By GRANT BOYD
That’s the question 35 pilots hope to answer in the first-ever Ozark Backwoods Challenge, slated for Sept. 10-13, 2020.
The timed STOL event, which takes place at the scenic backwoods fly-in location of Byrd’s Adventure Center (51AR) in Northwestern Arkansas, requires pilots to land at three challenging runways and then return to the original runway for a full stop.
In a video on the event’s website of a cockpit view of the course, pilot John Young, who flies an Aviat A-1B Husky, says that “an interesting part of this whole course is how fast can you go slow?”
While the roster for pilots competing in the competition is full, spectator passes are still available for $20 a person. You can buy them at ArkanSTOL.com.
The ArkanSTOL team note they are “dedicated to the event not being canceled due to COVID-19,” adding they are taking the risks seriously.
“Just as we mitigate risk in the type of flying we do, ArkansSTOL will do what we are able to mitigate the spread of COVID, but will also count on the decision-making skills of our aviation community to take the right precautions while in attendance,” event officials said.
With the number of runways and outdoor areas, there will be plenty of space for free movement and the ability to socially distance from one another, officials add.
The Competition
The competition is divided into three classes of aircraft, based on gross weight: Light Sport (up to 1,320 pounds), Bush (1,321 to 2,300 pounds), and Touring (2,301 pounds and up).
Any type of aircraft can participate, as long as the pilot is able to takeoff and land full stop in less than 400 feet. Airplanes expected to compete in the competition include everything from a Searey and Cessna 180s to Huskies and Cubs.
There are several rules that competing pilots must abide by, including:
- Takeoff will be a standing start from midfield of the River Runway
- Landing will be required at each of the other three designated runways; landing can be completed in any order
- Each runway task is completed by landing, reversing direction, and taking back off
- There are no mandatory touchdown points and a full stop is not required, except at the finish gate
- The finish time is determined by crossing the start/finish line on the River Runway
The first day of the four-day event, Thursday, Sept. 10, is set for aircraft arrivals and participant qualification. Friday includes about six hours of participant practice runs, as well as casual lunch and dinner events.
Saturday, Sept. 12, the main day of the event, includes two rounds of competition and a dinner event.
Officials note there will be very limited aircraft arrivals and departures on Saturday due to Byrd’s closing all traffic during competition times.
Of course, like other fly-ins, camaraderie with other pilots and aviation enthusiasts will be a highlight of the event. Organizers promise that watching skilled pilots fly a challenging course will be unforgettable and attendees can be confident knowing that they will learn more about backcountry flying.
With Byrd’s having several backwoods grass strips, there are tips noted on the event’s website and the internet with tips for pilots flying in, such as “fly at your own risk,” “fly light,” and “fly smart.”
Primitive camping spots are available for $10 a person per night. There also are a limited number of RV spots and electrical hookups available. You can find out more about camping at ByrdsAdventureCenter.com.