ArkanSTOL, which has held four annual STOL events at Byrd’s Adventure Center (51AR) in Northwestern Arkansas, has suspended the competition “indefinitely,” according to officials.
The decision came about “due to evolving professional and personal responsibilities,” according to officials.
“Our 2023 fourth annual event was wildly successful and brought over 1,600 enthusiasts to the most ideal backcountry aviation venue that exists,” officials continued. “It was a culmination of five years of hard work, dedication, and pure love of the people who embrace backcountry flying. This group truly understands that with risk comes reward. We also don’t just sit in the bleachers and watch…we get in the game and leave everything on the field!”
What’s next?
ArkanSTOL officials note that the first Byrd’s Backcountry Flight Festival (BBFF) was held in late September 2024 and “they were able to offer things we could not due to the intricacies of running a complex competition. Byrd’s will continue this event, which will provide more inclusive opportunities for pilots, enthusiasts, and new curious observers to have fun,” officials noted.
Meanwhile, the ArkanSTOL brand will remain intact, “because you never know what the future might bring,” officials concluded.
For more information: ArkanSTOL.com
The past few weeks a couple youtubers have been covering STOL events and their mishaps. This will give one of them fuel for his fire.
Can people attend and participate at their own risk? Why does someone else have to be responsible if a pilot can’t perform within his/her own limitations? Lawyers (shysters) are ruining this country with frivolous law suits. Settlements are made to avoid the cost of litigation to present a defense.
See the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, SC, for an example how to run successful grassroots aviation events.
Sadly, I’ll bet it’s getting harder to find insurance for these high risk events.