Heritage STOL is an exhilarating STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition set to take place at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA. This event promises an exciting showcase of skill and performance. Pilots from various backgrounds will converge to demonstrate their aircraft's impressive capabilities in terms of short takeoffs and landings. As a bonus, this competition will have important historical context as National STOL's partnership with the museum places these modern aircraft in relation of their military predecessors. Your ticket includes admission to the museum so you have the opportunity to view their entire collection and learn more about the origins of aviation in America.

National STOL competitions aim to be a family friendly day out at the airport for both airplane enthusiasts and those new to general aviation! Be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly with hats, sunblock, jackets, or rain gear as necessary. We look forward to sharing this unique STOL event and slice of history with you!

All times are tentative and subject to change

Thursday, April 25

3:00pm – Competitor Arrivals Open
3:00-5:00pm – Competitor Check In
5:00pm – Competitor Registration Closes

Friday, April 26

9:00am-10:30am – Competitor and Volunteer Check In
10:30am – Volunteer Briefing
11:00am – Mandatory New Competitor Safety Briefing
11:45am – General Safety Briefing for all pilots who choose to practice
12:30-5:00pm – Competitor Practice
6:30pm – Competitor Social Event

Saturday, April 27

8:00-8:30am – Competitor and Volunteer Check In
8:30am – Volunteer Briefing
9:00am – Mandatory Competitor Safety Briefing
9:00am – Museum Opens for Spectators
10:00am – Competition Begins
There will be a 10-15 minute break in between competition classes. We anticipate the competition will finish between 3:00 and 4:00pm.
5:00pm – Museum Closes

The closing dinner and awards ceremony for competitors and invited guests will take place at 6:30pm.

Your ticket for Saturday, April 27, includes both admission to the Military Aviation Museum and viewing of the National STOL competition on the grass runway. The museum hours are 9:00am-5:00pm. The competition will begin at 10:00am and should conclude between 3:00 and 4:00pm.

A competitor practice will be taking place on Friday, April 26, starting at 12:30pm. Regular museum admission is required to view the practice session; a special ticket is not necessary for Friday.

Museum parking is free and plentiful for those driving in. Unfortunately, transient aircraft parking is NOT available at the museum. Only registered competitors will be allowed to land on site. If you are flying in to spectate, plan to fly into Chesapeake Regional Airport (KCPK). Uber drop off and pick up points will be established.

Before proceeding with your registration, be sure to review the 2024 National STOL Rules. During your registration, you will be asked to fill out your pilot profile, including uploading a photo of yourself and one of your aircraft.

If you are a first time National STOL competitor, or if you have not competed in more than two years, note that you are required to participate in Friday's practice day and New Competitor Safety Briefing. Schedule your travel plans accordingly!

Standard and Rookie Class registration fees are $175 through Sunday, April 21. Starting on Monday, April 22, the registration fee will increase to $250.

Thank you for your interest. Volunteer positions are now full!

National STOL competitions are almost entirely run by a team of passionate volunteers! Get up close and personal with amazing pilots and aircraft while receiving free admission to the competition. For more information, check out this video. Ready to volunteer at Heritage STOL? Register below!

Camping at the airfield is only available for registered competitors. More information in your confirmation email.

For competitors and spectators looking for a hotel, we have a group rate arranged at The Oceanfront Inn, Virginia Beach. Weekday rates are $109/night and weekend is $199/night (before taxes and resort fee). To book, call the hotel at 888.826.2326 and ask for the "Heritage STOL" rate.