| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Brian Steck | 513 | 2024 American Legend Aircraft MOAC | N513KS | Blue/Grey/Blue | Team Legend | | Gladiator 390 | 2000 | 1250 | 31” Aero Classic | 3 blade Catto propeller, Shock Monster Suspension | | | Mineola TX | brian_steck | |
| Dan Reynolds | 9 | 1983 Chinook Valdez Special | C-IEPY | Green on white | | | Rotax 670 | 1050 | 540 | 26 inch Airstreaks | Slats & VGs | Too many to list | | Dawson | | Bush pilot all my life flying Super Cubs and Cessna 185. This plane is a highly modified 1983 Chinook WT 11. I designed and built all the modifications with the exception of the slats ( Carbon Concept) I have logged over 6,000 hrs on the 4 Chinooks I own. Going to the Valdez STOL in Alaska inspired me to modify and build this aircraft., hence the name of this model. I have two of the "Valdez Special "that are flying and another one all framed up. |
| Jeff Daly | 247 | 2024 JD Badlands Traveler | N365BS | Black | Badlands | Warhorse | Lycoming O-360 215hp | 1850 | 988 | 29" Airstreak | Stock | No mods | Banner Capital Bank, Daly Trucking, Ics Transportation, Vetterman Exhaust, Clint and Cystal Busenitz, Dave Trine Wingshop | Arthur NE | @sky_ranchin | I was born in the Nebraska Sandhills. My family has a cattle ranch there. The ranches there are hours from the closest places to shop if you’re driving. For this reason growing up I got to watch many of the local ranchers fly to check wells and cattle, go get parts, and even simple things like grocery shopping. I watched with curiosity and envy as they would fly by in their cubs and the like, waving hello.
Later in life I decided I couldn’t go on without flying myself. At the age of 32 I started taking lessons in a 172. At 11 hours total time I transitioned into my first aircraft, a Cessna 140. My 140 and I found ourselves in some places that were maybe a bit out of its envelope (or barely inside). At about 200 hours I upgraded into a Cessna super 170. The rest is history. That was a capable aircraft. I competed in national stol for my first time in it among many other firsts. Mountain top landings in Nevada, fly ins in California, night time landings on unlit grass strips, you name it we went and did it.
That airplane found a new home in 2023 and we began building warhorse. Clint Busenitz in hot springs had designed this airplane a couple years prior and when I flew it I knew I had to have one. After recruiting the help of Micah Lindstrom we began the build around Christmas 2023. With the help of Micah, Clint, Dave Trine, Jake Wyatt, and many many more, we completed it in May 2024. After an exciting 2024 season we’re excited to see what happens in 2025. |
| Patrick McInteer | 40 | 2006 Rans S7 | N540RL | Yellow and White | Team Nebraska | | Rotax 914 edge performance engine 155 hp | 1320 | 820 | 29" airstreaks | Acme shocks, VG's | Badlands Stol cuff, Turbo flux capacitor, helium filled tires, Vaseline covered wings | | Lincoln NE | mcinteer1 | Part time veterinarian focused on orthopedic surgery in dogs. Part time professional pilot giving flying lessons and contract flying in a Pilatus as well.
I've given 2000 hours of dual given (flying lessons), flown aerobatics and upset recovery as well as formation flying. I feel like I've found my home in the stol / off airport (back country) flying crowd. Like everyone says, I came for the airplanes and flying and stayed for the people!
Married and father of 2 teenage boys. I'm very busy attending their soccer and tennis games and horse shows when I'm not flying.
|
| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Don Mickey | 53 | 1953 Cessna 180 | N2252C | Silver with red accents | Uncle Harvey’s Short Field Flying Circus | | Norland O-470, 260hp | 2550 | 1690 | 26” | Horton STOL | MT prop | | Albuquerque NM | | I’m an Aquarius who likes long walks on the beach and listening to good music. I don’t kiss on the first date unless you get me a little drunk, but I love to cuddle. |
| Jeffery McMahon | 922 | 1989 Maule M7-235 | N1RW | Tan | No Runways | | IO-540 | 2500 | 1536 | | None | None | Jet Boats of Texas | Iraan TX | https://www.instagram.com/wtxdragger/ | |
| Jeff Abrams | 65 | 1965 Piper Cherokee 180C | N8040W | Blue bottom, White top, Silver Stripe | Piperzilla | | Lycoming O-360-A4A, 180hp | 2400 | 1370 | 6:00x6 | VG's, Many Gap Seals, & Isham Wing Extensions | Some Secret Stuff | | OCALA FL | | I've flown for 3 different Airlines over 35 years. My final 25 years at UPS and now retired!
