What's the old saying? "There's nothing new under the sun!"...or something like that. That looks like a great event and lots of fun. There are a lot of similarities to ours. Some of the differences are the distances between the runways and the actual terrain. All four runways are within a 1.5 mile area with obstacles, rising terrain and upslope runways...so it's a bit more compact and in easier view of spectators. I'm still working on making the attachment clearer...can't seem to figure out why it isn't working on the supercub.org website. In the meantime below is the wording from the sheet. I will also attach a photo depicting the runways...the shortest is 600' usable. The best times to run the course have been in under 4 minutes:
The Ozark Backwoods Challenge is a timed event requiring the participant to depart the main runway, land at three other designated runways and return to the starting point.
Goals - The purpose of the Ozark Backwoods Challenge is to:
· Bring together skilled pilots and STOL capable aircraft.
· Share experiences and exchange knowledge of backwoods flying.
· Showcase the Ozark region which has incredible flying venues in the center of the US.
Qualification
· Qualification on-site just prior to the event will be required.
· There is no restriction on the type of aircraft that may participate.
· Each pilot must demonstrate a takeoff in 400’ and a landing to a full stop in 400’.
· The designated takeoff/landing area will include an obstacle.
· Each participant will have two attempts to qualify.
· After qualifying, and prior to the event, there will be an opportunity to practice.
Event Rules (Preliminary)
· Take-off will be a standing start from midfield of Runway #1.
· Landing will be required at each of the other runways.
· Runways #2, #3 & #4 may be done in any order or direction.
· Each runway is done by landing, 180º turn and taking back off.
· There are no mandatory touchdown points.
· The finish time is determined by crossing the start/finish line on Runway #1.
· A rolling finish is allowed with a full stop required before departing the runway.
· Timing will be determined by an electric eye at the start/finish line.
· Each participant is allowed two attempts; placement determined by the best time.
· Only one aircraft will be allowed on the course at a time.
· Mandatory briefings will be conducted during the event.
· There will be a limited number of participants.
Timing
Event is Sept. 10-13, 2020 to take advantage of favorable weather in the region. The designated rain date is October 29-Nov 1, 2020.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships will be available and provide manufacturers a unique opportunity to showcase their products!
Spectators
Spectators are welcome to either fly or drive into Byrd’s. The field will be closed to fly-in aircraft while participants are on the circuit.
Location
The event will be held at Byrd’s Adventure Center (51AR) in northwest Arkansas. The runways are between 600’ and 2,500’ usable length. All of the runways are within a 1.5-mile area and have turf surfaces with natural obstructions. This is not a traditional STOL event as strategic planning will have a significant influence on time to complete the circuit. The fastest time demonstrated so far has been 3 minutes 40 seconds.
Byrd’s Adventure Center is a well-known and fully operational adventure park along the beautiful Mulberry River. It offers campsites, cabins and RV parking. Byrd’s is set up well to host the event with a general store, restaurant, showers and main stage area. Other on-site activities include extensive ATV/UTV/4X4/motorcycle trails, hiking, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, concerts and of course…flying!