Heritage STOL is an exhilarating STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition set to take place at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA. 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. As a bonus, this competition will have important historical context as National STOL's partnership with the museum places these modern aircraft in relation of their military predecessors. Your ticket includes admission to the museum so you have the opportunity to view their entire collection and learn more about the origins of aviation in America.

National STOL competitions 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. We look forward to sharing this unique STOL event and slice of history with you!

All times are tentative, listed in eastern time, and subject to change.

Thursday, May 1

9:00am-5:00pm: Museum Open

9:00am-6:00pm: Transient Aircraft and Camping Arrivals

Friday, May 2

9:00am-5:00pm: Museum Open

9:00am-6:00pm: Transient Aircraft and Camping Arrivals (if flying in, we highly recommend planning your arrival OUTSIDE of the competitor practice hours to avoid delays)

10:30am: Volunteer Briefing

11:00am: NEW Competitor Briefing (mandatory for all competitors who are NEW to the National STOL series or who have not competing in the past two years)

11:30am: Practice Briefing for ALL competitors

12:30-5:00pm: Competitor Practice

6:00pm: Dinner and Private Museum Tours for Competitors and Volunteers

Saturday, May 3

9:00am-5:00pm: Museum Open

9:00am-6:00pm: Transient Aircraft Arrivals (plan to arrive prior to 10:30am to avoid delays during the competition!)

9:15am: Volunteer Briefing

9:45am: Competitor Briefing

10:30am: Competition Begins

We anticipate the competition will last until mid-afternoon. If you do not arrive early to view the museum's collection, we encourage you to do so after the competition is complete!

6:00pm: Closing Dinner and Awards Ceremony for Competitors and Invited Guests

Sunday, May 4

11:00am: Camping and Transient Aircraft Parking Closes

Your ticket for Saturday, May 3, includes both admission to the Military Aviation Museum and viewing of the National STOL competition on the grass runway. The museum hours are 9:00am-5:00pm. The competition will begin around 10:30am and conclude mid-afternoon, allowing time before or after to explore the museum's collection.

A competitor practice will be taking place on Friday, May 2, starting at 12:30pm. Regular museum admission is required to view the practice session; a special ticket is not necessary for Friday.

Museum parking is free and plentiful for those driving in. If you wish to fly in, please refer to the Transient Aircraft Information below!

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, April 27. Starting on Monday, April 28, the registration fee will increase.

Pre-register for the unique opportunity to land at the Military Aviation Museum when you fly in to spectate for Heritage STOL! Land on the 4800' grass strip alongside historic structures from World War I and II and be in the center of all the action.

This is the ONLY annual opportunity for GA traffic to land at the museum. Your landing fee helps to support the museum's conservation efforts, and includes museum/competition general admission for the pilot-in-command. Additional tickets may be purchased for any passengers.

If you are planning to fly in, you MUST pre-register! The museum is a private airport and landing is only allowed by prior permission.

Competitors: You receive one complimentary underwing camping space with your registration fee.

For the first time ever, overnight tent/underwing camping is available during Heritage STOL! Spend the night under the stars on the museum property. Your nightly camping fee helps to support the conservation efforts of the museum!

For your convenience, group blocks have been arranged at two hotels. Please note that rooms may be released on April 1. Honoring the group rate will be at the discretion of the hotel and based on availability past that time:

The Oceanfront Inn, Virginia Beach: Rooms are available at a reduced rate of $113 for Thursday night and $199 for Friday and Saturday nights (price is subject to tax and fees, including a resort fee paid at the time of check in). To book, call the hotel at (757) 422-0445 or use this link.

Hampton Inn Norfolk/Chesapeake: Rooms are available for $129/night before taxes and fees. To book, call the hotel (757-420-1550) and ask for the Heritage STOL rate or use this link.