The Clarion County Airport will see a few ups and downs when it hosts the first Appalachian Mountain STOL event in June.
Airport manager Don Kimball told the Clarion County commissioners this week that a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) is a competitive event for single engine aircraft pilots.
“This is an opportunity for these pilots to showcase their skills,” said Commissioner Wayne Brosius, who serves on the airport board. “They do this at smaller airports like ours.”
Kimball said similar events have as many as 40 pilots in the competition.
“As soon as Clarion was added to the roster, I have had four pilots fly to our airport to check it out and they were very impressed by what they found,” Kimball said. “This is our first time doing this event so there is a big learning curve.”
Kimball said everything the airport needs to stage the event is already on-site. Specialized equipment is supplied by the national STOL organization.
“They will come in with an air boss and they have been in contact with the FAA,” he said.
Kimball said the competitors would be divided into different categories depending on the type of aircraft.
“Several kit manufacturers are making planes designed for STOL,” he said.
Kimball said either a paved runway or a grass landing strip could be used for the event.
“We just put in a grass strip in September,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do on it. We will need to roll it and get it as clean as possible. The back up is the regular runway.”
The aircraft use some specialized equipment like over-sized tires, suspension and enhanced engines.
“They are trying to maintain flight at a lower speed for a shorter landing,” said Kimball. “The same thing at take-off.”
“This event is perfect for us because we are located on the way to Cook Forest and these are the people we would like to have visit us and see what we have to offer,” said Kimball. “Our event will be part of the national circuit.”
“One of my goals at the airport was to bring in younger pilots and show them our facilities in the hope of expanding the customers we serve at the airport,” Kimball added. “We built a rustic campground with a stocked fishing pond near the terminals so the pilots can access it.”
Kimball said STAT MedEvac has been at the airport this year and Roto Power has rented space.
“Our commercial hangar is full and we have taken on four additional pilots. My goal is to fill those last six remaining places and to keep the airport full,” said Kimball.
Kimball said the Civil Air Patrol will provide support for the STOL event, but additional volunteers are needed.
Local businesses will be offered sponsorship opportunities.
The competition is open to the public.
Anyone who wants more information or who wants to volunteer for the event can call Kimball at (814) 226-9993.