Get ready for the most anticipated grassroots STOL competition of the year! National STOL is proud to present Sodbusters 2025, where the nation's most daring pilots return to the turf to prove their mettle. Expect a thrilling weekend of intense competition, incredible community spirit, and the raw excitement of short takeoff and landing artistry.

This year, Sodbusters carries a special and profound mission. Following the recent total loss of our physical assets in a vehicle fire, this event will serve as our primary fundraiser to rebuild the National STOL Series. 

More than just a competition, Sodbusters 2025 is our flagship rebuilding event. The name "Sodbuster" has always represented the pioneering spirit of breaking new ground. This year, that theme has never been more relevant. Every ticket sold, every pilot registration, and every cheer from the crowd will help us sow the seeds for a stronger future. Alongside our full competition, we also plan to hold a silent auction for unique aviation related and local gifts as an additional fundraising opportunity (wish to contribute to our silent auction? Donations are welcomed here.)

Join us for a spectacular weekend of aviation. Your presence at Sodbusters is a powerful statement of support. It signifies your belief in our mission and your role in our comeback. Let's stand together as a community and break new ground, ensuring the future of STOL competition for seasons to come.

Just a 30-minute flight from Oshkosh, start your AirVenture experience a few days early with Sodbusters STOL! Be a part of the most meaningful event of our year. Let's get back to the grassroots and build our future from the ground up.

All times are tentative and subject to change (Central Time Zone)

Thursday, July 17

3:00pm: Camping Opens

3:00-5:00pm: Competitor and Camping Check In

Friday, July 18

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

10:30am: Volunteer Briefing

11:00am: New Competitor Briefing

11:30am: Mandatory Briefing for ALL Pilots Planning to Practice

12:30-5:00pm: Competitor Practice Session; Silent Auction Opens

Saturday, July 19

8:00-9:00am: Volunteer/Competitor Check In

9:00am: Volunteer Briefing

9:30am: Competitor Briefing

9:30am: Gates Open for Spectators; Silent Auction Contines

10:30am: Sodbusters STOL Competition Begins

2:00pm: Silent Auction Closes; Winner announced via PA at the close of competition.

We anticipate the competition will run until between 3:00 and 4:00pm.

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

Sunday, July 20

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, July 13. Starting on Monday, July 14, 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 by advance reservation only!

For your convenience, a limited number of rooms are available at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites Hartford for a reduced rate. To book, call the hotel directly at 262-670-6010 and mention National STOL. Rooms must be booked by June 20th to receive the group rate.

As hotels in Hartford are limited, consider the Jackson-West Bend area, which is a short 15 minute drive to the airport for additional options.

Hartford Municipal Airport (HXF UNICOM 123.0): 4200 Co Hwy U, Hartford, WI 53027

Transient parking and underwing camping are available during the event weekend; however, please book your camping in advance as space is limited!

If you are driving in, use the camping or general parking entrance as applicable. Click on the the button below to view the event map.