Been flying for 60+ years, over 26,500 hours, and hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Numerous Type Ratings for several Jet Aircraft, licensed Helicopter Pilot, Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, and been a Flight Instructor for over 5 decades!
Flew Airshows and Aerobatic Competitions many years back in a 2 Seat Pitts Special!
I am credited with 651 Young Eagles flown, in a Robinson R22 Helicopter that I own.
I am currently the oldest pilot flying the NationalSTOL circuit at 72 years old, and my 4-cylinder Cherokee 180 is usually the least horsepower engine in the Touring class at any given contest, sometimes one half of the big dog powerplants!
My career has included flying Evil Knievil, President Jimmy Carter, Marie Osmond, Peter Frampton, some of the Rolling Stones, and a wealthy individual on his final flight that died on board by the name of Howard Hughes.
Began flying at 12 years of age using a phone book to see over the Instrument Panel.
I achieved most of my Pilot Certificates at the earliest age possible on my respective birthdays.
I received the titles of “3rd Place Light Touring”, “2nd Place Light Touring” and 3rd Place Touring, for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Seasons, at Gainesville, TX, and Sulphur Springs, TX, in the National STOL Contests.
My 60 year old Piper Cherokee was the first Cherokee off the Production Line in 1965.
Come see why some of the competition fears “PIPERZILLA - The Beast from the Southeast”.
Here's a video from National STOL, released on August 30, 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFgt_bhWUc |
| Judson Brandt | 5 | 1953 Cessna 180 | N180WD | Wyoming Yellow & Brown | Team Rough Country | Whistling Dixie | Cont O470-J | 2650 | 1500 | 8.50 smoothies | Bone Stock | | Merit Aviation, LLC | Greenville GA | | Former widebody Captain and freight dawg. Pitts acro pilot, A&P/IA. Now retired to mowing grass on his airstrip, Rough Country, in Georgia with his wife and 3 awesome retrievers. |
| Chip Ferguson | 283 | 1954 DeHavilland DHC-2 | N283AR | Red, White, Blue | | | Pratt and Whitney, R-985 , 450 | 5100 | 3200 | 35 inch Beaver AK Bushwheels | Beaver Bobble Head | AK Bushwheels | Alaska Rainbow Lodge | Galveston TX | https://www.instagram.com/ferguson.chip?igsh=MWVtejRhc2VuZGJkcQ== | Native Texan and Alaskan fishing lodge owner and bush pilot. My family and I live in Galveston TX in off season and at Alaska Rainbow Lodge, a remote fishing lodge in SW AK in the summer. My wife Amanda and I also run Scallywag Air biplane rides in Galveston.
I have experience in many different bush planes including an Aviat Husky that competed in the Texas STOL Roundup several times, Cessna 185, and DeHavilland Beaver. I am extremely passionate about all forms of general aviation, especially anything with a radial!
