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How Fast Can You Go Slow?

The roar of the engine startup…

Suddenly you’re off, immediately sensing the changing winds in the river valley, reading the texture of the land and maneuvering your airplane.

The clock is ticking…

ArkanSTOL was a competition that uniquely tested not only a pilot’s skill, but demanded extreme knowledge of equipment and unparalleled judgement.

After 4 thrilling years, with heavy hearts the ArkanSTOL executive team has decided to indefinitely suspend this competition.

On behalf of the ArkanSTOL leadership team, THANK YOU to all our volunteers, pilots, sponsors, spectators and hosts for making our event truly special!  Together, we have built an unbelievable community with talent, integrity and passion for backcountry aviation and the joy it brings to all of us. Please continue what we all have started together.

❤️🏁

Byrds Adventure Center will be hosting in 2025 their Backcountry Flight Festival the last weekend in September we hope to see you there! byrdsbackcountryflightfestival.com

 
 

2023 is a Wrap!

Arkanstol’s 4th annual Ozark Backwoods Challenge and festival was held on September. 27th - October. 1st, 2023

ArkanSTOL is the largest off-airport aviation “festival” this side of the Rockies. It’s open to anyone interested in learning more about the adventure of aviation.

If you were there you were awed up close by some of the most skilled Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) pilots in the world. Stick ‘n Rudder flying at its best!

The beautiful Ozark Hills and Mulberry River of Arkansas made for an incredible scene with Southern hospitality provided by Byrd’s Adventure Center and our elite corps of volunteers.

We had presentations from the greater aerospace and STEM communities, family friendly activities for the kids, and live music to keep it fun in the evenings.

We’re glad you could spend a few beautiful fall days with us deep in the Ozarks for an unforgettable experience!

