OSHKOSH — Troy Woodland, a partner in Just Aircraft Company, was selected by the Experimental Aircraft Association for the August Raspet Award in 2014. The award is given each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of light aircraft design.
Woodland began designing in the 1990s, but it was his SuperSTOL that set him apart as he explored new technology in the design. Included in his latest effort are self-adjusting slats on the leading edge of the wings, Fowler flaps, hydraulic strut landing gear with more than 20 inches of stroke and a locking, shock-absorbing tail wheel. He is currently in the process of refining spoilers that deploy with the ailerons to increase roll response, especially at very slow speeds. The SuperSTOL also include tundra tires to cushion landings at very high angles of attack.
In receiving the award, Woodland follows others like Curtiss Pitts, Burt Rutan, Paul Poberezny, Ladislao Pazmaney, Dick VanGrunsven, and the Klapmeier brothers.
“It took awhile for the meaning of the award to sink in,” said Woodland, “but then I realized that I’m joining a very exclusive club of honorees and it is truly a humbling experience. It’s like the thrill of that first flight in the SuperSTOL.”
Woodland previously designed the Escapade and Highlander, but he refers to the SuperSTOL as his “creative effort toward making airports optional.
For more information: JustAircraft.com
Garrett Wysocki says
I would also say well deserved to Troy and all the people he surrounds himself with.
Kent Misegades says
Well deserved. JUST sales are bucking the trend, with my homebuilder friend reporting long lead times on the Highlander and SuperSTOL. One reason may be that these planes have terrific short field performance, enabling many to operate from a short private grass strip and thus avoid the spiraling costs and government meddling at public airports. Another reason is the mogas-burning Rotax that powers these planes. An unsung hero here is Dean Wilson, designer of the Avid Flyer and godfather of the JUST aircraft, Kitfox, Eurofox, Aerotreks, etc.