SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS — Despite a bumpy ride to and from the event, Pinedale’s John Douglas slid into fourth place in his 1964 Cessna 182 at the 2024 Lonestar STOL and National Finals held Nov. 1-2 in Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport in Texas. The Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aviation competition showcased pilots from all backgrounds as they demonstrated their skill and technique. 

When Douglas and his wife Angela took off from the Ralph Wenz Field in Pinedale, Douglas was in fifth place, but his 81-point finish in the touring class on Nov. 2 bumped him up to a fourth-place overall finish for the season.

Pilots from all across the United States battled weather as they traveled to and from the event, explained Angela Douglas. Their departure was delayed by more than a day, which also meant missing practice for the finals. Flying through snow, heavy clouds, wind and sleet, John and Angela Douglas arrived in Sulphur Springs after six-and-a-half hours in the air. Some pilots from the East Coast weren’t able to make it.

On Friday, as Douglas was trying to squeeze in a little practice, the starter on his plane went out so he spent the rest of the day fixing the plane with help from the hosts, Legend Aircraft, supplying parts and tools. 

Each of the finalists received an exclusive 2024 National STOL hat and sticker. “We especially enjoyed the camaraderie and the many positive comments from pilots about the great time they had at Rocky Mountain STOL and their excitement to return in 2025!” Angela Douglas said.

It took the pair two days of flying and waiting to fly to get back to Pinedale. They spent six hours in the air on Sunday and spent the night in Scottsbluff, Neb. After waiting for conditions to clear up on Monday, it took another three hours in the air to get home. Angela said other competing pilots endured even worse weather heading home. Joel Milloway from Black Foot Idaho arrived home on Nov. 9 after being stuck for a week in the snow in Albuquerque, NM.