2023 Lonestar STOL Competition, Hosted by Legend Aircraft at a New Venue, Breaks Records in Participant Turnout

Since its inception in 2019, Lonestar STOL has been the cornerstone of the National STOL Series, known for the coveted Champion belt buckles, capturing the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and showcasing the impact short takeoff and landing competitions have had on backcountry and general aviation. Traditionally held in Gainesville, Texas, this year marked a historic shift as American Legend Aircraft owners Randi and Darin Hart proudly assumed the role of presenting sponsors of the Lonestar STOL Event, inviting participants to their home airport, Sulphur Springs Municipal for the competition and Legend Cub factory tours.

An Ideal Formula 

"We feel we have the ideal formula for a fantastic event," Randi Hart declared. "Exceptional support from the local aviation community, coupled with the backing of the National STOL Series, all against the backdrop of beautiful weather in one of Texas's finest locations, KSLR."

Perfect Conditions for Flight

Indeed, the weather played a starring role in this year's competition, with mostly sunny skies, a high of 76°F, a low of 50°F, and a negative density altitude. The winds, a crucial element in STOL competitions, ranged, with speeds between 5 and 12 knots, flowing predominantly down the turf runway with picturesque Sulphur Springs Lake serving as a backdrop

A Record-Breaking Turnout

Randi Hart's excitement was palpable as she revealed that according to National STOL staff, Lonestar STOL 2023 boasted their largest presale turnout for the season and one of the largest gatherings of competitive pilots, totaling a remarkable 40 participants.

Thrills, Smiles, and Cheers

As the record number of STOL planes took center stage against the backdrop of ideal weather, the atmosphere buzzed with high energy. Spectators, avid STOL fans, and newcomers alike couldn't help but join the waves of excitement, smiles, and cheers as their favorite STOL planes paraded by. Lonestar STOL 2023 had all the makings of an unforgettable aviation spectacle, promising thrills, camaraderie, and the roar of engines rumbling through the Lone Star State.

Touring Class Recap: A Battle of Veterans and Newcomers

The Touring Class showcased a thrilling competition, featuring a mix of seasoned  STOL veterans and promising newcomers.

Leading the pack coming to Lonestar STOL was #30 Brandon Corn, the current season points leader in the Touring Class, piloting his gorgeous Cessna 205, known as "Black Betty." This aircraft not only holds the title of being the largest in the competition but also holds the distinction of the only aircraft to participate in all eight of the National STOL's 2023 Series events. Corn's consistent performance and undeniable skill make him a force to be reckoned with, winning the Touring Class.

Jeff Abrams and "Piperzilla" - A Stock Legend

Another stalwart in the Touring Class was Jeff Abrams, steering his #65 "Piperzilla," a 1965 Piper Cherokee 180. This vintage aircraft, bearing wheel pants with pride, happens to be the first off the production line for its model year. Abrams, known for his unwavering performance consistency, brought his A-game to the competition; although he didn’t podium he was in the Top 5 of all the Lonestar competitors combined for consistency, with a deviation of only 10 feet between all three of his take offs.

John McCardle's Impressive Debut

Making waves in his first appearance in the National STOL Series earlier this year, John McCardle showcased his skills in the Wayne America Fly In. Previously competing in the Rookie Class, McCardle flew his 1978 Maule M5-235C and secured an impressive second place in the Touring Class. His shortest combined takeoff and landing distance of 278ft, establishing McCardle as a contender to watch in future events.

New Faces in the Touring Class

The Touring Class also welcomed two new competitors; Retired Brigadier General and USAF A–10 Fighter Pilot, Mike McClendon, took to the skies in a 2001 MAULE M-7 235C. While McClendon faced challenges, scratching two of the three rounds, he managed to leave his mark on the scoreboard with a commendable combined distance of 372ft in his second run.

Joining the competition after a two-year hiatus, #71 Trevor Smith piloted his 1970 Cessna A150K Aerobat to secure a respectable third place.

Rookie Class Recap: A Showcase of New Talent

Wes Houston's Remarkable Debut

One standout in the Rookie Class was Wes Houston, a high-time jet pilot who took on the challenge in his pusher Chinook Plus II. Impressively, Houston had only been flying this aircraft for two weeks prior to the competition, marking his first-ever STOL event. The joy on his face was evident as he taxied in front of the crowd, waving and smiling. Houston's remarkable performance earned him first place in the Rookie Class. This achievement automatically propels him to consider future competitions in the Sport or Unlimited Classes, showcasing the potential for his growth as a competitive STOL pilot.

