Having watched the OSH STOL demos ( Valdez, via video, Caveman Ranch, La Garita Ranch, etc, etc.), where are the Carbon Cubs, Zenith 701 (5)'s, 801's, Bearhawks, Kitfoxes, Aircams, etc??? Where are the Maules? Light touring class finalist are always C170, C180.
Loved the C170 at OSH! Forget the name, but he kicked ass!!! And, of course, Pops in the exp. Super cub. Not sure of the pilot, white/blue C180 gave a great representation. Awesome to see Jerry Burr, a true icon.
Slats, slots, flaps, trick engines don't hold a candle to a well flown, light, Super Cub!!
Kudos to all that flew at OSH this year, great entertainment.

It was an invitational event for select qualified pilots. I don't think aircraft type was as big a deciding factor.

The 170 pilot is Shawn Holly. He is from Soldotna, AK and he keeps winning the light touring STOL competition in Valdez.

What a great time at Osh. Zane is correct where the demo was an invitational of sorts. I'm sure that if someone really wanted to take part a simple phone call could get them in.

The blue and white 180 is Joe Dory Jr. Probably one of the very best pilots I know with an extremely light 180. 1580lbs to be exact. The 170 is 1400lbs flown by Shawn Holly who is also an exceptional pilot.

I had a ton of fun flying there and feel as though it was a huge privilege. Flying off the big runway I was more rattled than I have been really ever. Looking up I saw the big crowd, the damn Goodyear blimp coming toward me, then the airboss told me to hold for bird man, only to realize I was following a Thunderbird!!! I was able to takeoff in 150' and then flew around the pattern and flew so far past the touchdown line I was just plain embarrassed ...both times. Kinda funny once I realized I was 10 feet over the I dropped it in and bounced for about 200 plus feet laughing and embarrassed to death. That was good for my ego. [emoji16]. The announcer said "well he got current on that one". Lap two wasn't much better! Thank god that was over....

Then down to the Ultra light field. That was fun and the nerves we gone and we had a lot of fun. The demo there was nothing short of a party! Sporty winds made it that much more enjoyable.

Friday we had the ultra light field for an hour and a half. Big crowds and light winds. I had 6 laps there. My first 4 laps I had Bobby Breeden in the copilot seat. He wanted to fly in the 180. My next 3 laps I had Kris Knapp, Franks wife. It was a real pleasure taking her.

All in all, the experience back there was one that I will remember for a lifetime. Having the opportunity to meet so many BCPers that I had only a screen name for was also a real treat. I think the best pilot award in my book goes to Joe Dory Jr., and Breeden but then again everyone was very good! The way Shawn flies his 170 is just remarkable. Pops and his cub, Steve and his Highlander...the list goes on. A big thanks to Chris and Frank Knapp for all there efforts and hard work! Joe Prax as well! I sure hope we can do it again next year!

I am already looking forward to next year and can hardly wait.

AKT
https://vimeo.com/134731385https://vimeo.com/134731427

The trip going to Osh requires a new thread as it was an experience all in itself

AKT

aktahoe1 wrote:The trip going to Osh requires a new thread as it was an experience all in itself

AKT

The trip there was by far the most fun I've had. What a great trip to osh. Next year I will try and meet up sooner.

By far the most fun I've had in forever!!! Getting to fly in front of that crowd was something I'll remember for the rest of my life! Thanks for the kind words Kevin, but I think you and I got that Breeden kid whipped! Just kidding...he sure can fly!! Let's do it again!!!!!!

So... it looks like you guys had a blast! Was Frank Knapp there with Lil' Cub? Anyone know?

aktahoe1 wrote:

Citabria?

Looks more like a Skywagon to me!

Someone must be good with photoshop.

That is definitely a week I'll never forget. It was so great to get to know all the guys. They are so talented. To listen to the crowd go nuts as they put their skills to work. The two days we did the demo off of the ultra light strip was a highlight for me.
Shawn

You really did well Shawn. Always great to watch you fly that bird...

No words to describe Oshkosh... Beyond description.. Way beyond...

But do want to Thank Frank and Kris Knapp. With all going on in their lives right now, they went through a staggering amount of work and time to make this happen again. Unbelievable. Then stood there and watched. That had to be torture. We all missed the excitement he brought to this, and hope that if this happens again next year, that he's out there showing us all how it's really done. Thank You both.. Very Much...

Those skills you have in that 170 Shawn are just plain incredible. Times 2 on the big thanks to Chris and Frank! Not to mention Joe Prax as well. Since I have been home all I have been thinking about is this trip to Osh. I can hardly wait for next year already. I think I have over 1500 photos for the trip itself. Really good to see everyone made it home safe and sound!

AKT

Any more video of this?

First video I have seen show up...Good stuff here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io8ALIFZ8ak

I was able to watch it live. Try this link and the scroll down to whatever days airshow


http://livestream.com/accounts/4758466/events/4186950

So bummed I missed this. Hope to make it next year! Frank and Kris are just phenomenal!

This thread isn't complete without our own AKTahoe1 (Kevin) giving his experience flying the STOL demo at OSH.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Qs20M ... e=youtu.be

Here is a semi-crappy Iphone video of the Heavy Touring guys gettin' it done on the ultralight strip. Hope the link works! (still learning how to post videos)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qmIDQ78yqc