Aviation STOL competition comes to TN. But what is it?

STOL has finally made its way to Tennessee.

For the first time, onlookers and aviators alike will be able to see some of the country’s best pilots compete in the National STOL Series live at Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin, Sept. 2.

“This is the first year the event has come to Tennessee, and we’re excited to be hosting at our home airport in Gallatin (Music City Executive),” Chad Hall of BOLD Aviation, Inc. said.

STOL, an acronym for short take off and landing, was a skill developed by early aviators when maneuvering in and out of an area in the shortest distance possible was a necessity, such as for military pilots or anyone flying in remote, undeveloped terrain.

Pilots compete for the shortest takeoff and landing distance in the annual National STOL Series.

Though exact measurements are not required of STOL aircraft for the series, they can be built from the ground up as a STOL aircraft or modified afterwards to help pilots maneuver in and out of an area in the shortest distance possible.

STOL aircraft are designed to operate on and off rough terrain like grass, snow and ice, rather than airport runways, taxiways and ramps.

Currently, the record for the shortest takeoff distance belongs to Steve Henry, from Idaho, at a mere 6 feet, Hall said. Henry secured the record at the 2022 National STOL Series in Somerton, Arizona.

“You don’t have to be a pilot or know much at all about aviation or aircraft to be able to enjoy STOL. The premise is so easy to understand that anyone, at any age, can enjoy the competition and appreciate the skill required to do this type of flying well,” Hall said.

“The competitors are grouped together in classes, based on the weight and performance of each aircraft. So, you’ll see General Aviation aircraft that you see flying overhead every day, to bush planes that are built for landing off-airport in remote places, to the unlimited class that are homebuilt and/or highly modified airplanes that do amazing things that you don’t see very often,” he continued.

“National STOL is similar to NASCAR as they bring groups of pilots all over the country to compete in a contest of skill that is addicting to watch. This event is perfect for families and aviation fans of all ages.”

STOL competitions allow pilots — many of whom practice for months and years — to demonstrate their takeoff and landing abilities and showcase other piloting proficiencies like landing on a set point and hitting a target, or series of targets.

At the close of the 2023 National STOL Series season, pilots will have competed in Louisiana, Nebraska, Arizona, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Minnesota and Texas, where the Lonestar STOL/National Championship will be held in Sulphur Springs, Nov. 3-4.

Event organizers expect about 40 pilots to compete in the Music City STOL in Gallatin next month.

“We highly encourage local pilots to test their skills at this event in a safe, but fun way,” he said.

Safety is a big part of the National STOL Series.

High alpha takeoffs or abrupt maneuvers are prohibited from being used in the competition, according to the National STOL Series. Helmets and shoulder harnesses are strongly recommended for all competitors and will become mandatory in future seasons, though it’s unclear when.

Any competitors that unnecessarily put others at risk will be disqualified and asked not to return.

In both takeoff and landing competitions, scoring is based on the average distance. Each pilot is allowed three circuits, with the final score averaging the best “round” or best pair of takeoff and landing scores.

Pilots competing in the 2023 National STOL Series will enter to win an undisclosed, record-breaking cash purse and other prizes.

Attendees may begin arriving at Music City Executive Airport, located at 1475 Airport Road, on Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. The STOL competition will run between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Food trucks and vendors will be on site all day.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 per person, 13 years and up.

Advanced tickets can be purchased online at National STOL.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: National STOL aviation contest makes its way to Gallatin, TN