Danny Googins and "Scrappy" - A Strong Showing

Another notable contender in the Rookie Class was Danny Goggins, who piloted the 2011 Legend Aircraft AL3 named "Scrappy." This aircraft holds historical significance as the first fuselage built by American Legend Cub and the second LSA certified aircraft in the United States. Goggins showcased his skills and "Scrappy's" capabilities, securing second place.

Backcountry Class Recap: Rivalries, Ranchers, and Reversing Props

The Backcountry Class at Lonestar STOL brought together a diverse group of competitors, showcasing their skills.  With six contenders divided into two heats, this class was a mix of seasoned pilots, sponsors, and fierce rivalries.

Watch the Backcountry Class on the Live Broadcast

Joel Dopson's "Moxie" - A Fighter Pilot's Touch

In the first heat, Joel Dopson, a former F-16 fighter pilot and current Delta Airlines captain, took to the skies in his # Cessna 172 Taildragger, affectionately named "Moxie." Despite scratching his first and third rounds, Dopson's second-round performance secured him a well-deserved third-place podium finish.

Scott Sweet - Rancher in the Sky

Scott Sweet, known for his work wrangling cattle and mending fences on the ground, his aircraft a functional workhorse in his ranching duties doubles as a STOL competition airplane and showcased his skills with his 1974 Bellanca Scout 8GCBC. Sweet's best takeoff and landing occurred in his second round, covering a distance of 298 ft. 

Jerry Clemens - Sponsor and Competitor

A major supporter of STOL events, Jerry Clemens of Clemens Insurance not only sponsored the event but also participated in the competition. Piloting his 2008 Aviat Husky A-1C, Clemens finished the event with a top 5 finish, with a best combined distance of 274 feet.

Micah Lindstrom, Jeff Pohl, and Austin Clemens - Fierce Rivalry in the Sky

The climax of the Backcountry Class centered around the top three season points leaders: Micah Lindstrom, Jeff Pohl, and Austin Clemens. Hailing from the same town of Milaca, Minnesota, Lindstrom and Pohl not only share a hometown, they both prefer to  fly a 1955 Cessna 170B aircraft, creating a years-long and very real rivalry.

Watch the second heat of the Backcountry Class

At the Lonestar event, Lindstrom, as the Series Points leader, dominated the first and second rounds, securing himself the season championship class win as both Pohl and Clemens scratched. However, the competition took a turn in the third round when Austin Clemens, piloting #62 "The Dog," a certified 2011 Aviat Husky A-1C, claimed the class win for Lonestar STOL with a takeoff distance of 66 ft. and landing distance, with the help of the MT Propeller Reversible Pitch Prop. of 68 ft. for a combined total of 134 ft.!

Unfortunately, Pohl scratched all of his rounds. The rivalry between Lindstrom and Pohl added a layer of excitement to the Backcountry Class, leaving spectators eager for the next showdown between these three talented STOL Pilots. 

Watch the banter in a post run interview with Pohl, Lindstrom and Clemens on the National STOL Series YouTube Broadcast.

Adventure Class Recap: Newcomers, Legends, and Friendly Rivalries

The Adventure Class brought together a diverse group of competitors, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers to the STOL competition scene. With seven pilots divided into two heats, the class was a fantastic display of skill, determination, and friendly rivalries.

Newcomers Take Flight in the First Heat

The first heat of the Adventure Class welcomed STOL competition newcomers, and one standout was Trevor "Dozen" Aldridge. A former #2 Thunderbird left-wing pilot.  Aldridge made his debut in the 2022 Super Patriot Aircraft Mark II. Despite having taken delivery of the aircraft just four days before the competition, he claimed the 5th spot in the class.

Watch Trevors post event interview

James Barkheimer, flying the Cubcrafters Carbon Cub EX2, secured 4th place, while unfortunately, newcomer Adam Gordon scratched all three rounds.

The pilots' best takeoff rounds in the first heat occurred in the second round, suggesting favorable winds during that segment of the competition.