N283AR is one of the three DHC-2s that we operate at Alaska Rainbow Lodge. It was built in 1954 and was operated by an oil company in Bahrain for many years before returning stateside. It has been operated by Alaska Rainbow Lodge supporting the fishing business for over 25 Years. This is its first time on wheels (other than a short period to get painted) since then. Beavers are by far my favorite plane to fly. |
| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Brad Crawford | 16 | 2011 Aviat Husky A-1C-180 | N11HY | Black, White, Yellow | Spa Aero LLC | | Lycoming O-360-A1P 180Hp | 2250 | 1385 | 29” Bushwheels | VGs, MT Propeller | Bushwheels | | Hot Springs AR | | I’ve been flying since I was a kid. Bush flying is my passion and I’ve bought and rebuilt many airplanes and many huskys. Including this one which I built completely from the ground up after the original owner damaged it when it was brand new. Love the competition, fun and most importantly the people! |
| Austin Clemens | 62 | 2011 Aviat Husky A1C | N62WY | yellow and black | Clemens Aviation | | O360 180hp | 2250 | 1339 | Alaskan Bushwheels 29” | VG’s, MT Ultra Reversing prop | | McFarlane Aviation
Aviat Aircraft | benton KS | austinclemens132 | Austin Clemens is 22 years old and started flying at 12 years old in a Piper Austin was raised in an aviation family and grew up at Stearman Field in Benton, KS. He has a passion for aviation and loves to fly “The Dog” his favorite Aviat Husky. |
| Jay Holt | 199 | 1978 Maule M5 235 C | N999FT | White/ Red stripes | Holt Aviation | | Lycoming, 0-540 , 235 HP | 2300 | 1576 | 31 inch Bushwheels | Elevator Gap Seals, VG's, 4 inch extended Gear | | Holt Aviation, Holt Designs | Bogalusa LA | jay.holt.dvm | Been involved in private aviation since 1984. I obtained my Pilots license in 1986, Did not fly alot during the early years due to finances. "College Student Budget" Went on to finish college in May 1990, graduating from LSU-SVM with degree in Veterinary medicine. I moved to Las Vegas Nevada, opened my own practice. I Stayed for 29 years before retiring. Bored with retirement, I'm back working 2 days a week at a wonderful Practice in Mandeville, Louisiana, Northlake Veterinary Hospital. I have owned a few planes over the years, From partnership in a Cessna 177 RG, 1964 Cessna 205, 1978 Cessna P-210. Currently own Air command Gyro, Air creations Trike, 1978 Maule M 5 235 C, and just starting a venture building an Adventura 2 Amphibious kit plane.
The Maule has been a challenging and rewarding aircraft. Seemed a bit tough to tame compared to the tame mannerisms of the 200 series Cessna’s, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. My son ask me to look at the STOL event as next step in the never ending goal of mastering the Maule. So for 2025, bringing my son into the world of backcountry flying. He will be competing in the Maule with me this year! |
| Jeff Harrell | 19 | 2016 American Champion Scout | N50DT | White/ orange/black | Team Louisiana | | O-360 180 HP | 2250 | 1360 | 31” Alaskan Bush | New! 82” Sensenich composite ground adjustable propeller | T3X tail wheel suspension and baby bush wheel | Plunkett Aviation
Harrell Ag Aviation
Strange Aviation | Oak Grove LA | Jeff.Harrell19 | I’m a crop duster with Plunkett Aviation in north east Louisiana. I’m 50 years old. I fly an Air Tractor 602 about 700hrs a season.
I love taking the Scout out and landing on the sandbars of the Mississippi River. My favorite place to fly is North Arkansas. If I’m camping I go to Byrds Adventure Center and if I want to fish I go to Gaston’s White River Resort.
I have really enjoyed competing in the National STOL series. The camaraderie of all the competitors just amazes me and I’m grateful for the friendships that I have made over the last season! I’m looking forward to this season and hope to compete in 5 events. |
| Jeff Pohl | 00 | 1955 Cessna 170B | N4311B | Maroon and Tan | 170 Mafia | | Lycoming O360A1A 180HP | 2200 | 1427 | AK Bush 31" | Hartzell 80" TrailBlazer, Micro VG's, Sportsman STOL kit, | T3 Tailwheel suspension | T3 Tailwheel suspensions | Milaca MN | stol_it_170b | My Super 170B (The Dirty Bird) was a barn find from out in East Grand Forks, It sat for nearly 25 years when I purchased her. A friend and I spent a day going through it, then I flew her home and began the couple month process of redoing the interior, panel as well as a few other mods making the STOL machine it is today.
Myself I have been flying for about 12 years, logged a little over 1500 hrs and have competed in about a dozen competitions so far. The first being the 2019 Valdez STOL Competition where i was able to take 2nd place. I was chosen to be on the 2020 and 2021 STOL team at Oshkosh AirVenture. |
| Jerry Clemens | 17 | 2008 Aviat Husky A1-C-200 | N134DD | Red/Black | Clemens Insurance | https://www.clemensinsurance.net | IO360 200HP | 2200 | 1467 | 31” Bushwheel | VG's | MT Prop | Clemens Aviation Insurance | Wichita KS | https://www.instagram.com/clemens.jerry/ | I fly a 2008 Husky A1C, N134DD better known as Double D.