1st place winners, and group photos by Chris Miller

2023 Official Winning Scores

If you missed it…

 
@duncan_s1 showing off the freedom and enjoyment that comes with Aviation in @arkansas
A cub at the restaurant strip at Byrd’s Adventure Center as captured by @zakheald / @intercutproductions We can’t wait to meet up with all of you at @byrdsadventurecenter this Sept 27 -Oct 1 for Arkanstol
A cub at the restaurant strip at Byrd’s Adventure Center as captured by @zakheald / @intercutproductions We can’t wait to meet up with all of you at @byrdsadventurecenter this Sept 27 -Oct 1 for Arkanstol
The unmatched beauty of the Ozarks here in Arkansas. This beautiful picture was taken by @zakheald of the Mulberry river at @byrdsadventurecenter Pilot @kevinhopkins81 @arkansas @only_in_arkansas #arkansas #aviation #airplane #aviation4u #tailwh
The unmatched beauty of the Ozarks here in Arkansas. This beautiful picture was taken by @zakheald of the Mulberry river at @byrdsadventurecenter Pilot @kevinhopkins81 @arkansas @only_in_arkansas #arkansas #aviation #airplane #aviation4u #tailwheel #taildragger #arkanstol #aviationlovers #tailwheel
@duncan_s1 having a little Arkanstol practice session at @byrdsadventurecenter
The beautiful venue that @arkanstol calls home. This is @byrdsadventurecenter where we have our three runway timed STOL event. #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplane #tailwheel #arkanstol #arkansasoutdoors #arkansasphotographer #arkansasphotography
The beautiful venue that @arkanstol calls home. This is @byrdsadventurecenter where we have our three runway timed STOL event. #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplane #tailwheel #arkanstol #arkansasoutdoors #arkansasphotographer #arkansasphotography #arkansasnature
@kq_stol at @byrdsadventurecenter with his Acme Aero Pro Series Shocks. Getting his short field practice in for Arkanstol 2023. Acme Aero is a multi-year sponsor of Arkanstol. Their shocks are now available for almost any Cub style plane and approved via FAA STC. Reach out to them for more details at @acme_aero Video : @intercutproductions / @zakheald
@kq_stol at Byrd’s with a Arkanstol shirt running the course for some spring flying practice. #aviation #avgeeks #airplane #generalaviation #pilot #tailwheel #aviation4u #taildragger
@kq_stol at Byrd’s with a Arkanstol shirt running the course for some spring flying practice. #aviation #avgeeks #airplane #generalaviation #pilot #tailwheel #aviation4u #taildragger
We had a great spring fly-in at @byrdsadventurecenter We can’t wait for Arkanstol. #aviationlovers #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #pilot #pilots
We had a great spring fly-in at @byrdsadventurecenter We can’t wait for Arkanstol. #aviationlovers #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #pilot #pilots
As we continue to grow, ArkanSTOL is very receptive to the feedback we receive each year. We use it to further shape and improve the coming year. We heard your feedback from last year and wanted to share some of the major updates: New for 2023: ✅N
As we continue to grow, ArkanSTOL is very receptive to the feedback we receive each year. We use it to further shape and improve the coming year. We heard your feedback from last year and wanted to share some of the major updates: New for 2023: ✅New Updated Classes ✅Simplified Scoring ✅Continued Commitment to Safety
James Stoppel’s Aviat Husky at Arkanstol 22. Getting it ready to go compete.
@levinoguess landing at Arkanstol in the Storch
@bobbydrouin qualifying at Arkanstol 22 in the @huskyaircraft
One of the fun planes that fly for Arkanstol. Come see who shows up for the 3 runway timed STOL event this year. September 27 - October 1st at Byrd's Adventure Center (51AR). #aviationdaily #aviation4u #aviation #pilots #taildragger #airplanelover
One of the fun planes that fly for Arkanstol. Come see who shows up for the 3 runway timed STOL event this year. September 27 - October 1st at Byrd's Adventure Center (51AR). #aviationdaily #aviation4u #aviation #pilots #taildragger #airplanelovers #tailwheel #generalaviation #avgeek #pilotsofinstagram #aviationlovers #airplane #pilot #arkansas #pilotlife #planes #planespotting #airplanes #aviationgeek #aviationlife
Monett Regional Airport in Monett, MO is having a Ribbon Cutting and dedication for the new 6000 ft runway. Dates: 6/3/23 Airport Monett Regional (KHFJ)
Monett Regional Airport in Monett, MO is having a Ribbon Cutting and dedication for the new 6000 ft runway. Dates: 6/3/23 Airport Monett Regional (KHFJ)
Jared Jestice coming in on final at Arkanstol at @byrdsadventurecenter in his Kitfox IV. What is Arkanstol? A timed STOL competition across three runways at Byrd's Adventure Center here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. We have simulated obstacle
Jared Jestice coming in on final at Arkanstol at @byrdsadventurecenter in his Kitfox IV. What is Arkanstol? A timed STOL competition across three runways at Byrd's Adventure Center here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. We have simulated obstacles and measured landing to simulate as much of off-airport flying as possible. Come see how fast we can fly slow! Photo: Spencer Doyle #arkanstol #aviation #arkansasaviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplanelovers #bushplane #bushpilot #pilots #generalaviation #tailwheel #taildragger #aviation4u #aviationdaily #byrdsadventurecenter #kitfox
@wildweststeve flying Yeehaw6 at Arkanstol. Yeehaw8 is out now and even more impressive. If you haven't seen it yet you need to make it to the next STOL event and check it out. What is Arkanstol? A three runway timed takeoff and landing competition
@wildweststeve flying Yeehaw6 at Arkanstol. Yeehaw8 is out now and even more impressive. If you haven't seen it yet you need to make it to the next STOL event and check it out. What is Arkanstol? A three runway timed takeoff and landing competition with simulated obstacles and a final measured landing. The composite score determines the best pilot in their class. Interested? Make sure you are at @byrdsadventurecenter (51AR) Sept 27 to Oct 1 to watch it live. Great venue where we will all be camping and hanging out around the campfire and partaking in Arkanstol 2023. #aviation #aviationdaily #avgeeks #avgeek #airplane #aviation4u #bushplane #bushpilot #avgeeks #taildragger #tailwheel #planes #pilot #pilotsofinstagram #planespotting #airplane #arkansas #pilotlife #aviationlovers #Pilots #plane
