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Comment by Zenith.Aero on September 18, 2014 at 10:13am

STOL Competition! 

Here are more details on our first ever STOL "competition" planned for Friday afternoon from 3 - 5 pm

For the first time ever we will host a short take-off and short landing (precision) competition and demonstration, from 3 - 5 pm on Friday afternoon. We will have a high-wing (STOL) and low-wing (Zenith) category, with more details and rules coming soon. This is a very informal "competition" - we encourage everyone who flies in to participate! There will be prizes and awards to participants, presented at the Zenith banquet. This event is sponsored and coordinated by American Light Sport Aircrafters.

First of all, while we're calling this a "competition" it's really more a demonstration of airplane capabilities and pilot skills than an actual competition.  

We hope that all Zenith owners participate (we have many prizes!)  

There is no need for prior registration, but contact event coordinator Craig Carter with questions: 573-721-6440

Current weather forecasts good conditions on Friday afternoon, with a light wind from the south.  We therefore we plan to use runway 18 (of course, if conditions warrant we may change runways).  The runway was recently resurfaced with fresh paint. The white painted 18 is very prominent on the black runway, and the top of the 18 thus represents the reference line (you will need to keep your wheels south of the white 18).  This photo below is before the runway was repainted:

Here's a summary of the simple rules:

1. Safety First!
2. Other airplanes may be in the area and in the pattern.  Monitor and broadcast on 122.9
3. Fly the standard (left hand) pattern, and no steep climbs, hot-dogging, or abrupt maneuvers on take-off or in the pattern. This is not part of the competition.
4. Each aircraft is allowed three take-off and landing attempts.
5. Score will be based on the best take-off and landing set.
6. There are two classes: High-wing Zenith, and low-wing Zenith

7. Short Field Take-Off Rules: Taxi into position, with farthest wheel back in front of the reference line (the painted white 18).  Start take-off roll after being given the “thumbs-up” by the reference line "judge".  Take-off distance will be measured to where the furthest of any wheel leaves the ground (for the last time).

8. Short (Precision) Landing Rules: The farthest wheel back must land beyond the reference line (any wheel touchdown prior to reference line, or on the painted 18, is disqualifying). Aircraft must come to a full stop, straight ahead, and remain the until judges have had a chance to measure you.  Landing distance will be measured from the reference line to the nose of the aircraft.

9. Rules are subject to change or revision. All decisions by the judge are final.

Let's all plan to have fun at this event!  Winners will be announced at the Zenith Builders Banquet later Friday evening.

Craig Carter, American Light Sport Aircrafters
573-721-6440

Comment by Zenith.Aero on September 17, 2014 at 4:34pm

More info about Deano's winning performance