EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Ultralight Area - Valdez STOL Competition

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Ultralight Area provided a separate place for the display and flying of not only technically classified ultralight aircraft, but also those just heavier light sport, experimental and factory-built models that need only a short runway for takeoff and landing.  This relatively small grass runway was the ideal place for the Valdez STOL  Invitational.  The event, held throughout the week, pitted veteran Alaska Valdez pilots in competition for the using the shortest length for takeoffs and landings in their large-tired Super Cubs, Huskys, Just Super STOLs and similar types.  The flying was awe-inspiring as well as entertaining!

This extended photo essay by Fred Harl shows several takeoffs and landings during the Saturday competition.