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AFE 2025 LIVE MOSAIC Town Hall (Archived): www.airborne-live.net

Wed, Aug 06, 2014

How To Win A STOL Contest

Innovative Techniques ... Presented With Tongue Planted Firmly In Cheek

By Dave Juwel

We wondered how Frank Knapp was able to win the 2014 Valdez Alaska STOL contest, and the 2014 Airshow Valdez STOL contest. So we closely examined his airplane.

We can tell you that it isn't because of the:
-Leading edge slats
-The Continental engine
-The 21x8.00x6 tires
-The electrically actuated carbon flaps
-The Catto prop
-The light Oratex fabric
-The minimally equipped aircraft
-The absolute light weight
-Or even the minimalist pilot area.

Knapp says his secret is in two things; the High Fructose Corn Syrup attached to his engine which gives the engine a sugar boost without the need for nitrous oxide, and the ability to add helium to the fuselage.

(Staff images)

FMi www.valdezalaska.org/events/valdez-fly-in-and-air-show


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