She has 200hp 31” Bushwheel tires and an MT reverse thrust prop sometimes.
She's a little heavy, coming in at 1467 empty. Jerry and double d are on a diet though! |
| Joel Dopson | 7 | 1956 Cessna Super 172 Taildragger | N5122A | Mustang Red, Antique White | LIFT Aviation / STOL Bandits / 170 Mafia | | Lycoming O-360, 180hp | 2200 | 1500 | 31" Alaskan Bushwheels | 180hp engine, Hartzell Trailblazer 82" carbon prop, Sportsman Stol wing cuff, Vortex Generators (VGs), Bush tailwheel | Bolen Tailwheel conversion, Full Garmin IFR instrument panel, Baggage Door, Extended Baggage, Whelen Exterior Lighting Suite - Dual Landing/Taxi lights with Wig-Wag Max Pulse lighting controller, Whelen Orion 650 Nav/Strobes, AeroLeds SunBeacon | Lift Aviation | Ooltewah TN | @dieseldopson | I was born to fly. I have been passionate about flying since I discovered it while living in a trailer park under the approach end of the runway in my birthplace of Monroe, LA. My 3rd speaking word was airplane after I learned to say "momma and dadda".
I majored in aviation at Louisiana Tech University and was an ROTC pilot candidate, attended Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot training at Sheppard AFB, Texas in 1997, and then was selected to fly the F-16. First flew in combat during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in Iraq 2001 where I was awarded the Air Medal - and in 2002, became a Joint Terminal Air Controller liaising with the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment where I had the opportunity to serve in ground combat during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM where I earned the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Combat Service. Later, I was honored to serve as an F-16 Instructor Pilot at Shaw AFB, South Carolina in the 79th Fighter Squadron Tigers, Al Dhafra Air Base/US Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, Eielson AFB, Alaska as a Red Flag (air-combat exercise) Adversary in the 18th Aggressor Squadron where we also flew and 'fought' in Australia, Guam, Korea and Japan. and finally back to Shaw AFB / 77th Fighter Squadron Gamblers where I retired from the USAF in 2017. Now, I'm employed by a major US airline as Airbus captain, but LOVE to fly STOL and bush almost as much as I loved serving America while employing in the F-16.
I have been married to my wife, Christy for 28 years and we have 2 children - Connor and Aly. I have been blessed in this life and am grateful for family, Jesus and friends.
Moxie is my beloved 1956 172 taildragger. I purchased her in Mar 2023. She is named after my wife's nickname which was attributed to her when she signed up for a 48-mile Disney running race series where she realized it would take her "moxie" to get through it all. Moxie is defined by Webster's dictionary as: force of character, determination, or nerve.
|
| Corey Slone | 37 | 2020 Aviat Husky | N52LL | Red w/ white | Lefty Loosey Racing | Loosey | Lycoming O-360 180 hp | 2250 | 1444 | 29” ABW | VGs, dead bug spirits on leading edge for extra lift | None | None | Waller TX | @sloneyfly | One eyed, one legged flying purple panini eater, based at Skydive Houston, TX. History of racing a Highlander in StolDrag and ArkanSTOL. Started flying at 16 in 1991. Texas A& M class of 1996. Have 3 beautiful daughters! Enjoy backcountry flying & camping under wing, shooting guns and working on airplanes.
Just bought a Husky named Lefty Loosey (52LL) in December 2023. She’s a beautiful 2020 A-1C-180, Named for me missing my lower left leg as an amputee. :) Custom Garmin panel installed by Clemens Aviation in Wichita! |
| Zachary Holt | 999 | 1978 Maule M5 235 | N999FT | White and red | Holt aviation | | Lycoming, 0-540, 235hp | 2300 | 1517 | 31" Bush Wheels | Elevator Gap Seals, VG's, 4'' extended gear | | Holt Designs LLC, Holt Aviation | Bogalusa LA | | I Grew up flying with my dad Jay Holt, in the Nevada and Utah desert. I first became interested in becoming a pilot myself when my dad purchased a weight shift trike. After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from Louisiana Tech, I set the goal to eventually fly my dad's M5. I completed my pilots license and purchased my first airplane, a 1965 PA28-180 in October of 2022. Shortly after, I attended my first STOL event (Swamp STOL) as a spectator, and was inspired watching Jeff Abrams flying the same airframe that I had recently purchased in ways I did not think were possible for a Cherokee. Since that time I practice and fly as much as life will allow, and I am proud to say my Cherokee is now hangared on my short home grass strip! I completed my tailwheel endorsement this past year in Cut Bank, Montana, and have enjoyed making memories flying the M5 with dad. I am currently building an Adventura II, and I am looking forward to learning seaplane operations.