Veterans and Season Points Leaders Battle in the Second Heat

The second heat of the Adventure Class featured STOL veterans and the highest-ranking pilots in the season points. The lineup included Brian Steck (#221 "Scooter"), Brian Shirley (#63), Luke Spoor (#719 "MOAC I"), and Keith Lange (#50 “Pepper” of the Lone Wolf STOL pack of airplanes). However, uncooperative winds contributed to a 76% scratch rate for this heat.

Keith Lange, an avid Alaskan backcountry resident & pilot and wildlife biologist, scratched all three rounds in his #50 1956 Piper Super Cub, affectionately called "Pepper." Lange, who led in the season standings, took the wind challenges in stride, stating that he "had a little wind problem but otherwise did the best I could."

Watch the post event interview with Keith Lange

Brian Shirley, debuting his brand new #63 American Legend Cub MOAC earlier in the 2023 season at the Rocky Mountain STOL event in Pinedale, Wyoming, secured a 3rd place Lonestar STOL podium spot and finished out the season 4th in the 2023 season standings.

Luke Spoor, competing in MOAC I a 2019 American Legend Cub MOAC outperformed his competitors and secured the first-place win in the Lonestar STOL Adventure Class. Spoor, sitting 3rd in the season standings, beating out Brian Steck,  #221 "Scooter" 2020 American Legend Cub MOAC with a combined takeoff and landing distance of 126 feet. This victory, taking place at the home of American Legend Cub, the builder of both their airplanes, marked a significant chapter in the enduring and friendly rivalry between Steck and Spoor—a competition that has been unfolding since Swamp STOL 2021.

Adding to the rivalry's intrigue, a unique tradition has developed between the two competitors. Whoever outperforms the other at each event earns the privilege of wearing home the coveted Merlin Gold Aviation Shoes from Lift Aviation, making each competition for the Legend Aircraft Team not just about points and it adds an extra layer of entertainment for everyone.

Brian Steck, despite finishing second in this event, celebrated his overall season championship in the Adventure Class, earning him the coveted Merlin Gold Aviation Shoes from Lift Aviation to hold on to until next season. Reflecting on the Lonestar finale, Steck expressed pride in Luke Spoor's performance, stating, "Luke said he came to win the event, and I am so proud of him for pulling it off. He beat me by 8 feet in this one, but I had just enough points accumulated throughout the season to bring home another Season Championship first-place trophy for the Legend Team in the Adventure Class."

Watch the post event interview with Brian Steck

Watch the post event interview with Luke Spoor

Sport Class Recap: A Record-Breaking Battle of Skilled Newcomers and Seasoned Veterans

The Sport Class at the National STOL Series 2023 showcased an impressive lineup of 15 competitive pilots, making it the largest and most stacked class of the event. Divided into three heats, the Sport Class was a thrilling display of skill, determination, and friendly competition.

Heat 1: A Mix of Newcomers and Veterans

Heat 1 featured a diverse lineup, with STOL veteran David Kerley in his #11 Just Aircraft Highlander, aptly named "The Grasshopper,"and Kelly Qualls, winner of the Rookie Class at Swamp STOL earlier in the season in his 2007 CubCrafters Sport Cub CC11-100 has clearly been practicing as he displayed refinement and steadiness in his flying.

Newcomer Chris Miller made an impact, claiming 4th place in his CubCrafters CarbonCub SS with an impressive shortest combined takeoff and landing distance of 171 feet.

Heat 2: A Mix of Styles and Experience

Heat 2 brought together a mix of aircraft and experience levels. Jeremiah Stapleton kicked off the heat in his new Rans S-20, and Wes Huston, who competed in the Rookie Class earlier in the day, also showcased his skills in the Sport Class with his Chinook Plus 2.

Levi Noguess, a well-known and seasoned STOL pilot, flew the fan-favorite #55 Slepcev Fiesler Storch 3/4 replica to take 8th place. Season newcomer Patrick McInteern, made his rookie debut earlier in the season at SKOL STOL in Isle, MN flying his Rans S–7, showcasing impressive skills that led to a tie for 5th place in the class with seasoned STOL participant Tony Sanches, piloting his #63 Just Aircraft SuperSTOL named "God Bless John Wayne,

Heat 3: Veterans and Season Points Leaders

The third and final heat of the Sport Class consisted of series points leaders for the 2023 season. Justin Tisdale, flying the #18 Zenith 750-STOL "MoosestacheFlyer," exhibited outstanding flying after overcoming many challenges he faced throughout the season. Tisdale achieved his best competition scores of the season at Lonestar.

