Rosecrans prepares to host short takeoff and landing competition 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A national flight competition is making its debut at Rosecrans Memorial Airport next weekend. 

The Pony Express Short Takeoff and Landing competition is premiering on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, in St. Joseph. Pilots from across the nation will compete and demonstrate their abilities in the skills showcase. 

"The short takeoff and landing competitions have been around for a couple of years but it's still something fairly new in the mainstream, and we're super excited to host one here as part of the National STOL series and the inaugural Pony Express STOL," Airport Manager Julius Rice said.

A guest at B&B Runway Cafe said he has watched videos of STOL competitions and was impressed by the lightweight build of the airplanes and their powerful engines. 

"It's pretty fascinating the short distances that they can take off and land," David Loyd said. "It's almost just a couple feet it takes them. It's amazing."

Pilots will fly on a competitive practice day on Friday before participating in the actual competition on Saturday.  

"We're working on getting schools to partner with us and do field trips," Rice said.

Rice said the competition will take place on the grass right off the parallel taxiway. The inaugural event is estimated to bring in 1,000 to 3,000 people. 

"It's a little bit more of a festival vibe," Rice said. "A much smaller crowd area. We'll have a few vendors out here, we'll have some food trucks for food options."

Tickets can be purchased at nationalstol.com/ponyexpress. General admission tickets are $20 and children 12 and under enter for free. One ticket gives access to events on Friday and Saturday. 

"I just think it would be a great event," Loyd said. "I look forward to seeing it out here."