PRESS RELESE - STOL Invitational Returns to SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo for the 50th Annual Fly-in: Announces Pilot Roster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

Anitra Goddard, STOL Chairman

anitra@stolnation.com

STOL Invitational Returns to the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo for the 50th Annual Fly-in!

Lakeland, FL — SUN ‘n FUN is thrilled to bring the fastest-growing Aero Sport in General Aviation, back to the Grass Strip at Paradise City for the 50th Annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo.

The SUN ‘n FUN, STOL Invitational is just one of the exciting lineups to perform in the annual Sunset Aerial Circus, that will deliver amazing Short Takeoff & Landings, and breathtaking aero sport performances to eager aviation enthusiasts..

STOL fans, celebrity announcers and some of the most well-known & skilled STOL pilots in the industry are traveling from as far away as Alaska, Canada, and the Western United States; and will converge onto the SUN 'n FUN campus to showcase their remarkable capabilities of taking off and spot-landing within impressively short distances.

2024 STOL Invitational Pilot Roster 

Warren Grobbelaar  #46 1955 Cessna 180 Skywagon

D. Kerley #11 "Grasshopper" 2016 Just Aircraft Highlander 

Keith Lange #50 "Nitro" 1956 Piper PA-18

Tony Marks  2011 CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS

Patrick McInteer #40 2006 Rans S-7

Levi Noguess Storch #55 2007 Slepcev Storch - SS4 

Jeff Pohl #00 "Dirty Bird" 1955 Cessna 170B

Dan Reynolds #9 1983 Valdez Special Chinook 

Jay Stanford II 2004 JS Experimental Cub

Brian Steck 2020 #221 "Scooter" American Legand MOAC

Kaite Waito #69 "Doodle Clipper" 1948 Piper Clipper

These accomplished pilots have gained recognition throughout the industry for their backcountry flying adventures and participation in notable competitions, such as the Valdez STOL Competition, National STOL Series and STOL Drag Races; some have even been featured on the Straight Level TV Series.

STOL, an acronym for Short Take Off & Landing, is undeniably taking off with STOL planes gracing the covers of nearly every GA publication in the market today.

We look forward to welcoming general aviation enthusiasts, and STOL Fans to this celebration of flight at the Sunset Aerial Circus, STOL Invitational. Join us for an unforgettable experience, we look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details: STOL Invitational

Dates: Tuesday, April 9th; Thursday, April 11th; Friday, April 12th

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Grass Strip 8/26 at Paradise City

Pilot Meet & Greet & Forums:

Join us for a Pilot Meet & Greet at the STOL Pits, where enthusiasts can interact with the pilots and admire these remarkable aircraft up close. Pilots will distribute stickers, posters, and other goodies! The event takes place on Friday, April 10th, from noon to 1:15 pm.

Be sure to check the forums schedule and attend the STOL Forums at the Paradise City Forums Tent to discover everything you want to know about backcountry flying and STOL from highly experienced pilots.

Additionally, the STOL Pits will be open to the public throughout the week; be sure to drop in, and you might catch your favorite STOL pilot tinkering with their airplane!

The forums schedule will be available on the official SUN 'n FUN website: Forums Schedule.

Sponsors:

Paradise City is presented by Junkers Aircraft

The STOL Invitational extends its gratitude to supporting sponsors Airplanes & Coffee, Flying Eyes Optics, Acme Aero, DUC Propeller, McFarlane Aviation Products and Crow Executive Air for their generous contributions.

For more information and to view the full Sunset Aerial Circus Schedule, visit the SUN 'n FUN website: SUN 'n FUN Activities.

Press Release by SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo and Anitra Goddard, STOL Chairman.

Founder, STOLNation