Nick Ardillo (#68), a newcomer to the series in his 2014 CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS, secured the 7th spot among 15 class competitors. Notably, he was honored with the "Most Improved" award, a prestigious recognition in the realm of competitive piloting.

Collin Caneva, a STOL veteran and Wayne America Fly In organizer  organizer and Old Green Plane host, competed in two classes with two different airplanes. In the Sport Class, he flew his #43 Cubcrafters Carbon Cub SS "Doc," earning a third-place finish in the class.

Rick Boardman, leading the series in points for the season, flew his #94 CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS and secured a second place podium spot in the class. Boardman, who owns an AG Aviation Business and is a reputable ag pilot based out of Nebraska, demonstrated his exceptional skills, culminating in a stellar season performance that ultimately led him to clinch the Sport Class season championship with an impressive 136 points.

Joel Milloway, a backcountry flying enthusiast who made his competition debut at Rocky Mountain STOL last season emerged victorious in the class flying his Rans S-7 "TigerShark," he overtook Rick Boardman at Lonestar, securing a first-place finish in the heat and the overall class win. Milloway expressed his excitement, saying, "To beat Rick is a really amazing thing, I think."

Unlimited Class Recap: Legends, Surprises, and High-Stakes Competition

The Unlimited Class at the National STOL Series marked a thrilling addition to the 2023 season, attracting a premier lineup of pilots and airplanes. This class, open to any pilot and airframe, and distinguished itself as the pinnacle class of STOL Series, it is the only class awarded cash prizes, and upscale awards.

A Legendary Surprise and Friendly Rivalries

The Unlimited Class witnessed a last-minute surprise with the arrival of Valdez STOL legend Frank Knapp. Banter on the radio between Knapp and fellow Valdez STOL winner Dan Reynolds set the stage for an unexpected reunion. Reynolds shared his surprise, saying, "When I saw the little yellow and silver cub sneaking in,  I knew right away it could only be my friend Frank." This marked the first time Knapp and Reynolds had competed against each other since the Valdez STOL Competition in 2018.

Collin "Evel" Caneva, who flew in the Sport Class earlier, joined the Unlimited Class in his #43 American Legend Cub MOAC, "BEASTMODE." which featured a newly developed wing design that he’d only been flying for two days!  The efficiency and success of this innovative design were apparent as Caneva achieved impressive distances in the class. Notably, despite his airplane's empty weight surpassing the next heaviest in the class (Frank Knapp's Super Legend Cub) by 212 pounds, Caneva narrowly missed a podium placement by only 41 feet.

Top Performers

Eddie Sanches took delivery of his 2023 Just Aircraft Highlander XL (#48) "Devil Girl II," in August of this year; still dialing in and working out kinks with his new build which features a Yamaha Sidewinder 998 Turbocharged engine, Sanches secured a commendable 3rd place finish.

Alaskan Bush pilot and Valdez STOL & World Record holder for the shortest combined in-competition distance in his famous home-build Lil’ Cub, impressed in his #13 Super Legend, a 2016 American Legend Cub. Knapp's impressive proficiency, including what seemed like just floating inches past the line like a feather, earned him a well-deserved second place in the class.

Defending his title from the previous year, Dan Reynolds, piloting the #9 "Valdez Special" Chinook emerged victorious. Making modifications to the slats and engine after the close of the 2023 season, Reynolds showcased the effectiveness of his changes, securing the class win with an outstanding combined takeoff and landing distance of 57 feet in his first run.

Notable absences in the Unlimited Class were Hal Stockman and the most winningest STOL competition pilot, Steve Henry, and his #44 Yeehaw 8.

See the Lonestar STOL Official Results and the National STOL Series Website

Watch the Broadcast of the Lonestar STOL Competition on the National STOL Series Youtube Channel

In closing, Lonestar STOL 2023 soared to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the National STOL Series. With record numbers, radiant skies, and thrilling competition across multiple classes, the event encapsulated the spirit of diversity, skill, and camaraderie within the STOL community. As the season finale, Lonestar STOL showcased the unwavering passion and talent of participants, setting the stage for continued excitement and anticipation in the high-flying world of STOL competitions.