|
| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Andrew Jardetzky | 71 | 1957 Piper PA-22/20 | N7156D | Yellow | | | Lycoming O-320 150HP | 2000 | | Goodyear 26” Tundra tires | Univair tailwheel conversion | F Atlee dodge 30.5gal wing tanks | | | | |
| David Warren | 67 | 1967 Piper PA 18-150 Super Cub | N51627 | Blue, White and Gray | | Girl Friend #2 | Lycoming 0-320 | 2000 | 1150 | 31 Alaskan Bushwheel | VG’s and Sensenich ground adjustable prop | Airframes, Alaska, 3 inch extended gear and T-3 Tailwheel Suspension with Baby Bushwheel | Superior Air Parts
T3 Tailwheel Suspension
Sensenich Propellers | Mobile AL | just_plane_fun | |
| Edward Boyd | 219 | 2012 Cubcrafters Carbon Cub | N219WA | Blue | STOL Bandits | | CC340 | 1320 | 986 | 31 Alaskan Bush | 82x42.5 Cato Prop | Acme Aero Shocks | | Apison TN | | Originally from Houston now living in Apison Tn outside of Chattanooga. Started competing at the Swamp STOL last year. Had a lot of fun . |
| Katie Waito | 169 | 1949 Piper Clipper | C-fgns | White blue yellow | | | 160 | 1650 | 1100 | 29” air streakers | | | | Wroxeter Ontario WY | | |
| Kelly Qualls | 86 | 2007 CubCrafters Sport Cub CC11-100 | N121PS | Yellow | | | Continental o200 | 1350 | 912 | 29” airstreaks by Alaska Bushwheels | Vgs, Acme Shocks | | Acme Aero
Airtech Coatings | Malvern AR | KQ_STOL | Got my pilots license in 2007. Went a while without flying. Bought a Cessna in 2018 and started enjoying flying again. In 2022 I got a 100 cub and started loving flying.
Plane is a 2007 Cub Crafters Sport Cub powered by an o200. So far it and I have about 400 hours together since May 2022. It’s allowed me to land on mountains, fields, near lakes, and on river banks. It’s been a blast. |
| Stan Shimkus | 56 | 2016 Cubcrafters Carbon Cub SS | N321C | Yellow | | https://www.stanshimkus.com/ | Titan 340 | 1320 | | 31" Alaskan Bushwheels | | Full ACME Aero Suspension | The absolute best aviation camera: The Hero 13 at GoPro.com | Irwin PA | @smshimkus | I grew up on a grass strip and soloed a Super Cub in 1980 at 16 years old. Needless to say, tail wheel airplanes have been my passion ever since! Ive been a tailwheel instructor and have been flying in and out of grass strips and off-airport for well over thirty years. I love to teach and share stick and rudder aviation with anyone who is interested, so if you see me around the field, please dont be afraid to say Hello!
