STOL Invitational Returns to the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo!
Presented by
The SUN ‘n FUN, STOL Invitational, presented by TL Sport Aircraft is just one of the exciting lineups to perform in the annual Sunset Aerial Circus, that will deliver amazing Short Takeoff & Landings and aero sport performances to eager aviation enthusiasts. .
STOL fans, celebrity announcers, and some of the most skilled & well-known STOL pilots in the industry are traveling from as far away as Alaska, Canada, and the Western United States and will converge on the SUN ‘n FUN campus to showcase their remarkable capabilities of taking off and spot-landing within impressively short distances.
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 ArkanSTOL Backwoods Challenge and STOL Drag Races
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!
STOL Invitational Schedule
- Tuesday, April 14 — 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 15 — 1:00–2:00 PM
- Thursday, April 16 — 7:00 PM
- Friday, April 17 — 7:00 PM
2026 STOL Pilot Line-Up
| #46 | Warren Grobbelaar | 1955 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
| #7 | Joel Dopston “Moxie” | 1956 Cessna 172 Taildragger |
| #17 | Jerry Clemens | 2008 Aviat Husky A-1C |
| #50 | Keith Lange “Lone Wolf STOL” | 1956 Piper Super Cub |
| #17 | Rick Ness “Yooper Cub” | 2015 Nick Smith Exp Cub |
| Brian Steck | American Legend Cub “High Strung” | |
| Levi Nougess | TBA | |
| #32 | Sheldon Heatherington “Red Bird” | Zenith 750 “Red Bird” |
| Pat McInteer | Badlands Traveler | |
| #11 | Kerley “Grasshopper” | 2016 Just Aircraft Highlander |
| #9 | Dan “Lawn Dart” Reynolds | 1983 Chinook the Valdez Speical |
Photo Credit: Omar Barrera
Pilot Meet & Greet & Forums:
Join us for a Pilot Meet & Greet at the STOL Pits located in the Bushwheel Basecamp, where enthusiasts can interact with the pilots and admire these remarkable aircraft up close. Pilots will distribute stickers, posters, and other goodies!
Be sure to check the forums schedule and attend the STOL Forums Tent located in the Bushwheel Basecamp to discover everything you want to know about backcountry flying and STOL from highly experienced pilots.
Additionally, the Bushwheel Basecamp and 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.
Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 STOL Invitational:
Community Sponsors:
