The name has its roots in the colourful, straight-talking “Healthy
Bastards” philosophy created by the event’s original sponsor, Dr Dave of the
Bulls Flying Doctor Service. Known as one of life’s true characters, Dr Dave
used humour and refreshingly non-PC messaging to encourage people to take
better care of themselves and embrace a healthy, adventurous life.

That same spirit of character, resilience and adventure
remains at the heart of the Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs.

Hosted by the Marlborough Aero Club at Omaka Airfield, the
event is a natural extension of the Club’s bush flying and airstrip training,
bringing pilots together for a distinctive celebration of skill, camaraderie
and grassroots aviation.

STOL is pilot talk for “Short Take Off and Landing”. A “STOL” aircraft is one that is specially designed or modified to takeoff and land in as short a distance as possible, usually for the purpose of operating in and out of rough bush airstrips. In years gone by, the Piper PA18 SuperCub was the aircraft of choice because of its long, high lift wing design, great power to weight ratio, and strong undercarriage. In recent years there has been a resurgence in popularity of this type of flying, giving rise to all sorts of new aircraft designs, and new improved modifications for old designs such as the Cub. Popular modifications for STOL aircraft include huge “Alaskan Bushwheel” tyres that are inflated to only a few psi, Vortex Generators that help the wing stall at slower airspeeds, extended undercarriage legs, large engines with more horsepower, special wingtips etc etc. As with any competitive sport, there are some pilots that become obsessive with the goal to takeoff & land in the minimum distance possible, and will go to any lengths to achieve that goal. The hugely popular Valdez competition in Alaska each May is where the worlds best STOL pilots meet to face off. The best of the best are taking off and landing in as little as 20-30 metres!