Im a lifetime EAA member and I hold an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) with a Citation type rating. In addition, Im an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic and I hold an Inspection Authorization from the FAA. |
| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Anthony Sanches | 75 | 2014 Just aircraft SuperStol | N63TS | Silver/Orange/Red | | | Rotax EP 912 STI 160hp | 1320 | 852 | 26” | | | | Montgomery TX | | I’ve been in the airline industry for over 40 years. I’m currently employed with Southwest Airlines for the last 33 years. Been in general aviation all my life, but started flying tail dragger‘s less than four years ago. Best flying I’ve experienced my whole life. I love competitions, especially ones that get a group of crazy pilots together. |
| David Kerley | 11 | 2016 Just Aircraft Highlander | N11HL | OD Green | Grasshopper | | Rotax 912, modified, 150+hp | 1550 | 746 | 26" | Supercharger, Edge Performance Fuel Injection and EFI | | STOL Creek Aviation
https://stolcreek.com | Spicewood TX | | I came to flying later in life and the capabilities afforded by bush planes for exploring the untracked and uncrowded portions of our world has taken a strong hold of me. Flying in the backcountry and even just accessing properties without a formal airport is tremendously fun and convenient. STOL competitions are a wonderful place to meet great people and learn from others in a controlled and very focused manner. Every event I’m blessed to be able to attend brings new friends and great memories. |
| Jeremiah Stapleton | 111 | 2018 Rans S20 | N33KP | Blue | Scudrunners | | UL Power 350IS | 1320 | 720 | AIRSTREAK 26" | OA GEAR VG'S | NA | | BOWIE TX | | I have been flying since 2016, and really enjoy the STOL/back-country part of aviation. I learned to fly in a 1947 Cessna 140 and have been flying everything I could get my hands on since then. |
| Levi Noguess | 55 | 2007 Slepcev Storch- SS4 | N129BH | Camouflage -light and dark gray | Fly with Levi | | Rotax | 1320 | 785 | Big Fat Tires | Leading Edge Slats | The PIlot | | Belton TX | @levinoguess | Joined the NAVY for an adventure wound up at the Naval Academy, but couldn't hack it so I joined the Marines! Spent 6 years snooping and pooping in the woods with a pack on my back in Reconnaisance and Force Recon companies. I also got my Green Beret from a little stint at the Army Special forces school. I went on to join the Army as a Helo pilot; then on to the King Air and Citation. Retired from all that and spent the last 15 years overseas as a contractor flying King Airs and DHC-7 doing ISR for "the customer". Now I have a part time job flying King Air 350 for a Rancher who owns ranches in Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. I'm also a CFI and an avaholic. Most of my free time is spent flying, and intrstructing in Tailwheel aircraft where ever I can find a place to land without pavement. Yee Haww! |
| Matt Dorssom | 95 | 1995 Kitfox 4 | N95RF | Silver and Black | Maddog | Charlie | Yamaha Apex 160hp | 1200 | 775 | Alaskan Bushwheels 29" | Yamaha Apex 160hp. Piggy Back STOL kit from Snake River Bush Planes LLC. | TK1 landing gear, Beringer brakes and wheels, 29" tires,T3 tailwheel | | Lancaster KS | | From Lancaster Kansas run heavy equipment for a living.
Bought a Kitfox halfway through my flight training got my private pilots license been having fun since. |
| Rick Boardman | 94 | 2015 CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS | N983CC | Yellow | | | Titan 340 | 1320 | 1000 | 31 Alaska bushwheel | None | None | R-M Flying Service LLC. | Henderson NE | | |
| Eddie Sanches | 48 | 2023 Just Aircraft Highlander | N4570L | Black/Red | | | Yamaha 998T Sidewinder Turbo, 270HP | 1320 | | 29" Bushwheel | Carbon Concepts Slats | | Acme Aero
Badlands STOL
TK1 shocks | Willis TX | DevilGirl_48_STOL | B-777 Captain for United Airlines. Live in a Hangar home with Crew Chief and bed partner, Sherri. We enjoy traveling together and seeing all of our competition and flying family throughout the year!
Devil Girl II is a brand new build and yet to prove herself in National STOL but she has loads of potential. |
| Russ Keith | 126 | 2008 Chinook Plus 2 | N269DM | Yellow/Black | Slow Mo STOL | | Rotax 912UL 100hp | 1120 | 611 | Alaska Bushwheel Tires, Airstreak 26X12x6 | VGs | | Fort Worth Flight School
Boomtown Brokerage
The Flying Real Estate Agents | Lewisville TX | https://www.instagram.com/slowmostol/ | Russ's claim to fame is getting his private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine commercial, CFI, and CFII in 102 days in 2006. Russ is a retired teacher and high school principal. He is a real estate broker and owns Boomtown Brokerage with his wife Kim who is also a pilot. Russ is the current Executive Director of Operation Airdrop and a founding board member of Airplanes and Coffee. Russ has 2 grown children, a dog named Piper, and a cat named Little Toot. His hobbies include cooking, flying airplanes, drinking coffee, and attending lay-ins. |
| Sheldon Heatherington | 32 | 2010 Zenith 750 STOL | N755RJ | Red over Yellow | Redbird Airsports | | Rotax 912ULS | 1320 | 745 | Golf Cart tires...... | Larger Zenith 750 SD tail, Aileron bracket fences | VG’s on flaps, windscreen | Pensacola Aviation Center (FBO) | Gulf Breeze FL | https://www.instagram.com/redbirdzenith | Age: 35
My name is Sheldon Heatherington. I'm 34, from Pensacola, FL, I work at KPNS at the Pensacola Aviation FBO, as a Line Supervisor. I fuel, load bags, park/tow planes, and hobnob and have 629 hours total time.
