CubCrafters Sponsors Valdez STOL at AirVenture 2015
March 11, 2015
VALDEZ STOL AIRCRAFT AT AIRVENTURE 2015EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin – The specially modified short takeoff/landing (STOL) aircraft that were a hit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 are returning for more fun this year, as they re-create one of the world’s most unique aviation competitions.
The “Valdez STOL” airplanes will be part of the 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Those aircraft compete at the annual Valdez, Alaska, fly-in and air show in May each year, and demonstrated the unique capabilities of the airplanes and pilots at Oshkosh in 2014. This year, more than a dozen of these aircraft, including homebuilt and specially modified production airplanes, will be participating. They are based on aircraft that provide supplies to the rugged and far-flung outposts throughout Alaska. The demanding terrain in that state requires that aircraft take off and land on rough runways often less than 500 feet long.
The Valdez STOL activities will include flying during the afternoon air show and on selected evenings at AirVenture’s grass airstrip for ultralights on the south end of the grounds. These flying activities are made possible with support from CubCrafters, one of the nation’s leading backcountry aircraft manufacturers.
“We knew that last year’s Valdez flying competitions and demonstrations would be popular, but we had little idea how much fun it would be for both participants and those who watched them,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “The pilots drew cheers during the afternoon air show demonstrations and thousands of aviation enthusiasts crowded around the ultralight runway for the informal post-air show evening festivities with the airplanes. This is true grassroots flying, perfect for Oshkosh.”
While the airplanes and pilots involved are commonly from Alaska, aviators and aircraft from throughout North America are expected to participate once again this year. Last year, it was common to see these aircraft take off and land in less than 50 feet. There will be flight competitions during the afternoon air shows on July 20-21, competition finals prior to the July 22 night air show, and fun flying at the ultralight airstrip on July 23 (mid-day) and July 24 (evening).
About CubCrafters
Founded in 1980, CubCrafters is based in Yakima, Washington, and manufactures a line of backcountry aircraft inspired by the 80-year history of classic taildragger aviation, but the company’s products and services are leading edge. CubCrafters offers three new, ready-to-fly aircraft. The Sport Cub S2 and Carbon Cub SS lead all American light sport aircraft in performance and sales. The Top Cub, with a useful load of over 1,000 pounds, is the most capable two-place personal and utility aircraft in its class. CubCrafters also offers their Carbon Cub in a kit version, the Carbon Cub EX.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.
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