The National STOL 2024 rule changes introduce mandatory participation in practice days and safety briefings for first-time competitors or those returning after a hiatus of more than two years, emphasizing safety as a top priority. Helmets and shoulder harnesses are now required for all participants.
The rules also clarify landing regulations, registration deadlines, and competition classifications, including the introduction of a rookie class for newcomers. The unlimited class offers additional cash prizes for seasoned competitors, reflecting the series' commitment to safety, fairness, and fostering growth within the aviation community.
National STOL 2024 Season Rules
Updated February 2, 2024
Download a copy: THE RULES
Important Changes for 2024:
- Helmets and shoulder harnesses are required for all competitors. Helmets and shoulder harnesses save lives. Please contact us or a veteran National STOL competitor if you need a recommendation.
- If a pilot is a first time competitor, or has not competed in more than two years, (s)he must participate in practice day and attend the new competitor safety briefing in order to compete. The exact times will be listed on each event’s schedule page.
- A scratch is defined as a landing in which any part of the tire touches any part of the painted white reference line. Weight on wheels is not required; tire deformation or depression is not required.
- Registration will close at 17:00 local time the evening before the official practice day. No registrations on practice or competition day will be accepted.
- Registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a future event upon written request.
- Pilots may compete in multiple aircraft, but each aircraft must be in a different class.
- Each aircraft can only be registered in one class (i.e., Rookies may not register in both the Rookie and a standard class/an aircraft cannot compete in both a standard and the Unlimited class).
- Annual Points: 80% (in 2024, 8) of the regular season events will count towards annual points. If you participate in more than 8 regular season events, your top 8 finishes will be counted. Lonestar STOL (Friday) is considered a regular season event. The National Finals for pilots who qualify will be held Saturday of the same weekend and count as separate points. You do not have to be present at the final event weekend to win; however, points earned at this event will be added to the existing standings.
Appendix A-Competition Classes
Competition classes are defined by airplane make, model, certification type and weight. Please read below for further details. If you are unsure of what class you fall into, contact National STOL in advance of your registration.
- There must be at least two aircraft in a class for the class to compete.
- Gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotorcraft, powered parachutes, weight-shift, and lighter-than-air craft may not compete.
- National STOL Officials will make all class determinations, which are final.
For a comprehensive look National STOL Rules, including aircraft classes visit: https://nationalstol.com/therules/
Rules originally pinned by the National STOL Series on the
By Anitra Goddard
Founder, STOLNation
Chairman, SUN 'n FUN STOL
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