I've flown in Stol Competitions previously in the Heavy Touring Class, in my 182J sweptail.
Redbird is a 2010 Zenith 750 STOL. It is powered by the Rotax 912ULS with 100hp. Empty weight is 745lbs with a gross weight of 1320lbs, and it holds 24 gallons of 100LL or 93 octane mogas. Although it is 95% yellow, the original builder named it Redbird. It is equipped with Dynon and Garmin avionics. |
| Name | Race Number | Aircraft | Tail Number | Color | Team Name | Team Website | Aircraft Engine | Aircraft Gross Weight | Aircraft Empty Weight | Aircraft Tires | Aircraft Performance Mods | Aircraft Other Mods | Sponsors | Hometown | Instagram | Bio |
|---|
| Andrew Bennett | 151 | 2022 Legend cub AL18 | N51JM | | | | | 2000 | | | | | Omega Foundation Services, INC | | | |
| Brandon Winfree | 471 | 2014 Rans S7S | N4714A | Yellow | Bad Apples | | Rotax 912 ULS 100 HP | 1320 | 740 | Oligrow. JW Aviation | | | | Oakdale LA | | |
| Brooks Strength | 491 | 1962 Piper Super Cub PA-18 | N4910P | Yellow | | | | 1800 | 1000 | | | | | Brandon MS | | |
| Scott Tyree | 918 | 1998 Kitfox 4-1200 | N263MB | "Not Cub" Yellow | AeroGuard | RedRiver Fox | Rotax 912ULS 100HP | 1200 | 748 | 27" Aero Classic | TK1 Mains, Highly polished windscreen, "Go Fast" racing stripes, NOS Sticker | GRT Sport EFIS, Custom "low padding" seat cushions, Overweight pilot for added balast | AeroPlex Labs - AeroGuard | Princeton TX | | I have been around aviation in one form or another most of my life but did not start on my Pilot Cert until January of 2020. Any guesses how that went? Once we got past the lockdown I ramped up training and spent some quality time with a DPE in May 2021. The knowledge test was the hardest twelve hours of my life, but the actual flight was the most fun I had flying up to that point. With my brand new cert in hand I started looking for a way to ensure I can retire flat broke. Which led me to start building a nice RV. After very little time I realized that the RV was going to take forever and cost WAY too much. So in July of 2023 I ran across an ad for a sweet little Kitfox not too far from me. I went up just to check it out and ended up trailering it home. Several hundred hours and many dollars later the RedRiver Fox airborne again and already giving me tons of memories and introducing me to a world of new friends.
My goal for taking part in Natl STOL is not to bring home trophies, its to get to hang out with THE best pilots in the world and greatly improve my precision landing skills. Ok, I like the t-shirts too! |
| Kurt Swihart | 54 | 1952 Cessna C170B | N8367A | Red/White | Team Mr. Dimples | Mr. Dimples | Continental C-145 | 2207 | 1260 | 8.5X600 | None | None | Swihart Painting LLC | 1001Hwy-T Bolivar MO | | I am a 64 year old private pilot. I got my license in 1981 and I have flown just about every certified single engine made in America. I have around 3500 hours an I hold and Instrument, High performance, Complex and Tailwheel endorsements. Tailwheel has always been a bucket list item for me and I now have around 70 hours in my C170B. I love the versatility and capabilities of the C170B. I am retiring this May and I want to complete in the STOL competition.
I graduated high school and started flying to work across the country for my dad’s government contracting business in a Bellanca SuperViking. We flew out Bolivar, MO of what was then H29 (a 2200 Ft grass strip) in town and now still flying out of Bolivar, MO M17. So I am quite comfortable on a short grass strip. |
