The 2011 Valdez May Day Fly-In "Short Field Take Off and Landing" (STOL) competition was all pilot proficiency and slow-flying techniques.
As for the dominating aircraft, the Piper Super Cubs participating in the May 7 STOL events were all about flying with the use of flaps, vortex generators, big tires and leading edge slats. This was especially true for Josh Pepperd of Wasilla, who made a 30-foot short field landing in his experimental Cub.
Two bounces and a stop, and the crowd went wild.
It was a weekend of friends, flying, and fun for the pilots and the spectators who were treated to the buzz of helicopters and airplanes, in every shape, color and size.
This year the crowd was a bit thinner than in years past, but the flying crowd was still impressive, with aircraft from all around the state parked the length of the airport. The fact that it was Mother's Day on Sunday didn't keep spectators from watching the flour bomb drop and a stall-spin performance by Marc Paine in a stock PA-18.
Jared Kennedy of Cordova took home the top prize for flying with Bruce Stamper in the passenger seat as his bomber, with a bull's-eye flour bombing effort.
The Saturday Poker Run had 52 aircraft participating. Winning hands were Ed White, who won a Garmin GPS 500; Bill Bryant, who won "Wings over Wilders;" Bill Burgess who received a hiker's water filter; and Lane Crow, whose hand earned a metal checking kit.
Performances by Paul Claus in his bi-wing Super Cub in the Bush Class STOL heat and the Turbine Otter earned him $1,000 and the respect of every pilot on the field.
The Valdez weather lived up to its reputation with overcast skies, wind, rain, freezing rain, fog, and sunny periods during the two-and-a-half day event. Despite the chilly periods, the hospitality of everyone volunteering to help put on the event was heartwarming.
Contact Rob Stapleton at robstapleton(at)alaska.net.