The Great Lakes STOL 2025
www.Greatlakesstol.com
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of aviation, competition, and camaraderie at the Great Lakes STOL 2025! This fly-in camp-out event welcomes spectators, aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and STOL contestants to experience an exciting weekend of flying and competition.
Event Details:
Camping: Aircraft underwing camping available with required facilities. Limited electricity, bring generators if needed. RV and camper spots available.
Amenities: Multiple restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance.
Food: Donation-based breakfast Sunday by the Chesaning Sportsplane Association and an on-field food truck.
Flying & Practice: Daily practice and flying at the airport with available judges.
STOL Contest – Sunday
Breakfast: 7:00 AM
Pilot Meeting: 8:00 AM
Competition Start: 9:30 AM
Classes:
Spam Can Class – Compete against your aircraft’s book numbers. A fun way to test pilot skill over equipment. Eligible aircraft include C172, Piper Cherokee, Mooney, RVs, C150, Power gliders, Quick Silvers, anything you bring can fit in this class.
100 HP & Under Vintage Class – For classic, low-powered aircraft like J3/J5 Cubs, Champs, Chiefs, C140s, C120s, and Taylorcrafts.
Touring Class – 4-seat aircraft such as C170s, tailwheel-converted C172s, Maules, Stinson 108s, Aeronca Sedans, and C180s (also eligible for Spam Can Class).
Bush Class – 2-seat, high-performance STOL aircraft like 100+ HP Cubs, Scouts, and Huskies.
Experimental Class – Homebuilt STOL/backcountry aircraft.
Weekend Schedule:
Friday: Early Arrivals & Setup and STOL Camp.
STOL Camp – Improve your short takeoff and landing (STOL) skills with FAA-provided guidance and safety protocols to enhance your short-field performance.
The day begins with a presentation on proper STOL procedures, followed by guided practice and dedicated practice time. Pilots of all experience levels and aircraft types are welcome to learn how to operate more safely and confidently on shorter runways.
These skills can be put to use during Saturday’s fly-outs and in Sunday’s Great Lakes STOL Spam Can Class or any other class for which you qualify.
Setup of landing lines, flags, and tents.
Saturday: Fly out day.
Late morning: Fly-Outs Saturday we will have 3 fly outs planned. One will tour local grass strips that highlight some of the charted and uncharted fields we have in Michigan. Another will included some uncharted and off field flying opportunities we have in Michigan. Each will stop at a restaurant for a late lunch at the end.
Evening: Fly-out to local hidden fields for backcountry fun.
Dinner: Mass fly-out to Joe Lee’s Crosswind Café, 10 miles south of Chesaning.
Sunday: The Great Lakes STOL Contest
Breakfast at 7:00 AM
Pilot meeting at 8:00 AM
Competition kicks off at 9:30 AM
Come for the day or stay the whole weekend! Whether you’re flying in, competing, or just watching, the Great Lakes STOL 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. See you there!