot noted on the map below.