The National STOL Series is set to return to Texas for the 2023 Season Championship, known as Lonestar STOL and presented by American Legend Aircraft. This thrilling event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 3-4, and will take place at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. It marks the culmination of a year's worth of intense competition among the top STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) specialists from both the United States and Canada.
National STOL, an organized competition series for pilots nationwide, provides a platform for showcasing their exceptional skills in a sport-like setting. Pilots participate in one or more events throughout the year, earning valuable points towards the prestigious Annual Title, which they hope to claim at Lonestar STOL. While bush pilots typically focus on honing their abilities to take off and land in short distances during backcountry flying, this crucial skill is applicable to all pilots involved in general aviation, making National STOL competitions accessible to a broad range of aviators.
Beyond the competitive aspects, the vision of the National STOL Series is to introduce the excitement of general aviation to a national audience, encourage pilots to continuously improve their skills, and inspire the next generation of aviators.
Tom Wolf, a founding member of the National STOL Series, shared, "Established in 2020, the National STOL Series has demonstrated continued growth with four competitions in 2021 and six in 2022. As we prepare to write the final chapter in the 2023 season, we celebrate a record-high eight events from coast to coast and a team of the most impressive, highly-skilled pilots and aircraft we've ever seen. We are excited to once again return to Texas for our National Championship, Lonestar STOL. Our continued partnership with American Legend Aircraft and the opportunity to bring the National Finals to their home in the Sulphur Springs community bodes well for making this the largest event to date."
For those eager to experience Lonestar STOL in person, complete event information is available at nationalstol.com/lonestar. The action kicks off on Friday with competitor practice beginning at noon, and this portion is free and open to the public. On Saturday, the main competition starts at 10:00 am and requires tickets for entry. Local food trucks and vendors will be on-site to provide refreshments, and children under 12 can attend for free.
To stay updated on the National STOL series, you can visit nationalstol.com or follow @nationalstol on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For more information about the presenting sponsor, American Legend Aircraft, visit legend.aero.