Great conversation from @wildweststeve on how to get into flying STOL and doing it safely.
Steve Pierce coming in for a landing at Arkanstol '21. What is Arkanstol? A three runway race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing on the final runway. How fast can you go slow?! #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplanes #bushplane #bu
Steve Pierce coming in for a landing at Arkanstol '21. What is Arkanstol? A three runway race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing on the final runway. How fast can you go slow?! #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplanes #bushplane #bushpilot #tailwheel #taildragger #aviation4u #aviationdaily #aviationdaily #arkanstol #arkansasaviation
Hal Stockman running the Arkanstol course in 2021 in the Lawn Mower III. What is Arkanstol? A three runway drag race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing at the end. Talk about an adrenaline rush. Come see the event Sep 27 - Oct 1 a
Hal Stockman running the Arkanstol course in 2021 in the Lawn Mower III. What is Arkanstol? A three runway drag race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing at the end. Talk about an adrenaline rush. Come see the event Sep 27 - Oct 1 at @byrdsadventurecenter #bushpilot #generalaviation #airplane #tailwheel #avgeeks #pilots #aviationdaily #pilot #airplanes #taildragger #aviation #avgeek #arkanstol #pilotsofinstagram #planes #aviationgeek #planespotting #aviationlife #arkansas #aviationphoto #pilotlife
Check out Brian Steck running the Arkanstol course in his Legend MOAC. Super proud to have had Legend on since the beginning as one of our amazing sponsors. Visit them at www.legend.aero for more information. They offer kits, experimental assist bu
Check out Brian Steck running the Arkanstol course in his Legend MOAC. Super proud to have had Legend on since the beginning as one of our amazing sponsors. Visit them at www.legend.aero for more information. They offer kits, experimental assist builds, and factory built planes. Everything from their modernized J3 Cub known as the AL3 to the Mother of all cubs (MOAC) which is an extremely versatile STOL cub. #legendcublife #aviation #aviationdaily #aviation4u #avgeeks #airplane #airplanes #bushplane #bushpilot #tailwheel #taildragger #supercubbin #pilot #pilots #generalaviation
@duncan_s1 showing off the freedom and enjoyment that comes with Aviation in @arkansas
A cub at the restaurant strip at Byrd’s Adventure Center as captured by @zakheald / @intercutproductions We can’t wait to meet up with all of you at @byrdsadventurecenter this Sept 27 -Oct 1 for Arkanstol The unmatched beauty of the Ozarks here in Arkansas. This beautiful picture was taken by @zakheald of the Mulberry river at @byrdsadventurecenter Pilot @kevinhopkins81 @arkansas @only_in_arkansas #arkansas #aviation #airplane #aviation4u #tailwh
@duncan_s1 having a little Arkanstol practice session at @byrdsadventurecenter
The beautiful venue that @arkanstol calls home. This is @byrdsadventurecenter where we have our three runway timed STOL event. #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplane #tailwheel #arkanstol #arkansasoutdoors #arkansasphotographer #arkansasphotography
@kq_stol at @byrdsadventurecenter with his Acme Aero Pro Series Shocks. Getting his short field practice in for Arkanstol 2023. Acme Aero is a multi-year sponsor of Arkanstol. Their shocks are now available for almost any Cub style plane and appro
@kq_stol at Byrd’s with a Arkanstol shirt running the course for some spring flying practice. #aviation #avgeeks #airplane #generalaviation #pilot #tailwheel #aviation4u #taildragger We had a great spring fly-in at @byrdsadventurecenter We can’t wait for Arkanstol. #aviationlovers #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #pilot #pilots As we continue to grow, ArkanSTOL is very receptive to the feedback we receive each year. We use it to further shape and improve the coming year. We heard your feedback from last year and wanted to share some of the major updates: New for 2023: ✅N
James Stoppel’s Aviat Husky at Arkanstol 22. Getting it ready to go compete.
@levinoguess landing at Arkanstol in the Storch
@bobbydrouin qualifying at Arkanstol 22 in the @huskyaircraft
One of the fun planes that fly for Arkanstol. Come see who shows up for the 3 runway timed STOL event this year. September 27 - October 1st at Byrd's Adventure Center (51AR). #aviationdaily #aviation4u #aviation #pilots #taildragger #airplanelover Monett Regional Airport in Monett, MO is having a Ribbon Cutting and dedication for the new 6000 ft runway. Dates: 6/3/23 Airport Monett Regional (KHFJ) Jared Jestice coming in on final at Arkanstol at @byrdsadventurecenter in his Kitfox IV. What is Arkanstol? A timed STOL competition across three runways at Byrd's Adventure Center here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. We have simulated obstacle @wildweststeve flying Yeehaw6 at Arkanstol. Yeehaw8 is out now and even more impressive. If you haven't seen it yet you need to make it to the next STOL event and check it out. What is Arkanstol? A three runway timed takeoff and landing competition
Great conversation from @wildweststeve on how to get into flying STOL and doing it safely.
Steve Pierce coming in for a landing at Arkanstol '21. What is Arkanstol? A three runway race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing on the final runway. How fast can you go slow?! #aviation #avgeeks #avgeek #airplanes #bushplane #bu Hal Stockman running the Arkanstol course in 2021 in the Lawn Mower III. What is Arkanstol? A three runway drag race with simulated obstacles and a measured STOL landing at the end. Talk about an adrenaline rush. Come see the event Sep 27 - Oct 1 a Check out Brian Steck running the Arkanstol course in his Legend MOAC. Super proud to have had Legend on since the beginning as one of our amazing sponsors. Visit them at www.legend.aero for more information. They offer kits, experimental assist bu
 

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The place that inspired it all

Byrds Adventure Center

Nestled next to the clear blue Mulberry River in the heart of the Ozarks, Byrd’s Adventure Center is a captivating setting for all types of personalities

With four runways, canoes, kayaks, acres of trails for ATVs, and a restaurant filled with heavenly Southern food, Byrds is a premier destination for any adventure seeker!

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